Hanoi
Get ready to fall head over heels for Hanoi, Vietnam's charming chaos! This city is a whirlwind of tantalizing flavors, enchanting history, and lively street scenes. From slurping steaming bowls of pho to exploring ancient temples, Hanoi will sweep you off your feet and leave you begging for more!
This is your DIYdly guide to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Prices provided are correct at the time of writing and may vary depending on time of year, deals available and changes to exchange rates. Booking via our links may provide DIYdly with a small commission at no cost to you.
ARRIVAL
LOCAL SIM: We highly advise buying a local SIM from Viettel at the airport when you first arrive in Vietnam. While many shops sell SIM cards, you should go to an official store as SIM cards must be registered with a passport. From just 100,000 VND, you can purchase a SIM card with a 5 GB/30-day package. Other plans are available to suit your needs.
NOI BAI AIRPORT TO HOTEL: You have a range of choices for getting from Noi Bai Airport to your hotel:
Airport Transfer: Pre-book a transfer with our safe and efficient operator ($18). After exiting customs you will find your name on a placard. 45 minutes.
Taxi: Outside the Noi Bai arrival terminals on the first island past the arrival hall is the taxi queue. You may be approached by “helpful” people in the terminal asking if you need a taxi - just ignore them. Airport taxis charge a flat rate. If you have your SIM and Grab App you can order a Grab taxi. 45 minutes.
Bus: Bus 86 takes about an hour and costs 45,000 VND. Operation times: 7am-10pm. Follows a route from the airport, down through Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and ends at Hanoi Central Train Station.
Airport Shuttle Bus: There are several shuttle buses operated by different airlines for 40,000 VND. 1 hour.
HANOI TRAIN STATION TO HOTEL: The main Hanoi Station is only 2km from the Old Quarter so it is possible to walk if you have the urge. Otherwise the best approach is to use Grab to order a taxi or motorbike to get to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
Our hotels choices are all located in the centre of Hanoi, within walking distance of Hoan Kian Lake and all the best food of the city. When you are booking your hotel make sure you book for both before and after you go to Halong Bay and/or Sapa. It is generally easier to use the same hotel for both parts of your time in Hanoi.
BUDGET: Cristina Boutique Hotel - great value that includes breakfast, go for a superior room or higher.
VALUE: Hotel Emerald Waters Classy - includes an outstanding breakfast. Book a deluxe room or better for a room with an outside window.
COMFORT: Thien Thai Hotel - great classic rooms all come with external windows, great breakfast and awesome staff.
SWISH: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa - fantastic breakfast, rooftop bar, go for a deluxe or higher for an external window. See feature picture.
And a few options if these are unavailable or not up your alley:
Backpackers: Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel (dorms only)
Value: Hanoi Chic Boutique Hotel (premium rooms)
ACTIVITIES
These are our very favourite guided and self-guided things to do in Hanoi. Pick and choose the ones that appeal to you. By doing one of the guided tours or our self-guided walks you will cover a whole bunch of the historic and cultural sites that we consider Hanoi highlights.
WATER PUPPETS THEATRE: The Water Puppets can sell out for popular times during peak season so do prebook to make sure you get a seat. The best value seats are $9 and start from row 10 but if you want closer to the front there are tickets for up to $17 to be in the first 5 rows. Pick up your tickets from Dragonfly Cruise travel agent, just 250m from the theatre. Be there at least 15 minutes before your show starts. Currently only operating Thu-Sat but we expect more days will be added as tourism numbers continue to recover. $9-17.
Book tickets • Map for ticket pickup • Map Theatre • Story: Wading into the World of Water Puppetry in Hanoi
MOTORBIKE SIGHTSEEING TOUR: Visit all the main sites of Hanoi on the back of a motorbike. Includes a local lunch. Great fun! $52
VINTAGE JEEP SIGHTSEEING TOUR: See the highlights of Hanoi along with some hidden gems, all in the back of a Soviet-era jeep. Includes lunch. Very highly recommended! $54
CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR: A more traditional style tour to the main highlights of Hanoi. $42
STREET FOOD TOUR: A food tour is a great idea at the start of your time in Vietnam to get you into the amazing street food that should be a part of your travels. $31
FREE DIYdly SELF-GUIDED WALKS: Head out and explore on your own. We have a set of self-guided walk of Hanoi for you to enjoy.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hanoi’s main highlights are located in six main areas. Many are included in our range of Self-Guided Walks and may make up part of the tours listed in the activities section above.
