Hanoi Travel Guide
Why visit Hanoi
Hanoi is a thousand-year capital where French charm meets the vivid rhythm of Vietnamese life. Wander the Old Quarter's '36 Streets,' sip egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, then cruise out to the World Heritage wonder of Ha Long Bay. Cool, pleasant winters make it a great time to visit for travelers eager to experience northern Vietnam.
Hanoi travel map
Explore the city area by area
Old Quarter
See products in this area
The heart of Hanoi, where the serene Hoan Kiem Lake meets the intricate maze of the 36 Streets. Wander through this millennium-old commercial hub, where each alley specializes in different wares, and immerse yourself in the rush of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and the vibrant energy of local vendors. From a relaxing sip of egg coffee to the timeless charm of water puppetry, this is where your Hanoi story begins.
How to explore this area
The best way to explore the Old Quarter is on foot. Start at Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple and the red Huc Bridge, and lose yourself in the 36 Streets—you'll easily spend half a day here. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, the lake area transforms into a pedestrian-only zone bustling with night markets and street performances, making it the perfect time for an evening stroll. Pro tip: when crossing the street amidst the sea of motorbikes, walk slowly and maintain a steady pace.
See
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
A tranquil lake in the center of the Old Quarter, featuring the iconic red Huc Bridge and the serene Ngoc Son Temple.
36 Streets Old Quarter
A thousand-year-old commercial district where each alley offers unique goods. Experience the raw energy of motorbikes and bustling street stalls.
Dong Xuan Market
The largest traditional market in the Old Quarter. A one-stop destination for local delicacies, souvenirs, and a glimpse into authentic Hanoi life.
Water Puppet Theater
A traditional Vietnamese art form performed on water. Experience this unique performing art that originated right here in Hanoi.
Do
Old Quarter City Tour
The essential Hanoi circuit: explore Hoan Kiem Lake, the 36 Streets, and key landmarks with a professional local guide.
Egg Coffee Cafe Tour
Savor the rich, creamy taste of Hanoi's signature egg coffee at the city's most atmospheric and trendy cafes.
Weekend Pedestrian Night Market
A vibrant celebration of street food, shopping, and live performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night around the lake.
Old Quarter Spa & Massage
Unwind and melt away the day's fatigue with a hygienic, high-quality massage at a premium spa near Hoan Kiem.
Eat
Bún Chả
Hanoi's signature dish featuring charcoal-grilled pork dipped in a sweet and tangy broth.
Phở
Hanoi-style rice noodles served in a clear, aromatic broth with tender noodles.
egg coffee
A rich, sweet Hanoi specialty topped with a creamy, whipped egg yolk foam.
Bún Đậu & Chả Cá
Bún Đậu (tofu and noodles dipped in shrimp paste) and Chả Cá (turmeric-marinated fish).
Themed itineraries
Who are you traveling with?
Hanoi 4-Day Family Getaway
An educational journey exploring the Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh.
Trip highlights
- Ha Long Bay Day Cruise & Limestone Caves
- Ninh Binh: Trang An & Hang Mua, the 'Ha Long Bay on Land'
- Old Quarter Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show
- Stay in the Heart of the Old Quarter
Arrival & Getting Settled in the Old Quarter
Old QuarterTransfer
Noi Bai Airport Fast Track & Pickup
Skip the immigration queues and head straight to your hotel in the Old Quarter.
[Hanoi] Noi Bai International Airport Arrival VIP Fast Track - Zero Wait Challenge
From฿550BookPrivate Vehicle·45 min·30 kmRest
Old Quarter Hotel Check-in
Unpack and relax at your hotel, located within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Special Promotion for 'Tirant Hotel', Embracing the Romance of Hoan Kiem, the Heart of Hanoi
From฿3,017BookSee
Stroll through Hoan Kiem Lake & the Old Quarter
Visit the iconic red Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple, then explore the charming alleys of the 36 Streets.
Meal
Bún Chả Dinner
Start your first evening with Hanoi's signature dish: charcoal-grilled pork in a sweet and sour broth.
Ninh Binh Trang An Day Tour
Transfer
Depart for Ninh Binh
Join a shared tour heading to Ninh Binh
[Ninh Binh] Halong Bay on Land: Trang An, Mua Cave & Bai Dinh Temple Essential Join-in Tour
From฿224BookTour Vehicle·120 min·95 kmSee
Trang An
A World Heritage landscape where you glide through waterways between towering limestone peaks on a traditional rowing boat.
Meal
Ninh Binh
Savor authentic Vietnamese home-cooked meals at a local restaurant.
See
Hang Mua
Climb the stairs to the Hang Mua
Tour Vehicle·120 min·95 km
Ha Long Bay
Transfer
Departure for Ha Long Bay
Head to the World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay
[Ha Long Bay] Mysteries of the Emerald Sea: Full-Day Cruise Tour with Thai-Speaking Guide
From฿224BookTour Vehicle·150 min·165 kmActivity
Ha Long Bay
Cruise through the limestone karsts and explore mysterious stalactite caves.
Meal
Seafood Lunch on Board
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while cruising the bay.
Activity
Titop Island Views & Kayaking
Climb to the Titop Island viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas or enjoy a peaceful kayak ride on the calm waters.
Tour Vehicle·150 min·165 km
Old Quarter Finale & Departure
Old QuarterSee
Essential City Tour
Wrap up your Hanoi journey with a concise 4-hour city tour hitting all the must-see landmarks.
[Hanoi] Essential Landmarks Conquest: Budget-Friendly Hanoi City Tour (4 Hours)
From฿224BookMeal
Phở Lunch
Savor one last authentic Hanoi-style Phở with its signature clear, fragrant broth.
Transfer
Goodbye Tour & Airport Transfer
After finishing your city sightseeing and a relaxing massage, we'll escort you to Noi Bai Airport.
Hanoi Goodbye Checkout Tour: City Highlights, Massage & Airport Transfer
From฿224BookPrivate Vehicle·45 min·30 km
Good to know before you go
Hanoi works well as 2–3 days in the city plus an overnight Ha Long trip or a Ninh Bình day trip. The center is compact and walkable, while day trips are best done by tour vehicle. October to April is the cool, pleasant sweet spot; note that summer (June–August) is hot and humid.
Start planning your Hanoi trip
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