Welcome to the ultimate Vietnam travel guide for Hanoi — your starting point for one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more, this guide covers everything: what to see, where to eat, how to get around, and the best day trips from Hanoi including Halong Bay, Sapa, and Ninh Binh.
Why Start Your Vietnam Trip in Hanoi?
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and the natural gateway to the country’s most iconic destinations. From Hanoi you can reach Halong Bay (3.5 hours), Sapa (overnight train), Ninh Binh (2 hours), and Ha Giang (6 hours). Flights into Noi Bai International Airport are plentiful and often cheaper than flying into Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanoi Travel Essentials
Getting to Hanoi
- By air: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) — 45 min from city centre by taxi (~$10–15 USD) or airport bus ($2 USD)
- From Ho Chi Minh City: 2-hour flight (~$30–60 USD on VietJet, Bamboo, or Vietnam Airlines)
- From Singapore/Bangkok: Direct flights available daily
Getting Around Hanoi
- Grab (Uber equivalent): Cheapest, most reliable — use for all short trips
- Cyclo (pedicab): Great for the Old Quarter — agree price before you ride
- Motorbike taxi (Xe Om): Faster but negotiate price upfront
- Walking: The Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem) is very walkable — wear comfortable shoes
Top Things to Do in Hanoi
1. Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
The heart of Hanoi — Hoan Kiem (Restored Sword Lake) is ringed by trees and crossed by a red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. Best visited at sunrise or early morning when locals do tai chi on the banks. Free to walk around; small fee to enter the temple.
2. The Old Quarter (36 Streets)
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets where each street historically sold one type of goods (Hang Bac = Silver Street, Hang Gai = Silk Street). Wander, eat, shop, and get lost — it’s all part of the experience.
3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum
The mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body lies in state. A solemn and fascinating piece of history. Open Tuesday–Sunday mornings only; strict dress code (no shorts, cover shoulders). Free entry.
4. Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)
Vietnam’s first university (1076 AD) — beautiful grounds, tranquil gardens, and the famous tortoise stele. One of Hanoi’s best photo spots. Entry ~$2 USD.
5. Train Street
A narrow residential street where a train passes just inches from café tables twice a day. Now partially regulated but still a unique Hanoi experience.
Where to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi’s street food scene is legendary. Don’t miss:
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork patties in broth with rice noodles — Hanoi’s signature dish. Best at Ba Hang (34 Hang Than) or any street stall
- Pho Bo: Hanoi beef noodle soup — lighter and more refined than southern versions
- Banh Mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwich — incredible value at $1–2 USD
- Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): A Hanoi invention — strong coffee topped with whipped egg custard. Try Cafe Giang
- Bun Bo Nam Bo: Cold noodle salad with beef — a lunchtime favourite
Best Day Trips from Hanoi
Halong Bay (Most Popular)
The most iconic Vietnam experience — 1,969 limestone karst islands rising from emerald water. Best experienced on a 2-night cruise. See our Halong Bay cruise deals guide or check our 3 days 2 nights Halong cruise itinerary.
Sapa
Terraced rice fields, mountain tribes, and Fansipan — Indochina’s highest peak. Best as a 2–3 night trip. See our Sapa Vietnam tour from Hanoi guide for full details.
Ninh Binh (Half Day or Full Day)
Often called “Halong Bay on land” — rice paddies ringed by limestone mountains, ancient temples, and boat rides through caves. 2 hours from Hanoi by bus or car.
Ha Long Day Trip (Budget Option)
If a cruise isn’t in the budget, a day trip to Halong Bay departs Hanoi at 7am and returns by 8pm — including boat, lunch, and cave visit. From $45 USD per person.
Hanoi Travel Budget
- Budget traveller: $25–40 USD/day (hostel, street food, local transport)
- Mid-range: $60–100 USD/day (3-star hotel, restaurant meals)
- Comfortable: $150–250 USD/day (4-star hotel, guided tours)
Book Tours from Hanoi with Ava Travel
Ava Travel Hanoi is a small local agency run by Vietnamese travel experts. We specialise in Halong Bay cruises, Sapa tours, and custom Vietnam itineraries. All tours come with $0 upfront booking and WhatsApp support within 1 hour.
📱 WhatsApp: +84 96 516 68 46
🌐 Small agency, honest pricing, no hidden fees