OLD QUARTER: Established in the 11th century, this labyrinth of streets has seen cultural and historical transformations, serving as a commercial center, trade hub, and now as a popular tourist destination, showcasing Vietnam's rich heritage.
Old Quarter Self-Guided Walk: Explore the temples, markets, and lively streets on our self-guided lap of the Old Quarter.
Bia Hoi: A plastic stool and a beer, a very Hanoi experience.
HOAN KIEM LAKE: Located in the heart of Hanoi, the Lake holds great historical and cultural significance in Vietnam. Historically, the lake is associated with the legendary story of Emperor Le Loi, who received a magical sword from a divine turtle in the lake, helping him defeat Chinese invaders in the 15th century and establish the Le Dynasty.
Hoan Kiem Lake & French Quarter Self-Guided Walk: Explore the Lake and surrounds on our self-guided walk
Ngoc Son Temple: A picturesque temple located on a small island within the lake. The temple is dedicated to national heroes and renowned scholars, paying homage to their contributions to Vietnamese culture and history. Open 8am-6pm • map
Walking Street: The road around Hoan Kiem Lake is closed to traffic every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 7pm to midnight. During these times, the area becomes a pedestrian zone, allowing people to freely stroll, exercise, and engage in all manner of activities around the lake. Street performances, cultural events, and food stalls emerge, creating a bit of a party atmosphere that you should not miss.
FRENCH QUARTER: Located at the southern end of Hoan Kiem Lake the French Quarter reflects the city's colonial heritage and is lined with grand boulevards, beautiful architecture, and charming cafes, exuding an air of old-world charm. The area is a fusion of Vietnamese and French influences, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine. The main attractions here are:
Hoan Kiem Lake & French Quarter Self-Guided Walk: Explore the French Quarter and surrounds on our self-guided walk
Hanoi Opera House: a grand Parisian-style architectural gem, with Ionic columns and imported slate tiles. Though access is limited, admire the beauty of the exterior, especially under evening lights or the gentle radiance of a full moon. map
National Museum of History: a blend of Vietnamese and French architecture, showcases exhibits in chronological order from prehistory to 1945. Across the road at 216 Tran Quang Khai covers the post-1945 era. Tue-Sun 8am-12pm, 1:30-5pm • 40,000VND • web • map
Museum of Vietnamese Women: showcases the lives of women through displays on different aspects such as street vendors, wars, family life, and ethnic costumes. Probably the best museum in Hanoi! Daily 8am-5pm • web • map
WEST OF HOAN KIEM LAKE: Between the Lake and Train Station are some highlights that should be on your Hanoi to see list:
Hoan Kiem Lake & French Quarter Self-Guided Walk: Explore the sites of this area along with Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter on our self-guided walk
St Joseph’s Cathedral: a magnificent neo-gothic Catholic church, adorned with beautiful stained glass windows. map
Hoa Lo Prison: once a notorious prison during both the French and US conflicts (the late US Senator John McCain was held here), it now serves as a museum, sharing stories of its dark history and the resilience of its prisoners. Daily 8am-5pm • 30,000VND • web • map
Train Street: the now famous street gets very mixed feedback. if you go with the right attitude you might enjoy it. The government at one point closed the street to tourists for safety reasons but it has reopened with some limitations. Basically you must go with a shop owner to their shop and buy a drink from them at inflated prices. This is the only way. Don’t fight it. If you want to see the street this is how it happens. And please stay off the tracks when a train is passing through. You’re an adult, you shouldn’t need to be told.
