Hanoi, Vietnam
With French colonial architecture dotting the city’s tightly wound streets, and countless manicured gardens and lake-dotted parks, it’s easy to understand why Hanoi has been called Paris of the East. Add clouds of steam from countless sidewalk kitchens, the neverending honks and hums of motorbikes, plus shouts from countless merchant-filled alleys, and you get the recipe for one exciting and intriguing city! Let’s visit Hanoi!
Things To Do in Hanoi:
There are really so many things to do in Hanoi, this place could keep you busy for days. Here are just a few you can’t miss when visiting Hanoi.
Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter
If you’re looking to truly experience everyday life in Hanoi, then look no further than the city’s Old Quarter. Admire French colonial architecture and beautiful parks or wander through jam-packed narrow streets. The Old Quarter offers up a neverending supply of awe and interest. Expect delicious food, incredibly cheap designer knockoffs and some of the cheapest beer in the world. If looking for things to do in Hanoi, this is a neighborhood worth getting lost in.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most popular things to do in Hanoi. This mausoleum is an important national attraction built to honor Ho Chi Minh. Inside, is the embalmed body of the national hero, which visitors are permitted to view and pay their respects. Visiting hours are limited to 8am-10:15am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and only between December and September.
Water Puppet Theatre
The tradition of Water Puppet Theatre dates back to the rice fields of 11th-century Vietnam. Using large wooden puppets above a stage of water, puppeteers act out traditional Vietnamese folk stories. Easily one of the most favorite things to do in Hanoi, performances can be seen at Thang Long Theater in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
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Getting to Hanoi:
FLY
Our recommended option for getting to Hanoi. Domestic flights within Vietnam generally run less than $50 and a two-hour direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon is only $31. Affordable international direct flights are also available, including Bangkok for $40, Hong Kong for $54, and Kuala Lumpur for $54 with our favorite flight search site, Skyscanner.
Hanoi Flight Deals
BUS
Bus travel can be a more affordable way for getting to Hanoi, although increases travel time dramatically. The bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes about 30 hours and costs about $40.
TRAIN
If getting to Hanoi via scenic coastal train sounds fun, routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi run from $60-$80, although travel time is around 31 hours.
Airport to Hanoi City Center
You can fly into Noi Bai International Airport, which is about 15.5 miles from the Hanoi city center(Old Town). How will you get there?
From Noi Bai International Airport:
Taxi
Look for the white, metered taxis just outside the arrivals area of the international and domestic terminals. A ride to Hanoi takes about 30 minutes and should cost about $14.
Minibus
Look for the Minibus stand just outside of arrivals. A minibus will deliver you directly to your hotel or residence and leaves the airport when full. Expect to pay about $4.
Public Bus
The #7 and #17 Hanoi City Bus connects Noi Bai Airport and Hanoi City Center. Look for the red, yellow, and white city bus stop to the right of the terminal exit. Expect to pay about $0.30 for the 1-hour ride to the city center.
Uber
UberX is now operating in Hanoi, and a ride from the airport to Old Town should run about $11.50.
Getting around in Hanoi
Taxi
Taxis are an easy option, just make sure that the driver uses the meter every time, or be at risk of being price-gouged. Motorcycle taxis are also readily available, and typically are less expensive than their 4-door counterparts.
Bus
City buses are the cheapest way to get around Hanoi. For less than .50USD you’ll be well-connected throughout the city. Buy your tickets onboard, just make sure to have small bills.
Cyclo
The three wheel, pedal-powered passenger vehicles are mostly used for tours of Hanoi but are generally available for transport as well.
Uber
Uber is now available Hanoi! Like in other cities that offer Uber, expect great service, nice cars, and lower prices than using a taxi.
Walk
Walkscore.com gives Hanoi a score of 99, calling it a “Walker’s Paradise.” Hanoi is a small city, with popular neighborhoods that overlap. With an endless supply of exotic goods and interesting subjects waiting around every corner, one of the best things to do in Hanoi is walk, walk, walk!
Where To Stay in Hanoi:
Where To Stay in Hanoi: HOTEL
There’s a nice selection of hotels in Hanoi, with four stars hotels starting as low as $43/night. When it comes to hotels, we recommend shopping Agoda.com, far and away the most competitive resource when searching for hotels in Hanoi.
Hanoi Hotel Deals
Where To Stay in Hanoi: HOSTEL
There are many hostel options in Hanoi. A popular, affordable option, prices generally range from $3.50 a night for a dorm room, to $19 per night for a private room. Hostelworld is our recommended resource when searching for hostels in Hanoi.
Hanoi Hostel Deals
Where To Stay in Hanoi: AIRBNB
We love Airbnb! From private rooms to entire homes, there are plenty of choices when visiting Hanoi. If you’re a first-timer with Airbnb, use this coupon and enjoy $35 off of your stay.
Where To Stay in Hanoi: NEIGHBORHOODS
Choosing a neighborhood is an important part of trip-planning that should not be overlooked! Here are some neighborhoods worth considering when deciding where to stay in Hanoi.
Tay Ho District
Also known as West Lake, this neighborhood is considered an entertainment and tourism center of Hanoi. There’s plenty of high-end hotels, shopping, restaurants, and bars in Tay Ho.
Hoan Kiem District
Also known as the Old Quarter, the Hoan Kiem District has a very European feel. The neighborhood is filled with narrow streets that are named for the crafts that are sold there. Hoan Kiem is considered the business hub and party central of Hanoi.
Ba Dinh District
Also known as the French Quarter, this neighborhood is Hanoi’s political center. The streets of Ba Dinh are lined with government offices and beautiful embassies.
Hanoi Travel Tips:
Hanoi travel tips: Visa
Vietnam does not automatically grant US citizens a tourism visa. Apply in advance to ensure entry. Everything needed is found on the Vietnam Embassy-USA website.
Hanoi travel tips: Money
Vietnam’s national currency is the Dong, which is currently exchanging at just over 22,700dong to 1 USD. ATM machines are readily available and many places accept plastic. According to TripAdvisor’s TripIndex, Hanoi is the most affordable travel destination in the world.
Hanoi travel tips: Tipping
Most restaurants charge a 5-10% service charge, tip bartenders $1 per drink. Tip tour guides $3-$5 per day per traveler. Tip drivers $1-$2. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up.
Hanoi travel tips: Insurance
Traveling through Hanoi is exciting and safe, but you never know when some good travel insurance could come in handy. World Nomads offers the best coverage in the business, is affordable, and is quick to act should something go wrong. For more info, check out our recent World Nomads blog post.