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Vietnam

Hanoi

FoodOld quarterCulture

About Hanoi

Nestled on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is the thousand-year-old cultural heart of Vietnam, where ancient traditions and colonial architecture coexist with an energetic modern atmosphere. The city is famous for its serene spots like Hoan Kiem Lake, historical landmarks such as the Temple of Literature, and its rich culinary tradition. Visitors can wander through The Old Quarter to explore narrow craft streets and sample legendary dishes like phở and bún chả for 20,000–60,000 Vietnamese dong (VND) per plate. The ideal window to visit Hanoi is from Sep - Nov, when the climate is cool and dry.

When to go

Hanoi is at its best in autumn for food, lakes and old-quarter wandering.

The ideal time to visit Hanoi is during autumn from September to November, which brings pleasant temperatures averaging 23–28°C alongside clear, dry weather. Another favorable window is April to June, offering warm, sunny days before summer monsoons bring intense heat and rain. Winter turns chilly with temperatures dropping below 10°C, while spring features high humidity and drizzle. Key seasonal events include the Mid-Autumn Festival around Hang Ma Street in September or October and the Lunar New Year (Tet) in January or February, during which many local businesses shut down.

Where to stay

Pick a neighbourhood.

Hanoi offers a variety of distinct neighbourhoods catering to different travel styles, ranging from historic, bustling central quarters to serene lakeside escapes.

Old Quarter

Characterised by narrow streets, historic architecture, and street food vendors, it offers a sensory-filled introduction best suited for first-time visitors on a budget.

French Quarter

Situated south and east of Hoan Kiem Lake, this area features elegant tree-lined avenues, colonial architecture, and swanky luxury hotels like the Sofitel Legend Metropole.

Tay Ho (West Lake)

A serene, upscale expat neighbourhood that offers picturesque lake views, trendy cafes, fine dining, and modern luxury serviced apartments.

Ba Dinh

Home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, this district balances historic and political importance with a quieter atmosphere.

Hai Ba Trung

Known for its youthful energy, contemporary fashion boutiques, and lively bars, this neighbourhood offers an authentic urban experience away from typical tourist routes.

Truc Bach

Positioned next to West Lake, this tranquil enclave features charming cafe-lined streets that provide a relaxed pace ideal for families.

Cau Giay

A modern district off the beaten path characterized by shopping malls, business centres, and modern serviced apartments.

Hoan Kiem District

Serving as the spiritual and commercial heart of the city, staying near the lake puts you within walking distance of major landmarks, dining, and shopping.

Things to do

The things worth planning around.

Discover the vibrant culture, rich history, and world-renowned street food scene of Hanoi through these top attractions and experiences.

Hanoi Old Quarter

A historic maze of streets dating back centuries where colonial facades meet modern life and traditional craft-named lanes like Silver Street.

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Located in the heart of Hanoi, this peaceful retreat features leafy walking paths and the iconic red Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.

Temple of Literature

Founded in 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, this complex honors Confucius and was the site of Vietnam's first university.

Museum of Ethnology

Showcases an extraordinary collection from Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, including traditional full-scale ethnic homes built in its garden.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

A thought-provoking historic site focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France, complete with an ominous French guillotine.

Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang

Try Hanoi's famous egg coffee created at this cafe by Mr. Giang in 1946 during a milk shortage.

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Watch traditional water puppetry set in a waist-deep pool performing folk stories accompanied by cheo and quan ho music.

Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

A standout local spot in Hanoi recommended for its quality beef and fragrant broth pho.

Where to eat

Come hungry.

Discover Hanoi's culinary spectrum featuring traditional street noodle soups, Michelin-starred home cooking, and inventive fine dining.

Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư

This Old Quarter favorite is renowned for serving Northern-style beef phở made with fresh noodles and a savory broth simmered since 4am.

Chả Cá Thăng Long

Located in a century-old townhouse, this Michelin Bib Gourmand pick serves tableside stir-fried turmeric-marinated catfish loaded with dill and spring onions.

Tầm Vị

Housed in a vintage wooden building, this Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in traditional Northern Vietnamese home dishes like pork belly with braised egg and crispy tofu in spring onion sauce.

Gia

Led by chef Sam Tran, this fine-dining spot offers a 12-course contemporary tasting menu highlighting native ingredients and kitchen fermentation.

Izakaya at Capella Hanoi

Situated inside the Capella hotel, this Japanese venue flies in 70 percent of its ingredients from Japan twice monthly and serves wagyu katsu sandos and lunch teishoku sets.

Bun Cha Ta

Spanning six narrow floors in the heart of the Old Quarter, this spot draws diners for its signature bún chả served in a cozy homestyle setting.

Xới Cơm

Featuring retro 1980s and 1990s Hanoi decor, this Bib Gourmand restaurant serves a daily changing menu of Northern home cooking such as stir-fried water spinach with garlic.

Namaste

Operating since the early 2000s, this established Indian restaurant offers panipuri, paneer tikka masala, and rich thali sets.

Climate

Average daily high / low (°C)
21°
14°
Jan
22°
15°
Feb
26°
19°
Mar
29°
22°
Apr
31°
24°
May
33°
26°
Jun
33°
26°
Jul
32°
26°
Aug
31°
25°
Sep
29°
22°
Oct
27°
19°
Nov
22°
15°
Dec

Climate data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).

Ready when you are

Your version of Hanoi, built around you.

Rough idea or exact dates — either works. Go Globie lines up the flights, a place to stay and a day-by-day plan.

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