HO CHI MINH COMPLEX: About 2.5km west of the Old Quarter lies the Ho Chi Minh Complex. You could easily spend all morning just exploring these sites:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father and leader of modern Vietnam, where visitors can pay their respects to his embalmed body. Opening times vary through the year so read our Visiting Uncle Ho story to learn more. Free • map
Presidential Palace: A grand colonial-era building that once served as the residence of the French Governor-General of Indochina and later became the official residence of Ho Chi Minh. You can’t go inside but it’s still worth seeing from the outside. map
Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House: A modest traditional house where Ho Chi Minh chose to live instead of the opulent Presidential Palace, providing a glimpse into his simple lifestyle and love for nature. Daily 7:30-11am, 1:30-4pm • 25,000VND • map
One Pillar Pagoda: A unique Buddhist temple built on a single pillar, symbolizing a lotus blossom, and regarded as one of Vietnam's most iconic religious structures. Daily 7am-6pm • free • map
Ho Chi Minh Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and achievements of Ho Chi Minh, featuring exhibits, photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays that narrate his revolutionary journey. Sat-Thu 8am-12pm, 2-4:30pm • 25,000VND • map
WEST LAKE: Immediately north of the Ho Chi Minh Complex is West Lake, a picturesque and expansive freshwater lake of historical, cultural, and recreational significance. Around West Lake, there are several noteworthy sites to explore, each offering its own unique charm:
Quan Thanh Temple: A Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vu, the God of the North, known for its intricate woodwork, peaceful atmosphere, and a majestic bronze statue of Tran Vu. Daily 8am-5pm • 10,000VND • map
Tran Quoc Pagoda (pictured): A serene Buddhist temple located on a small island in West Lake, renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and ancient relics. Daily 7:30-11am, 1:30-5:30pm • free • map
Tay Ho Temple (Temple of the Mother Goddess): A vibrant temple complex where locals worship the Mother Goddesses, featuring colorful pagodas, lively festivals, and a captivating blend of folk beliefs and spirituality. Daily 5am-6pm • free • map
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
These sites are worth exploring if you are looking for something a little quirky and different, or you have a deeper interest in particular parts of Vietnamese history and culture.
TROMPE-L’OEIL MURALS: A collaborative street art initiative between Vietnam and Korea adorns the vacant walls nestled between stone railway arches with enchanting murals, often featuring trompe-l'œil optical illusions that intricately merge the boundaries between art and the tangible world. Lots of fun. map
VIETNAMESE MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY: A captivating museum showcasing the diverse cultures, traditions, and ethnicities of Vietnam through exhibitions of artifacts, multimedia displays, and reconstructed ethnic minority houses.
VIETNAM FINE ARTS MUSEUM: A treasure trove of Vietnamese art, spanning centuries and various artistic styles, with a collection that includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and lacquerware, offering insights into the country's rich artistic heritage.
IMPERIAL CITADEL OF THANG LONG: A UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient citadel that served as the political and military center of Vietnam for over a thousand years, featuring archaeological ruins, ancient palaces, and historical artifacts, providing a glimpse into the country's imperial past.
RESTAURANTS
There are so many places to eat in the Old Quarter, you could spend a month eating every meal in a different place and not run out. Here’s our most favourite:
NEW DAY: Local place, gets busy at times. Vegetarian friendly, Vegan and gluten free options. $ web • map
DUONG DINING: Duong is a bit of a celebrity chef in Vietnam. Vietnam + International. $$$ web • map
CHA CA THANG LONG: Serves only one dish: fried fish, served in a frying pan with vegetables and noodles and prepared according to an ancient recipe. There are a number of restaurants doing this famous dish - some are not doing it well and charging exorbitant prices. Our fave is at 21 Duong Thanh St. $$ web • map • Story: Cha Ca: A Culinary Delight from the Heart of Hanoi
BIA HOI BAT DAN: Bia Hoi establishments can also offer great food to go with their cheap, fresh, draught beer. Try out Bat Dan for a cheap and delicious local meal. $ map
COFFEE: it’s more than just a beverage in Hanoi, coffee is the heartbeat of the city, coursing through the veins of the economy. Our top 3 coffees are here:
Hidden Gems Coffee - a lovely cafe that is into recycling and great coffee. Escape the bustle of Hanoi for a break and be amazed at the upcycled stuff made by the imaginative owners. Head down a long narrow laneway to find the Hidden Gem. Map
Story: Java Journeys: Unraveling the Quirky Charms of Hanoi's Coffee Culture
NIGHTLIFE
BIA HOI: Enjoy a very Hanoi experience drinking freshly made beer while sitting on a plastic stool on the street. All details and location in our story.
