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Northern Vietnam
Vietnam's capital — centuries-old architecture, vibrant street food, and a thousand years of history.
Hanoi is Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital and its cultural heart — a city of tree-lined boulevards, ancient pagodas, and the frantic Old Quarter where every street still sells one trade. The traffic is chaos on wheels. The food is the reason you came.
The Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem district) is the core. Each street was historically named for the guild that occupied it: Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Ma (Paper Offerings), Hang Gai (Silk). Today they form a dense web of tube houses, souvenir shops, and food stalls. Spend a full day walking it — the best discoveries are the alleys off the main streets.
Start at Hoan Kiem Lake, walk north into the quarter. Dong Xuan Market at the north end is the largest covered market. The Train Street (off Tran Phu) is a narrow alley where a train passes twice daily inches from the houses — check the schedule before going.
Temple of Literature (1076) — Vietnam's first university, dedicated to Confucius. A serene complex of five courtyards, beautiful gardens, and stone stelae on tortoise backs listing the 1307 doctorates. One Pillar Pagoda (1049) — a lotus-shaped temple on a single stone pillar, rebuilt after French demolition. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed September–December for annual maintenance) — the embalmed body of Uncle Ho, a pilgrimage site for Vietnamese.
Pho bo (beef noodle soup) — the canonical dish. Try Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc) for the famous version with stir-fried beef. Bun cha (grilled pork patties in broth) — Obama ate this at Bun cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu); the real thing, and better, is at Bun cha Ta (21 Nguyen Huu Huan). Cha ca (turmeric fish with dill) — Cha ca Thang Long (19-31 Duong Thanh) is the original, from 1871. Egg coffee (ca phe trung) — thick Vietnamese coffee topped with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk. Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan) invented it in 1946.
Stay in the Old Quarter for walkability, Tay Ho (West Lake) for expat dining and quiet. Grab (ride-hailing) is cheap and reliable; cyclos are tourist traps. Crossing the street: don't run — walk at a steady pace and the traffic flows around you. Best time: October–April. May–September is hot, humid, and rainy.
Ha Long Bay (2.5 hours) — book a day cruise (US$50-100) for the limestone karsts. Ninh Binh (2 hours) — "Ha Long Bay on land" with paddleboat tours through river caves. Perfume Pagoda (2 hours) — a boat trek to the Buddhist cave temple complex.
Stay Connected in Hanoi
Airalo eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Vietnam data plans from $5.
Three days is the minimum: one for the Old Quarter, one for the Ho Chi Minh complex and museums, and one for a day trip to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.
October to April is cool and dry (15-25°C). May to September is hot, humid, and rainy. March and April are the sweet spot.
Yes. Violent crime is rare. The main risks are motorbike snatch theft (keep bags away from the street) and traffic — cross roads at a steady pace and let the flow move around you.
Most nationalities can apply for a 90-day e-Visa online for US$25 at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Several countries are visa-exempt for up to 45 days.
12 experiences
The Amazing Jeep Tour for Food Lovers offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore Hanoi’s rich culinary scene. In an open-air Jeep, you’ll wind through hidden alleys and lively streets, stopping at carefully selected eateries to savor authentic, time-honored dishes. Along the journey, discover historic landmarks and enjoy fresh views of the city—an experience that blends food, culture, and the daily rhythm of Hanoi.
From 2.032.000 ₫• Small group tour with maximum personal experience. • High-quality transfer service. • Visit the local family and learn the Vietnamese culture through their daily activities. • Widen your knowledge of Vietnam history and understand the origin of Buddhism. • Discover Trang An – the “Halong Bay on land - World Natural Heritage site” • Unique and unforgettable biking route passing through villages, rice fields and karst mountains on a high-quality sports bike.
From 3.530.600 ₫LUNA HALONG CRUISE is the largest and most luxurious day cruise on Halong Bay, offering the perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation. The elegantly designed cruise features a unique 360-degree double sundeck, two lavish restaurants with a capacity for up to 550 guests, and Vietnam's first outdoor glass-bottom pool. With a wide array of high-end amenities and exceptional entertainment activities, Luna Cruise provides guests with an unforgettable experience in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
From 2.768.600 ₫