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 If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes, and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.

Tran Quoc pagoda in the full-moon day. Hanoi, Vietnam Jimmy Tran/Shutterstock.com

The City

Most travellers base themselves in the central Hoan Kiem District, in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake, whose pathways and surrounding greenery are the site of much activity as dawn breaks. Don’t be surprised to see graceful schools of tai chi-ers moving as one as the sun rises, and Hanoi health fanatics doing jogging laps before work.

Northwest of the lake is the legendary Old Quarter with its winding alleyways and hundreds of quaint shops, guesthouses, galleries, and places to eat. Tourists flock to local establishments, open long after the doors have shut elsewhere in the city. It’s also crammed with temples and monuments to ponder over between eating and shopping.

Ba Dinh District, to the west of the lake, is the place to head for a little historic enlightenment – The Mausoleum, the Museum of Ho Chi Minh and the Hanoi Old Citadel all reside there. The Old French Quarter, south of the lake, will transport you back to the days before the French realised that the Vietnamese were a force to be reckoned with. Upscale restaurants, hotels and embassies now occupy the stunning white villas.

Young Asian woman tourist in Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) sightseeing at St Joseph's Cathedral church in Hanoi, Vietnam Opat Suvi/Shutterstock

Do & See

With a one-of-a-kind mix of ancient history and modern charm, the vibrant capital of Vietnam promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveller.

Start your exploration at Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis surrounded by the bustling Old Quarter. Here, you can visit Ngoc Son Temple, stroll along tree-lined paths, and witness the traditional morning tai chi sessions. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets brimming with shops, street food vendors, and historic architecture, where each street specialises in different trades, offering a unique glimpse into Hanoi's rich cultural tapestry.

For a deeper dive into Vietnamese history, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. For contemporary experiences, enjoy the nightlife in Tay Ho District and savour Hanoi's renowned street food scene, from pho to banh mi.

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Halong Bay

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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

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Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

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Hanoi Street Food Tour

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Full-Day Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi

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Temple Of Literature

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Cooking Class

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Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

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One Pillar Pagoda

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Ngoc Son Temple

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Ho Chi Minh Museum

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Vietnam National Museum of History

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Vietnam Women's Museum

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Hoa Lo Prison

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Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

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St Joseph's Cathedral

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Cuc Phuong National Park

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Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum

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Dining

Hanoi restaurants tend to centre around Vietnamese with Asian fusion or European fare, particularly French and Italian. You are more likely to find international dining in the Hoan Kiem District but for local authentic flavours (and Hanoi’s famous Pho noodle soup dish) head to the Old Quarter street vendors.

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Old Quarter

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La Badiane

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The Gourmet Corner

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El Gaucho

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Hanoi Taco Bar

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Al Fresco's

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Jacksons Steakhouse

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Namaste Hanoi

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Cafés

Because of its French colonial history and the fact that the locals love their coffee, Hanoi has a wide selection of cafés. Just about every block has a coffee shop, everything from a simple local café to a Western-style venue.

The Vietnamese truly like to experiment with their coffee. So when visiting Hanoi, make sure to try the egg coffee as well as the coconut coffee. Both are highly appreciated among tourists and locals alike.

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Cafe Phố Cổ

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The Note Coffee

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S'Patisserie

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The Hanoi Social Club

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Maison de Tet Decor

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Cafe Giảng

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Om Hanoi: Yoga & Cafe

Aerial view of Hanoi skyline cityscape at twilight period. Linh Dam lake, south of Hanoi capital Hanoi Photography/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Hanoi has only recently come to grips with the concept of nightlife past 10 pm, and the result is pockets of activity dotted around the city. Most tourists head for the bustling Bao Khanh Street in the northwest of Hoan Kiem, where late-night hangouts and bars huddle together, which attracts the locals just as much as out-of-towners. There aren’t a huge amount of actual nightclubs in the city, but the handful you do come across are riotous affairs that stay open until the small hours and pump up the volume.

