Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son TempleAttraction
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
A lake in the centre of the city, with a small temple on an island reached by a red bridge.
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Things to do in Hanoi
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Photo: Cyril Doussin from London, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
AirportsNoi Bai International (HAN)
Getting aroundOn foot, taxis and ride-hailing apps
CurrencyVietnamese dong (VND)
Best monthsOctober to December, March and April
Hanoi in brief
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, an old city of lakes, temples and tree-lined boulevards, filled with the sound of motorbikes.
The Old Quarter is the heart of it: narrow streets once named for their trades, now packed with shops, cafés and food stalls. Street food is a highlight.
Hanoi is also the starting point for Ha Long Bay and the river landscapes of Ninh Binh.
Top attractions in Hanoi
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Hanoi Old QuarterAttraction
Hanoi Old Quarter
A maze of narrow trading streets, best explored on foot, with markets and street food.
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Temple of LiteratureAttraction
Temple of Literature
A walled temple of courtyards and gardens, founded in the eleventh century as the country’s first university.
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Ho Chi Minh MausoleumAttraction
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The resting place of Ho Chi Minh. Open in the morning only, closed on some days, with a dress code.
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Hoa Lo PrisonAttraction
Hoa Lo Prison
A museum in the remains of a prison built by the French and later used for American prisoners of war.
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Thang Long Water Puppet TheatreAttraction
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
A traditional show with wooden puppets on water, accompanied by live music.
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Photo: Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple — Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China (CC0); Hanoi Old Quarter — Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0); Temple of Literature — Jakub Hałun (CC BY 4.0); Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0); Hoa Lo Prison — dronepicr (CC BY 2.0); Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre — Gryffindor (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are the express airport bus, a taxi or a ride-hailing app.
Trains from HanoiOvernight sleeper trains run to Lao Cai, for Sapa, and south to Hue and Da Nang.
Car rentalVisitors rarely drive here. Hire a car with a driver instead. Driving is on the right.
Flights
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Where to stay
Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.
1
Hanoi Old Quarter
Central and lively, with small hotels, street food and Hoan Kiem Lake nearby.
2
French Quarter
Wide boulevards south of the lake, with the opera house and larger hotels.
3
West Lake
A quieter lakeside area to the north, with cafés and restaurants.
4
Ba Dinh
A calm district near the mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
Hotels in Hanoi with live prices
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Hanoi day by day
- Day 1: The Old Quarter and the lakeHoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple in the morning, the Old Quarter on foot, then a water puppet show in the evening.
- Day 2: Ba Dinh and the Temple of LiteratureThe mausoleum early in the morning, the Temple of Literature at midday, then Hoa Lo Prison.
- Day 3: Ha Long BayA full day by road and boat, with lunch on the water.
- With a fourth dayTake a day trip to Ninh Binh.
Local tips
- To cross the road, walk slowly and steadily. Do not stop or run, and the motorbikes will pass around you.
- Use a ride-hailing app for taxis. The price is fixed before you ride.
- Cover your shoulders and knees at the mausoleum and in temples.
- Check your notes carefully when paying. Several look alike and have many zeros.
- Drink bottled water, not tap water.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
Everything for Hanoi
Ten services for the trip, all in one place.
Travel guide
Hanoi is best in October to December and March to April, and 3 days covers the Old Quarter and main sights. Noi Bai Airport is about 45 to 70 minutes from the centre by road.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October to December is dry and mild, and March and April are pleasant. Summer is hot and wet, and January and February are cool and grey.
How many days do I need in Hanoi?
Two to three days cover the city. Add a day each for Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
Can I visit Ha Long Bay in a day?
Yes. The drive takes about two and a half hours each way. An overnight cruise is more relaxed if you have time.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
Noi Bai is about forty-five minutes from the Old Quarter by road. The express airport bus, taxis, ride-hailing apps and pre-booked transfers are available.
Is street food in Hanoi safe to eat?
Usually, yes. Choose busy stalls where the food is cooked fresh in front of you.