Hanoi

Hanoi

The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi has been inhabited since at least 3000BC.

Lying on the banks of the Red River there are heavy French Colonial influences.

Famed for its food, traditional handicrafts and stunning buildings most of which are easily explored on foot.

Voted 15th in the 2020 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Popular Destinations.

Where to Stay in Hanoi
Top 19 Things To Do In Hanoi

December to February is winter in Hanoi and beware, temperatures average only around 10-15°C/50-59°F and will drop much lower if you head out into the surrounding countryside and hills. There is very little rain this time of year however.

Rainfall increases from March (the rate almost doubles each month) but so do temperatures (although it can still be chilly at night in March). Rainfall does however tend to be light.

Summer is in full force from May which also brings the rainy and typhoon seasons. August tends to be the wettest month but throughout summer you will see heavy thunderstorms.

Temperatures hit their peak during May and remain high throughout the summer until September. Average daily highs of 34°C/93°F and lows of 24°C/75°F mean there is little if any escape from the heat. Temperatures will sometimes head over 40°C/104°F.

Temperatures and rainfall start to reduce during October and November.

Generally the best months to visit are April and November where the balance between comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall is best.

Typhoons can hit Hanoi anytime from May to October and can cause extensive flooding and damage throughout Hanoi. Typhoons may last for less than an hour or for many days.

Getting There

Vietnam Airlines are the only airline flying direct from the UK to Hanoi. There are currently no direct flights from Ireland or North America and only limited flights from Australia.

The vast majority of people will fly to one of the regional hubs on their way to and from Vietnam. There are good connections from Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Middle East.

Hanoi Airport is around 40 minutes drive from Hanoi and if you haven’t arranged transport there are buses and taxis available outside of the airport.

There are good overland routes into Vietnam from Laos and Cambodia as well as China in the north of Vietnam.

Getting Around

Hanoi is a busy city but most hotels and attractions are located in a relatively small area meaning that getting around on foot is easy and convenient.

Bus – Hanoi has an excellent bus network and is cheap but they only accept cash and may not give change. Buses link the main train stations and airport as well as many of the key attractions.

Cyclo – Popular with tourists to see the sights around the city, especially around the Old Quarter and its narrow streets.

Taxi – Generally the easiest way to get around Hanoi. Taxis will be parked around main hotels, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants.

Metres are in use with a set fare plus the taxi rate.

Xe Om (Motorcycle taxis) – An excellent and inexpensive alternative to a taxi either for a short trip or a longer trip for a tour of the city. Most drivers will only speak Vietnamese so language can be a barrier though. You should be given a helmet to wear.

Where to Stay

Find out about where to stay in Hanoi

Top 19 Things To Do In Hanoi

There is plenty to keep you occupied in Hanoi for a number of days. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Visit magnificent temples and pagodas. Learn about the history of this fascinating country or simple relax.

Hanoi is often the base for trips to the stunning Ha Long (Halong) Bay. Read our guide to Ha Long Bay here.

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