Hanoi is the second-largest city in Vietnam and is one of the country’s top tourist hot spots. It is an ancient city with a long history, unique museums, ancient pagodas, and charming French-colonial architecture. All those ancient beauties perfectly blend with the path of modern life, which attracts tourists traveling to Hanoi. Various things will amaze you, so before visiting this city, make sure you read through to the end to know all you need about Hanoi and have memorable experiences there.

Through this article, Handspan Travel Indochina would like to provide you with some information below.

General Information about Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the capital of most of the feudal dynasties in Vietnam. Therefore, its history is closely associated with the ups and downs of Vietnamese history through periods. About the location, it is situated in the North of Vietnam, inside the Red River Delta. Hanoi is bordered by Thai Nguyen and Vinh Phuc provinces in the north; Ha Nam and Hoa Binh in the south; Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen in the east and Hoa Binh and Phu Tho in the west. Hanoi now is in the top 17 capitals with the largest area in the world with 3,324.92 km2. With this favorable geographical location, this city quickly becomes a significant economic, political, cultural, and scientific center of the country.

Hanoi is very special in tourists’ minds because it offers a long history, many cultural villages, and old-quarter, and rich food culture. The French-colonial architecture in Hanoi's Old Quarter combined with Buddhist architecture in ancient villages gives visitors a unique experience. All these factors contribute to a colorful Hanoi that can attract any visitor traveling to Hanoi.

The best time to visit Hanoi

Hanoi's climate has the typical characteristics of the tropical monsoon climate but still has few nuances of the humid subtropical climate. As a result, a year in Hanoi can be divided into four seasons. Spring in Hanoi usually starts in February and ends in April. Summer lasts from May to August. Autumn takes place around September, October, and November. Winter mostly comes at the end of November and lasts until January of the next year.

In four seasons, Hanoi is most beautiful in Autumn, from August to October. Because at this time, the rainy season usually ends, and Hanoi weather is extremely comfortable with medium temperatures. The sky is clear, and the sunlight is not as strong as in summer anymore. All the above weather factors create the best conditions for traveling to Hanoi.

Hanoi in autumn

In Autumn, Hanoi streets are flooded with falling yellow leaves, creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Also, in this season, Hanoi becomes very fresh with various blooming flowers. Walking around Hanoi on autumn days, visitors can easily see colorful chrysanthemums, daisies, heather flowers, and sunflowers on display. Besides, a faint scent of milk flowers is always in the air, creating pleasant feelings for people.

On the other hand, each season has its characteristics, giving travelers different feelings about life, scenery, and people. Hanoi is cold in the winter and very hot in the hot summer, but it does not lose its beauty. No matter which season you travel to Hanoi, you can still enjoy the atmosphere and this peaceful city’s beauty. Now let’s come and explore Hanoi by yourself.

How to get to Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam; therefore, you can travel there by every means of transport like motorbike, coach, train, or airplane.

By Airplane 

Firstly, traveling to Hanoi by airplane is the fastest and most convenient way, especially for foreign tourists. Hanoi owns Noi Bai International Airport, which is the biggest airport in northern Vietnam. Many Vietnamese and international airlines operate flights from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport, including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Thai Airways, etc. You can find a lot of flights to Hanoi a day from many cities in Vietnam and abroad. For example,

• Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi costs 500,000 - 3,000,000 VND / way, takes about 2 hours
• Flight from Da Nang to Hanoi costs 300,000 - 1,500,000 VND / way; flight time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes

Noi Bai Airport is about 45 kilometers from the city center. For that reason, you can easily travel from the airport to your accommodation in some ways: private transfer, Grab, taxi, airport minibusses, and public buses. The first choice is booking the Noi Bai airport shuttle or renting a taxi for about 300,000 VND / trip. Booking a Grab bike is slightly cheaper, or you can take the airport bus with 50,000 VND / trip.

