The charming capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, has a unique allure that captivates travelers from all over the world. It’s chaotic, it’s noisy, but it’s beautiful. Over the years, Hanoi has risen as a must-visit and budget-friendly destination.
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Tips Before Going Hanoi
- Avoid Tet Holiday: Tet is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration and lasts for about 7–10 days. Many shops and attractions may be closed, so it’s best to plan your trip outside this period.
- Check the Weather: Don’t go during the rainy season! and for the winter season, bring a thick jacket since it’s very cold.
- Stay Safe with Card Payments: Most transactions in Vietnam don’t use PIN codes for card payments, so double check it before leaving any place.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
The Old Quarter is the heart of Hanoi and the best area for tourists to stay. Here, you’ll be close to major attractions, charming streets, and eateries. The hotels in this area mostly are like a shophouse so their rooms are very compact. And here some recommendation hotel for you:
- Hanoi Calido Hotel
Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter but on a quieter, less busy street. This hotel offers excellent service and affordable rooms. They also have spacious shower rooms and complimentary breakfast.
- Classy Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, near the famous Banh Mi 25—a must-try spot for local sandwiches! The hotel offers a bunch of complimentary perks to make your stay memorable.
- Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Located in a quieter part of the Old Quarter, this new hotel offers spacious rooms, including interconnecting options—perfect for families! Additionally, they can communicate in English and provide luggage storage services, making your stay even more convenient.
Places to visit in Hanoi
Wandering Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is filled with restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and bars, all set in beautifully designed buildings that blend old-world charm with modern. The buildings use vintage designs and unique architecture, giving the cafes an aesthetic vibe yet budget-friendly, making them a must-visit place.
In the Old Quarter, you’ll find plenty of eateries serving famous local dishes like banh mi, bun cha, and pho. You can choose a Michelin-starred restaurant or pick one at random; you might even discover a hidden gem since not all well-known eateries are the best.
Not only does the place have a cafe, but it also features a market and a store where you can shop, as well as a park where you can relax and enjoy the moment.
Instagramable spot at Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi train street is a spot you must not miss! It’s a peculiar yet thrilling experience but also a favorite spot for tourists to snap a photo. But before you go, there are some essential tips to help you successfully capture aesthetic photos.
- Check the train schedule: Sometimes the train can be rescheduled or late, so double check to not miss the moment!
- Book a cafe: The cafe is a little overpriced, but it’s worth it for its view and convenience. It gives you efficiency, and also secure a prime location.
- Be Patient: When the train is past, the crowds can get hectic. So remember safety first, then a perfect shoot!
Explore Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
This historical building is where Vietnam’s first president, Ho Chi Minh, rests peacefully. Since it’s a national treasure, there will be an extra check at the entrance. Also, remember to wear proper outfit (not revealing clothes).
Here, you’ll discover the inspiring story of Ho Chi Minh’s life—his leadership in the revolution against colonial powers like France and his role in guiding Vietnam to independence. If you are history enthusiast, especially vietnamese history, you must come!
Rent a Traditional Ao Dai
Renting a traditional ao dai is a must when visiting vietnam! It can be used for both women and men. Ao Dai isn’t a dress but it’s a long shirt paired with pants, made from the finest fabrics and designed to fit your body perfectly. You can create your own custom Ao Dai in the blink of an eye in Ben Thanh Market. You can choose the fabric, cut, and even the colors! The Ao Dai will give you a taller and elegant look.
Strolling Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi’s most popular spots, and it’s free! But, If you want to go further, you can pay a small fee (30.000-40.000 VND) to cross the iconic Red Bridge to Ngoc Son Pagoda . This spot is perfect for slowing down and enjoying the moment. You can sit by the lake, let your mind wander, detox from your phone, and spend quality time alone or with family. The lake itself is near the Old Quarter, making it a convenient escape.
Walk around St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Want to have a European vibe in vietnam? then you must go to this church! Built in the 19th century, its architecture is inspired by Notre Dame, giving it a timeless Neo-Gothic style. If you are planning to go inside, remember to come on Sunday or during religious events. Every corner inside the church is filled with statues of the Virgin Mary, Jesus, Saint Joseph and many more. The intricate details will leave you in awe, so make sure to check it out when you’re in town!
Pro tip: Visit this church in December for a magical vibe! Since the Christmas decorations will be placed in a magical and extravagant way.
Sightseeing Hanoi City
Did you know? you can hop on a bus and explore Hanoi for just $7! This tour will take you through 14 spots around the city. No stops, no hassle, just a smooth ride where you can sit back and soak in the beauty of Hanoi. The tour lasts about an hour, and I highly recommend choosing for the night tour to see the night light city of Hanoi.
Here’s a quick tip: Since it’s an open-air bus, don’t forget to bring a hat or jacket to stay cozy during the ride. On weekdays, the bus picks up passengers in front of Hoan Kiem Lake. But on weekends, the area is closed to traffic, the pick-up point moves to the Hanoi Opera House.
Mega Grand World, Venice of Hanoi
Ever dreamed of visiting Venice, Italy? Well, here’s a little secret: you can experience Venice right here in Hanoi! It has canals, gondolas, and even Venice’s clock tower, making it truly feel like Venice. The vibrant colors and architecture also make it even more realistic. Best of all, it’s free to explore unless you decide to shop or dine at the stores or cafe.
It takes about an hour from central Hanoi, but it’s worth the trip. They even provide a free bus to take you there! Just head to the Hanoi Opera House and look for the green VinBus type OCT2, which ends in Ocean City. Be careful, though, as there are other green buses that require payment. Make sure you hop on the right one.
End Hanoi trip with HaLong Bay Tour Cruise
Sit back and get a cruise tour to take you through the stunning ocean views. Everything is taken care of by the tour, so you can fully relax. They will also serve you delicious meals throughout the journey
The tour will take you to Sung Sot Cave, a magnificent limestone cave. It’s dark inside and involves climbing stairs, so make sure to wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping. Then, you will experience Luon Cave, where you can choose between kayaking or riding a bamboo boat to explore its serene beauty. Last, you’ll decide whether to hike for breathtaking views or relax on the beach.
Here’s a tip: choose for an overnight tour instead of a one-day trip. The extra time lets you soak in HaLong Bay’s magical atmosphere without feeling rushed. A one-day tour is not enough for this incredible experience.
There are still plenty of places to explore in Hanoi, but let’s wrap it up for now. Don’t worry, because we’ll have another chance next time! Whether you’re going solo, with a partner, or as a group, it all sounds amazing. So, let’s hit the road!
