The Ultimate Hanoi Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Street Food, and Things to Do
Hanoi is Vietnam’s buzzing capital and is one of those cities that can overwhelm you in the best way. The sounds of scooters honking, the smell of fresh pho simmering, the buzz of coffee shops serving condensed-milk lattes — it’s chaos, charm, and culture all rolled into one. This guide covers the essentials: when to visit, how to get around, where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time in Vietnam’s cultural capital.
Hanoi Tips
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s a cash-first culture, so keep small bills handy. Cards are accepted in higher-end hotels and restaurants, but street food, cafés, and taxis are almost always cash-only.
Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, tour companies, and some restaurants, but not everywhere. Download Google Translate for menus and quick conversations.
Weather: Hanoi has four seasons. Winters (Dec–Feb) can be damp and chilly, while summers (May–Aug) are hot and humid. A light rain jacket and breathable clothes are essential.
Traffic & Crossing Streets: Motorbikes rule the roads. To cross, walk slowly and predictably - don’t stop or run, and the traffic will weave around you. It feels chaotic, but it works.
Local Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees). It’s polite to remove shoes when entering someone’s home. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated in tourist-facing spots.
Coffee Culture: Hanoi is famous for egg coffee (cà phê trứng). Order it hot for the traditional experience, or iced if it’s sweltering out.
Connectivity: SIM cards are cheap at the airport - around $5–10 USD for unlimited data. Grab requires a local number to register, so it’s worth picking one up right away. I had an eSIM through Airalo and has great service all Vietnam.
Scams & Safety: Hanoi is generally safe, but keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas and agree on taxi fares if not using Grab.
When to Visit
March–April (Spring): Warm days and clear skies make this one of the best times to visit. The city feels alive with blossoms, outdoor cafés fill up, and you’ll avoid the heavy summer rains.
May–August (Summer): Expect hot, humid weather with frequent downpours. It’s sweaty and sometimes stormy, but fewer tourists mean shorter lines and better hotel deals.
September–November (Autumn): The sweet spot. Pleasant temperatures, dry air, and golden leaves in Hanoi’s parks make it ideal for exploring on foot. Festivals and night markets are in full swing.
December–February (Winter): Grey, misty, and surprisingly chilly - locals bundle up in jackets. While it’s not postcard-pretty, the mood is atmospheric and cozy, especially in Hanoi’s coffee shops.
How Many Days in Hanoi
I recommend 3-4 days for a balanced trip. With 2 days, you’ll cover the highlights - the Old Quarter, Train Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, and a temple or two. But with 4 days, you can slow down and let the city’s rhythm sink in. Wander local markets in the morning, linger over egg coffee in tucked-away cafés, and join a vintage motorbike tour to see Hanoi from a different angle. Extra time also gives you the flexibility to make a half-day trip out to the ceramic village of Bat Trang or simply lose yourself in the Old Quarter without worrying about the clock.
Getting Around Hanoi
Hanoi is dense, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating to navigate.
Walking: The Old Quarter is best explored on foot. Wandering its narrow streets means stumbling into tiny bánh mì stalls, hidden temples, and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops. Just keep an eye on motorbikes that often hop the sidewalks.
Grab: The easiest way to get around. Grab works like Uber, offering both cars and scooter rides. Scooters are faster in traffic and dirt cheap, while cars are better if you’ve got luggage or don’t want to cling to the back of a motorbike.
Cyclo: The classic three-wheeled cycle rickshaws are more of a tourist experience than a practical ride, but they’re fun for a slow loop around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Taxis: Use with caution. If you’re not booking through Grab, stick to reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun and make sure the meter is on.
How to Get to Hanoi
By Air: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 45 minutes from the city center. Taxis and Grab are easy to book on arrival, but for peace of mind you can also arrange a hotel pickup.
By Train: Hanoi’s main station connects to cities like Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The overnight trains are slow but comfortable if you book a soft sleeper cabin.
By Bus: Overnight buses run from Sapa, Ha Giang, and Ha Long Bay. They’re budget-friendly but expect tight spaces and varying comfort levels.
Pro Tip: If you’re arriving late at night, pre-book a ride through your hotel - it avoids haggling and gets you straight into the city without hassle.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Hanoi’s hotel scene has something for every traveler - from French-colonial icons to chic boutiques tucked into the Old Quarter. Whether you’re after luxury, history, or just a stylish base, these are standout picks:
Capella Hanoi – Over-the-top glamour meets impeccable service. Designed by Bill Bensley, every corner feels theatrical, from the bold interiors to the indulgent spa. Perfect if you want a splurge-worthy stay that feels like an experience in itself.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – Anthony Bourdain’s favorite hotel in the world, and for good reason. This colonial-era landmark oozes history, with vintage charm, a famous bomb shelter tour, and one of the best French bakeries in town. It’s a true Hanoi icon.
Concon House – A stylish boutique stay with modern, minimalist design. Think airy rooms, friendly service, and a location that makes it easy to dip in and out of the Old Quarter’s chaos.
Peridot Classic & Peridot Hotel Grand Luxury – Sister hotels that balance comfort and convenience. Both offer sleek interiors, rooftop bars, and a central location that makes sightseeing effortless.
GM Premium Hotel – Great value in the heart of Hanoi. The rooms are simple but polished, and the staff are known for going above and beyond with recommendations and bookings.
Hotel Allure – A cozy, well-designed option tucked into the Old Quarter. Ideal if you want something smaller, stylish, and affordable without sacrificing comfort.