Moreover, you can also go by public bus to the city center from 8,000 VND to 40,000 VND. There are six routes that you can choose: 

• 07 bus route (Terminal T1 - Cau Giay)
• 17 bus route (Terminal T1 - Long Bien)
• 90 bus route (Kim Ma - Terminal T1 - Terminal T2)
• 109 bus route (My Dinh Bus Station - Terminal T1 - Terminal T2)
• 86 bus route (Hanoi Railway Station - Terminal T1 - Terminal T2). 
• 68 bus route (Ha Dong - Terminal T1 - Terminal T2)

The first four routes cost from 8,000 to 9,000 VND / one way, route 86 costs 30,000 VND / one way, and route 68 costs 40,000 VND/ one way.

Handspan also provides you with a transfer service from the airport to the city center. Please contact us for more information!

By Train

Hanoi train station is located right in the center, so traveling to Hanoi by this form will be very convenient. North-South train prices range from VND 750,000 to 1.3 million VND per way (depending on hard, and soft seats or beds). You can refer here for more detailed information on the railway departing and arrival time. From Hanoi Train station, you can take a taxi, or local motorbike taxi or book Grab to your accommodation.

However, if traveling to Hanoi from the southern provinces, it will take you nearly two days for the journey. Additionally, the ticket price is not much different from traveling by airplane. Hence, trains will be the right choice for those from the North or Central provinces to save money and conveniently visit other destinations on the road. 

By bus or motorbike

Next, buses and motorbikes are economical transportation for tourists in neighboring provinces. Hanoi has four bus stations: My Dinh, Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam, and Gia Lam to serve the needs of passengers moving to the capital. Two major bus companies are running the North-South route, Mai Linh and Hoang Long. You can buy tickets at the East bus station. The car runs around 6 pm, and the price is about VND 900,000 / bed ticket.

Last but not least, traveling to Hanoi by motorbike is the most chosen way. It is not only economical but also brings many exciting experiences. In that way, you can admire beautiful landscapes and local people’s lives along the way and stop anywhere you want for a rest and take photos. However, travelers might easily get lost or get into trouble on the way, especially with foreign travelers. Thus, we recommend you follow Hanoi tour packages by Handspan Travel for the best experiences.

Attractions to visit in Hanoi

Focusing on the central area are places that you must visit when traveling to Hanoi. Now let's review attractions that you cannot miss when traveling to Hanoi capital with Handspan Travel Indochina.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake (Turtle Lake) is a famous scenic spot in Hanoi, located at the connection between the Old Quarter with the Western Quarter planned by the French more than a century ago. Hoan Kiem Lake is the central area of ​​Hanoi's capital, so you can come here easily by both private transport and public transport. Taxis, motorbike taxis, or buses are all means to help visitors visit the lake. Or if you take a private vehicle, you can find a parking space near Dinh Tien Hoang Street or Trang Tien and then walk around the lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Under the King Le dynasty, Hoan Kiem Lake was named Thuy Quan Lake. According to legend, at Thuy Quan Lake, King Le handed over the golden turtle sword, so Hoan Kiem Lake got its name. In the middle of the lake is the ancient Turtle Tower, surrounded by long-standing historical and cultural heritages such as the But Tower, Ngoc Son temple, The Huc Bridge leading to the Dac Nguyet floor, Dai Nghien, etc. These are symbols making Hanoi a thousand years of civilization. With a clean and fresh space, this place is popular with local people as a relaxing and hangout spot and one of the famous attractions for domestic and foreign tourists. You can also enjoy Trang Tien or Thuy Ta ice cream while walking around the lake.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is a unique old town in Vietnam situated in Hoan Kiem district. It is also known as the 36-street ward, which used to be handicraft guilds, each street selling a commodity. The neighborhood now still preserves well traditional houses, and cultural and historical works, retaining Vietnamese architectural styles from the nineteenth century. The activities of living, trading, production, and playing, create a lasting vitality for the neighborhood. Above all, it can be said that the Old Quarter is the soul and a unique feature of Hanoi.

Most importantly, in the Hanoi Old Quarter, you can go out for both day and night walks to fully experience the human culture and delicious dishes. In the daytime, there are places to visit in the old town: Bach Ma temple, 87 Ma May old house, O Quan Chuong, Phung Hung Mural Street, etc., and of course, an indispensable "treasure" of cuisine here.

