Vietnam

Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam

Why visit Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, blends centuries of history with a lively, modern energy. The Old Quarter offers a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses, markets and cafés, while French colonial architecture and tranquil lakes give the city a distinctive charm.

The city is also a hub of culture and history, from the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to bustling street markets and water puppet performances. Hanoi’s rich culinary scene, lively streets and blend of tradition and contemporary life make it an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Vietnam.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Highlights of Hanoi

  • Old Quarter: A labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional shophouses, full of markets, cafés and local life.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: A peaceful city-centre lake, ideal for a stroll and to see the iconic Ngoc Son Temple.

  • French colonial architecture: Landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House and St Joseph’s Cathedral reflect the city’s colonial past.

  • Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, offering insight into Confucian learning and centuries of academic tradition.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The final resting place of the nation’s revolutionary leader, surrounded by Ba Dinh Square.

  • Water puppet theatre: A traditional performance art unique to northern Vietnam, combining puppetry, music and storytelling.

  • Street food and markets: From pho and bun cha to vibrant market stalls, Hanoi is a culinary adventure for all tastes.

  • West Lake and surrounding temples: Scenic cycling routes, temples and pagodas, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle.

Did you Know?

Hanoi is known as the “city of lakes”, with more than 20 dotted throughout the capital, including Hoan Kiem and West Lake, offering calm pockets amid the city’s energy.

Water puppetry

Water puppetry originated in northern Vietnam, and Hanoi remains one of the best places to experience this traditional art form, which began in rice paddies over 1,000 years ago.

Good to know

Getting to Hanoi

You can fly directly from London Heathrow to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). The flight usually takes between 11½ and 12 hours.

The journey from Noi Bai Airport to the city centre takes between 45 minutes and one hour by car.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Hanoi is during spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November), when temperatures are more comfortable, typically 20–28 °C, and rainfall is lower. These months are well suited to exploring the Old Quarter, lakes and historic landmarks on foot.

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