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Binh Minh’s Jazz Club

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Hanoi Rock City

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Hero Club Hanoi

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Infinity Club

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R & R Tavern

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Sunset Bar

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King Pirates Pub

Vietnam's traditional souvenirs are sold in shop at Hanoi's Old Quarter ( Pho Co Hanoi), Vietnam Daniel William/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

If you love shopping, Hanoi won't disappoint. Renowned for its bustling markets and colonial shophouses, the city offers a wide array of authentic silk, local crafts, and souvenirs. Fashion enthusiasts will also find plenty of boutiques and shopping malls featuring both local and international brands. The traditional markets scattered throughout Hanoi are perfect for finding unique gifts to take home. For the most diverse selection of Vietnamese souvenirs, pay a visit to the Hoan Kiem Lake area and the Old Quarter.

When it's time to escape the afternoon heat, Hanoi's shopping malls provide a cool respite. TASCO Mall, one of the largest in Vietnam, is a must-visit for an extensive shopping experience. Trang Tien Plaza, known for high-end fashion, boasts all the well-known brands. Whether you're exploring lively markets or indulging in the luxury of modern malls, one thing is certain: you won't leave Hanoi empty-handed.

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Old Quarter

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Hang Gai Street

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Trang Tien Street

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Nha Tho Street

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Quang Ba Flower Market

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TASCO Mall

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Craft Link

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Trang Tien Plaza

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Tourist Information

Nội Bài International Airport (HAN)

Hanoi’s sparkling new Nội Bài International Airport is the second largest and busiest airport for passenger traffic in Vietnam. It is located 28km away from Hanoi city centre.

Hanoi city bus numbers 7 and 17 leave from the right side of the terminal exit and take an hour to reach the city centre. They run from 5am–10pm, every 15-20 minutes.

Airport minibuses congregate outside the arrival hall–the Vietnam Airlines minibus takes about 40 minutes and drops you outside their Hoan Kiem Lake office (south end). Tickets are sold inside the terminal building. However, many travellers opt for a taxi–there are hundreds outside the terminal exit gate. Unlike the minibuses, which run only intermittently at night, taxis are present 24 hours a day. A taxi ride to the city centre takes about 30-40 minutes. Another option for lower fares is the rideshare company Grab.

Address: Nội Bài International Airport

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Website: https://vietnamairport.vn/noibaiairport/en

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Train

Hanoi train station is conveniently located in the city centre, with Gate A serving mainly guests travelling South to Danang, Hue, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Gate B serves guests travelling up north to Sapa. It takes about 10 minutes by taxi from either gate to Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Trains depart punctually with a variety of seat options: hard seat, soft seat, hard berth, and soft berth. Despite many shortcomings, taking the train in Vietnam is a safe and reliable means of transportation and an essential way for travellers to visit places such as Sapa.

Address: 120 Đường Lê Duẩn, Cua Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

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Website: www.vietnamtrain.com

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Public Transport

Taking a bus in Hanoi can be a convenient way to navigate the city, though it often demands patience and familiarity with the system. The bus network in Hanoi is extensive, covering most parts of the city, and fares are relatively cheap. That said, the bus routes, schedules, and signage may not always be easy to understand for visitors, as they are primarily in Vietnamese. Yet, major routes often feature English signage, and select buses provide electronic announcements in both Vietnamese and English.

However, Hanoi is generally quite easy to explore on foot. Many of the city's attractions, markets, and neighbourhoods are within walking distance of each other, especially in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake.

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Taxi

In bustling Hanoi, taxis are abundant. Make sure that your ride is charged according to the taxi meter. Having exact change handy is wise since drivers frequently lack it. For smooth communication, write down your destination as pronunciation challenges may arise. Alternatively, opt for Grab, Southeast Asia's Uber equivalent, through which rides can be conveniently arranged via the app.

Address: Taxi Nội Bài Hà Nội

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Phone: +84 867 921 781

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Pharmacy

Pharmacy is called 'nhà thuốc' in Vietnamese. They can be found on nearly every square block of the city. Some of the main pharmacy chains in Hanoi, include Pharmacity and FPT Long Châu.

Address: Nhà thuốc Pharmacity - 72-74, Hang Bong, Old Quarter, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

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Phone: +84 1800 6821

Website: www.pharmacity.vn

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Telephone

Country code: +84

Area code: 4

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Electricity

In Vietnam, electrical outlets typically operate at 220V/50Hz and commonly use plug types A and C. Type A features two flat parallel pins, while type C has two round pins. Travellers are advised to carry a power plug adapter to ensure compatibility with local sockets when visiting Vietnam.

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