HOAN KIEM LAKE: Every evening the Lake is illuminated and full of locals out and about making for a nice place for an evening stroll. This gets ramped up every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 7pm to midnight when a load of streets around the Lake and Old Quarter are closed to traffic where street performances, cultural events, and food stalls often emerge, creating a bit of a party atmosphere that you should not miss.
BARS & CLUBS: Popular spots include Hero Club Hanoi, Savage bar, Craft Beer Pub and Dragonfly bar.
SHOPPING
OLD QUARTER: A bustling and vibrant area renowned for its narrow streets lined with shops and market stalls, where you can find everything from traditional crafts and textiles to souvenirs, street food, and local delicacies.
DONG XUAN MARKET (pictured): Hanoi's largest indoor market, where you can immerse yourself in a maze of stalls selling an array of goods, including clothing, accessories, household items, fresh produce, and street food.
HANG GAI STREET (Silk Street): Famous for its silk and tailoring services, this street is lined with shops offering a variety of silk products, including clothing, scarves, and home decor items.
HANG BAC STREET (Silver Street): A destination for silverware and jewelry enthusiasts, with shops showcasing intricate silver pieces, from traditional designs to contemporary styles.
TRANG TIEN PLAZA: A modern shopping complex located near Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a range of high-end fashion brands, luxury goods, cosmetics, and electronics.
DEPARTURE
TRAIN TO HUE: Book tickets on the overnight train to Hue - take the 7:25pm or 7:50pm train so you arrive at a good time in Hue.
Read more about trains and train tickets in Vietnam.
HOTEL TO HANOI TRAIN STATION: The main Hanoi Station is only 2km from the Old Quarter so it is possible to walk if you have the urge. Otherwise the best approach is to use Grab to order a taxi or motorbike to get you there.
FLIGHT TICKETS: Flights to Europe, throughout Asia and Australia are available from Hanoi. Domestically you can reach all major airports directly from Hanoi through a number of domestic airlines. Try kayak.com to find flights.
HOTEL TO NOI BAI AIRPORT: You have a range of choices for getting to Noi Bai Airport:
AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre-book a transfer with our safe and efficient operator ($18). Pickup from your hotel. 45 minutes.
TAXI: Use the Grab App to order a taxi. 45 minutes.
BUS: Bus 86 takes about an hour and costs 45,000 VND. Operation times: 7am-10pm. Follows a route from the airport, down through Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and ends at Hanoi Central Train Station.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS: There are several shuttle buses operated by different airlines for 40,000 VND. 1 hour.
PRACTICALITIES
DIYdly LOCAL SUPERHERO: Our local superheros are there to help you out if you want to book something and can’t do it online, need to attend to an emergency back home, or just want some advice. In Hanoi our hotels serve this purpose. All hotels have excellent reception staff and a tour services desk that can help with bookings if you need anything done last minute.
LOCAL SIM CARD: If you did not get a SIM card at the airport, go to the official Viettel shop at this location. Do not buy from other shops as your SIM needs to be registered with a passport and the small shops will not do this.
HANOI STORIES
ITINERARIES FEATURING HANOI
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Highlights of Vietnam
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or reverse
12 days -
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Vietnam in Depth
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
18 days
DIYdly VIETNAM DESTINATION GUIDES
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Halong Bay
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Hue
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Hoi An