If you want to go shopping or experience the locals’ day-to-day life, Dong Xuan Market is the best choice for you. It is the largest Hanoi market where you can find all daily goods, from local handicrafts to specialties. Tourists can practice bargaining here due to inflated prices.

At night, Ta Hien Street is a must-go place for you. Ta Hien is the most valuable destination in Hanoi, a crossroads between Asian and Eastern cultures, bringing both modern and a hint of ancient. Sitting and sipping a little beer, chatting with friends, and listening to music will be amazing activities here. 

Ta Hien Street

West Lake

West Lake is located in the Northwest of Hanoi city with an area of ​​about 500ha; the road around the lake is nearly 20km long. This place is the most romantic corner in the multicolored Hanoi picture with clear breezes, generosity, and poetic nature. 

West Lake is not only an amusement place for tourists when traveling to Hanoi but also contains the cultural values ​​of the nation. Around the lake, there are more than 20 famous temples and pagodas like Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Phu Tay Ho, Tao Sach Pagoda, Van Nien Pagoda, etc. Nhat Tan village with cherry blossoms in full bloom when spring comes, Xuan Tao village with the Church of Thanh Giong, etc., around the lake make the surrounding landscape more diverse. 

Tran Quoc Pagoda

There are many cheap sidewalk cafes and iced tea shops located along the lakefront around West Lake for you to choose from. Here you can enjoy a drink, chat with friends, and watch the exciting scenery of West Lake. You can also rent motorbikes, electric cars, double bikes, or just walk around West Lake. Walking around the lake to enjoy the romantic atmosphere and Hanoi's life rhythm is also an exciting experience you should try. 

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 

• Address: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

The Presidential Mausoleum is open five days a week, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Particular open hours vary by season. Uncle Ho's mausoleum is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the hot season (from April 1 to October 31). In the cold season (from November 1 to March 31 of the following year), Uncle Ho's Mausoleum is open from 8:00 to 11:00. Particularly on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, Uncle Ho's Mausoleum is available for an additional 30 minutes.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum will be a destination that you cannot ignore. Situated on Hung Vuong - Dien Bien Street, this is the place to keep President Ho Chi Minh’s body. The mausoleum was started construction on September 2, 1973, and completed on August 19, 1975. The building is 21.6 meters high, and 41.2 meters wide, made entirely of various precious stones, and looks like a stylized lotus flower overall.

Traveling to Hanoi, everyone wants to visit Uncle Ho's mausoleum once. When visiting this place, please pay attention to dress appropriately. Besides, there is Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh President read the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Here you can also visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which holds memorabilia about Ho Chi Minh, One Pillar Pagoda, stilt houses, and Uncle Ho fish pond. It is a very meaningful sightseeing place, especially for those who come to Hanoi for the first time.

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam)

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi 

Known as the first university in Vietnam, Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam is a famous historical relic of Hanoi and a place containing the quintessence of previous feudal historical periods and preserving the traditional values ​​of Vietnam. It was built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to serve as a learning center in Vietnam.

Today, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is also the place to organize poetry festivals, and praise excellent students. It is also a famous tourist spot attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. Simultaneously, Van Mieu is the meeting place "asking for words" of Vietnamese in traditional Tet holidays with the wish of a peaceful or prosperous new year, especially for students before essential exams.

Hanoi Temple of Literature

Besides, when traveling to Hanoi, you can visit the Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Kim Lien Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi flagpole, Truc Bach Lake, etc. For more attractions to visit in Hanoi, please refer to our blog post here: The top 09 attractions in Hanoi you should not miss.

Accommodation in Hanoi

You will have a thousand choices of hotels and homestays when traveling to Hanoi with different criteria like accommodation type, convenient location, reasonable price, and so on. Below is the list of hotels that you should refer to for a great trip to Hanoi

May de Ville Old Quarter Hotel

• Address: 43 Gia Ngu Street, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 
• Hotel Class: 3 star 

May de Ville Old Quarter Hotel is nestled in Hanoi’s heart, only 3 3-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel is also a 10-minute walk from St. Joseph's Cathedral. It is a 14-minute drive away from Noi Bai International Airport.

