Hanoi
What you need to know before you go
Hanoi, located on the banks of the Red River, is one of the world’s most ancient capitals. The moment you arrive in the Vietnamese capital, you’ll find streets within the city centre where well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, and unique museums stand proud. A great place to explore and go sightseeing on foot, this French-colonial city is also known for its delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and production of rare silks and exotic handicrafts. Within the city, you’ll also find a multicultural community with touches of Chinese, French, and Russian influences.
Beyond Hanoi’s city centre and a short drive away, you can escape into the tranquil countryside. Choose from lush parks and traditional villages to verdant mountains with trails leading to rushing waterfalls. One of the most picture-postcard places to visit is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay. If it’s your first time, our Hanoi travel guide has everything you need to know for a fulfilling getaway. We cover everything from the city’s best restaurants, attractions, and shopping options to detailed information on the local culture, currency, climate, and transportation options to help you get around Hanoi and other nearby attractions.
What to see & do in Hanoi
Featured stories & fun stuff10 Best Things to Do in Hanoi
The best things to do in Hanoi often showcase the Vietnamese capital’s vibrant history and culture. You’ll hardly run out of ideas for something to do in Hanoi. It’s a place where ancient and proudly preserved Vietnamese culture is felt...5 Best Beaches near Hanoi
The best beaches near Hanoi make ideal getaways for those in need of some fresh air during their stay in...9 Best Spas in Hanoi
Spas in Hanoi are plentiful, ranging from inexpensive yet quality wellness centres in the heart of the Old Quarter to...
Where & what to eat in Hanoi
8 Great Restaurants in Hanoi
Most of the great restaurants in Hanoi epitomize why Vietnamese food is so adored around the world. With the cultural connections of France and China, as well as a rich native tradition, restaurants in Hanoi bring together many Influences from...10 Best Local Dishes From Hanoi
The best Hanoi dishes are inexpensive yet tasty treats that can be found within Hanoi Old Quarter’s narrow alleyways and bustling street markets. Compared to other cities in Vietnam, Hanoian cuisine tends to be on the sweeter side and utilizes...
Where to shop & what to buy in Hanoi
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Hanoi
The best places to go shopping in Hanoi are mostly traditional markets and narrow shophouses, but there's a growing number of independent boutiques and shopping malls offering a wide range of international brands, as well as dining and entertainment options...5 Best Local Markets in Hanoi
The best local markets in Hanoi are always bustling with hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, quality textiles, and household...5 Best Shopping Malls in Hanoi
The best shopping malls in Hanoi are great options for when you need to escape the afternoon heat, catch the...
Where to go & what to do at night in Hanoi
7 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Hanoi
Hanoi is a city with so many unique things to do at night and is unlike any other capital in Southeast Asia or the even the world. While it won’t win over many plaudits for its nightclubs, there are a...5 Best Bars and Pubs in Hanoi
The best bars and pubs in Hanoi are conveniently located within the Old Quarter, gaining immense popularity among the city's tourists and expat community. A night out in Hanoi is incomplete without visiting a roadside beer joint, where you can...
Useful information
Getting Around in Hanoi
Getting around in Hanoi is fairly easy because numerous attractions, restaurants, shopping venues, and hotels are located close to each other. The city’s local population travels mostly on motorbikes while motorcycle taxi cabs, buses, and private automobiles are available for when you want to visit other districts within Hanoi. Hanoi is a very compact city and most travelers choose to...