Explore Hanoi
Hanoi is a city best explored slowly - on foot through tangled alleys, perched on a motorbike weaving through traffic, or sipping coffee while watching the world go by. The magic is in the mix of iconic sights and everyday street life. Here are highlights worth adding to your list:
Hanoi Food, Culture & Fun by Vintage Motorbike
One of my favorite things I did in Vietnam, hop on the back of a vintage Minsk motorbike with a local guide and see the city through its buzzing streets. It’s equal parts adrenaline rush and cultural immersion, with stops for street food, markets, and hidden corners you’d never find on your own. I recommend doing this on the beginning of your trip since they take you to many of the places you’d want to see.
Ngoc Son Temple
Perched on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, this 18th-century temple is reached by a red wooden bridge that glows at sunset. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) and take time to soak in the calm contrast to the chaos of the Old Quarter.
Explore the Old Quarter
The heart of Hanoi - a maze of narrow streets, each historically dedicated to a different trade. Wander with no agenda and you’ll find silk shops, noodle stalls, and tiny bars tucked into French-colonial facades. It’s loud, chaotic, and endlessly photogenic.
Train Street
A surreal slice of Hanoi life where trains pass just inches from homes and cafés. Grab a seat, order a coffee, and watch as locals casually pull in laundry and motorbikes moments before the train rumbles through. Check access hours before you go, as it’s sometimes restricted.
Coffee at Giảng Café
Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee was invented here. It’s rich, frothy, and almost dessert-like, best enjoyed slowly while people-watching. Order it hot on cool mornings or iced if the city’s humidity is in full force.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Visitors line up early to view the preserved body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. Even if you don’t go inside, the surrounding Ba Dinh Square and presidential palace grounds are worth exploring for their history and symbolism.
Where to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi’s food scene is the heartbeat of the city - smoky street-side grills, tiny stools serving steaming bowls of noodles, and creative dining spots that rival anywhere in Asia. From world-famous bánh mì to fine dining, here are the places that stood out most:
Bánh Mì 25 – The go-to spot for Hanoi’s most famous sandwich. Crispy baguette, savory fillings, and a street stall vibe that makes every bite feel authentic.
Bánh Mì Mama – A solid alternative if the line at 25 is too long. Locals love it, and the fillings are generous and flavorful.
Note Coffee Shop – A quirky little café where every surface is covered in colorful sticky notes left by past visitors. Great for egg coffee and people-watching by the lake.
Bún Chả Hương Liên – Known globally as the “Obama Bún Chả” after his meal here with Anthony Bourdain. The grilled pork, noodles, and dipping sauce are as good as the hype.
Pho Ga 26 – A local favorite for chicken pho. No frills, just comforting, perfectly seasoned broth and tender meat.
Pizza 4Ps – Japanese-inspired pizza with a cult following. Try the burrata or one of their inventive half-and-half combos.
T.U.N.G Dining – Modern fine dining with a Vietnamese twist. Think tasting menus, artful plating, and a chance to experience Hanoi’s culinary creativity beyond street food.
Halflington Bar – A moody cocktail bar perfect for an after-dinner drink. Expect creative cocktails and a laid-back vibe.
Polite & Co – A speakeasy-style bar with vintage interiors and some of the best cocktails in the city. Great for a more refined night out.
Bún Chả (Street Stalls) – Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any busy local joint. Follow the smoke, the crowd of scooters parked outside, and the scent of sizzling pork.
Side Trips from Hanoi
One of the best things about Hanoi is how easy it is to use as a base for exploring northern Vietnam. With just a few extra days, you can trade the chaos of the Old Quarter for rice terraces, limestone cliffs, or the open road. Here are some of the most rewarding side trips:
Ha Giang Loop
A 3–5 day motorbike journey through Vietnam’s remote northern mountains. Expect winding passes, dramatic limestone peaks, and villages where life feels untouched by time. Most travelers book through a tour in Hanoi, often with a local “easy rider” guide so you can ride pillion and enjoy the views without worrying about the roads. Although depending on the company you book with it can be a younger backpacker crowd, it takes you through rugged, unforgettable landscapes. It’s arguably the best thing you can do in Vietnam if you have the time.
Ninh Binh
Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is just a couple of hours from Hanoi. Towering limestone karsts rise straight out of rice paddies, best explored by boat along the Tam Coc or Trang An river routes. Add in ancient temples, bike rides through villages, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the city.
Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s icons. Cruises from Hanoi range from budget to ultra-luxury, with itineraries spanning one to three nights. Sailing among thousands of emerald-green limestone islands is as breathtaking as it looks in photos. If you can, opt for at least one night on the bay to catch sunrise from the deck.
Sapa
Northwest of Hanoi, Sapa is famous for terraced rice fields that ripple down the mountainsides. It’s also home to ethnic minority groups like the Hmong and Red Dao, and trekking with a local guide is the best way to experience the area. Come in September for the golden harvest season, when the fields glow in the late afternoon light.
Hanoi isn’t a city you “check off” - it’s a city you feel. The hum of scooters, the clatter of chopsticks on tiny plastic tables, the swirl of incense from hidden temples - it’s messy, magnetic, and endlessly rewarding.
Give yourself time to sit with it. Linger over an egg coffee, wander the Old Quarter without Google Maps, let a local lead you to their favorite bún chả stall. Hanoi’s beauty isn’t in its monuments alone but in the rhythm of daily life.
Whether you’re here for two days or four, Hanoi will challenge your senses and then charm you completely. And if you’re lucky, it will leave you craving one more steaming bowl of phở long after you’ve left.
If you’re exploring beyond the capital, don’t miss the lantern-lit charm of Hội An or the limestone cliffs of Hạ Long Bay - together with Hanoi, they make for the perfect Vietnam itinerary.
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