May de Ville Old Quarter Hotel reflect both the longtime impeccable elegance and the modern life of Hanoi. The hotel will delight guests with its welcoming atmosphere and sense of style.

May De Ville Old Quarter Hotel offer modern and cozy rooms with free WiFi. Features include nearly 96 well-appointed rooms with a city view. Each room has modern interiors and wooden floors. In-room amenities include air conditioning, multi-channel LCD television, in-room private laptop, free wireless internet, IDD telephone, wardrobe, ironing facilities, minibar, electric kettle, and many more. The private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer, slippers, boutique accessories, and free toiletries. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and tour desk to assist guests with sightseeing and concierge requests. Guests can also relax with a jacuzzi, gym, outdoor pool, spa, sauna, or massage services after a busy day.

Le Réveil restaurant on the 1st floor serves various Vietnamese specialties, Eastern cuisine, and popular European dishes. 

May De Ville Restaurant

The Chi Boutique Hotel

• Address: 13-15 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 
• Hotel Class: 4 star

Situated on one of the most central and lively streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter, The Chi Boutique Hotel is just 100 meters from St. Joseph Cathedral and 300 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake. The Chi is a full-service boutique hotel offering elegant rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, casual dining options, and extensive recreational facilities. The hotel can provide comfort, convenience, exceptional service, and personalization for customers.

Guests can choose from 42 rooms, all of which exude a total peace and harmony atmosphere. Conversely, The Chi Rooftop has modern and unique colors with a little inspiration from the Mekong Delta River. At every view, different shades of emotion will come to your soul.

Tirant Hotel Hanoi

• Address: 38 Gia Ngu Street, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 100000
• Hotel Class: 4 star

Located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Tirant Hotel is the ideal base for exploring Hanoi. Guests of Tirant can easily visit the city’s main points of interest: Dien Dam Gallery, Cau Go Street, Hanoi Opera House, etc. It is a 50-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport.

The Tirant Hotel offers impeccable service and all the amenities necessary for tourists. Tirant Hotel is a suitable place exclusively for those who appreciate privacy during their stay. To ensure optimal comfort for its clients, the hotel offers 24-hour room service, free WiFi in all rooms, 24-hour reception, disabled access, and express check-in / -out. Staff can also assist with business and childcare needs.

Hanoi Tirant Hotel has 80 tastefully designed rooms featuring classic wood furnishings and flooring. Most of them are equipped with amenities such as an LCD TV, telephone in the bathroom, fireplace, mirror, and slippers. Glass-paneled bathrooms have hot shower facilities. You can also enjoy superb leisure facilities such as a fitness center, sauna, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, spa, and massage to unwind after a long day. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, followed by a drink at a bar. In-room dining is possible upon request. Skyline Lounge serves up to various choices of beverages, wines, and alcoholic beverages.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

• Address : 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000
• Hotel Class: 5 star

Located only 35km away from Hanoi Noibai airport and mere steps from the Opera House in Hanoi's French Quarter, Sofitel Legend Metropole will provide you with 5-star facilities and services. It is an iconic award-winning luxury hotel. Blending a heritage colonial style with neo-classical luxury and a dash of modernity, guests can have an elegant and unique experience here. 

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

The hotel has 364 rooms & suites, in which the original colonial grandeur is preserved in the historical Metropole Wing, while the newer Opera Wing offers a stylish neo-classical elegance. All accommodations are equipped with Sofitel's MyBed, broadband Internet, flat-screen TV, and Hermes & Lanvin bathroom amenities.

With three restaurants available, the establishment serves a range of traditional French and Vietnamese meals. You will have everything you need for an unforgettable journey when traveling to Hanoi: from the Paris-inspired cafe La Terrasse to the simple Bamboo Bar by the pool or Vietnamese restaurant Spices Garden, the classic French restaurant Le Beaulieu or the bespoke cocktail bar, restaurant, and whisky lounge Angelina

In conclusion, Handspan Travel Indochina has just provided you with some useful information when traveling to Hanoi. We hope that you will have a wonderful experience in this city!