Tips for Exploring Hanoi Independently from A to Z

I. Best Time to Visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is during autumn, around August, September, and October. Ideally, you should come to Hanoi in September or October. During this time, the rainy season in Hanoi usually ends. The weather is cool with gentle sunlight. The temperature is moderate, and the air is refreshing. All these weather conditions create the perfect conditions for travelers to have a wonderful journey exploring Hanoi.

Hanoi in autumn, with yellowing rice fields and red maple leaves..

For travelers who enjoy the cold, somewhat chilling atmosphere, the late months of the year like November and December are not a bad suggestion for visiting Hanoi. Visiting Hanoi during this time, besides exploring famous tourist attractions, travelers can also enjoy many delicious winter specialties in Hanoi.

II. Transportation Guide for Traveling in Hanoi

Transportation to Hanoi

+ If you are coming from afar and have a budget to spare, then taking a flight is the most suitable means of transportation to Hanoi. Alternatively, you can choose to travel by train to save costs as well as conveniently visit other tourist destinations along the way. To find good-priced flight tickets, you can check them out right here.

+ If you're from nearby provinces not too far from Hanoi, you can choose to travel to the capital by bus or motorbike. Especially, motorbikes are the most preferred means of transportation as they not only save money but also provide a thrilling experience.

Transportation Options in Hanoi

When traveling to Hanoi, you can explore the city using some common means of transportation:

• Motorbike: You can explore the city on your own by renting a motorbike or using Grab. The rental price for motorbikes here ranges from 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND per day, depending on the type of motorcycle or scooter.
• Taxi: If you're traveling in a group, you can opt for a taxi. Although the price is quite high, this mode of transportation will safely and quickly take you to any destination you desire.
• Cyclo: You can move around by cyclo to visit the Old Quarter. Most tourists choose cyclos to travel to tourist attractions in Hanoi. You can directly hail a cyclo because there are many of them around the lake area. 
• Bus: This is a very familiar public transportation option for both locals and tourists when visiting Hanoi. The ticket price for each trip is quite cheap, only 7,000 - 9,000 VND. You can view the routes and map of bus lines here.

Cyclos are a popular means of transportation in central Hanoi (source: collected)

• Electric cars: They are the new green transportation option in Hanoi. You can also choose electric cars to travel to tourist attractions and explore a Hanoi that is both modern and ancient.

III. What does Hanoi offer: Famous tourist attractions in Hanoi

See more: 23 must-visit tourist attractions in Hanoi

When someone asks what makes Hanoi beautiful, it's easy to answer: Hanoi is beautiful because of the ancient Turtle Tower, the mossy roofs in the old quarter, the majestic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the breezy West Lake... Now let's review with Vntrip.vn the must-visit stunning destinations in the capital city of Hanoi:

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a famous landmark in Hanoi, situated at the connection point of the old quarter's streets including Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, The Huc Bridge, Luong Van Can, Lo Su... with the French quarter planned over a century ago including Bao Khanh, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Trang Thi, Hang Bai, Dinh Tien Hoang, Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Ba Trieu. Hoan Kiem Lake is the central area of Hanoi, so you can easily reach here by private or public transportation.

Dubbed the heart of Hanoi, during the reign of King Le, Hoan Kiem Lake was called Thuy Quan Lake. According to legend, at Thuy Quan Lake, King Le returned the Golden Turtle Sword, hence the name Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake holds many ancient historical stories of the country. Photo: @meimeiontour

In the heart of the lake lies the ancient Turtle Tower, surrounded by significant cultural and historical heritage such as the Pen Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge leading to Dac Nguyet Tower, and the Ink Stand... These are the symbols that contribute to the beauty of the capital city of a thousand years of civilization. With its spacious and fresh atmosphere, this place is favored by young people and chosen by couples as a wedding photography location. Moreover, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the attractive destinations for domestic and international tourists.

In the morning, Hoan Kiem Lake is often crowded with people doing exercises, chatting, and reading newspapers, creating a unique cultural feature of the capital city. Photo: Tuan Dinh Van

You can choose hotels in Hoan Kiem district for convenience in sightseeing and leisure activities near the lake such as.

2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Image of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from outside (source: collected)

Where to go in Hanoi? The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is definitely a destination you cannot miss. Located on Hung Vuong - Dien Bien Phu street, this is where the remains of President Ho Chi Minh are preserved. Everyone visiting Hanoi wants to pay their respects to Uncle Ho once. Additionally, there is Ba Dinh Square where Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence to establish the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 

Here, you can also visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum which preserves many artifacts about Uncle Ho. It is a very meaningful sightseeing spot for first-time visitors to Hanoi, so it's very suitable for you to book a hotel near Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

3. Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda sits on a small peninsula in the east of West Lake. The 1,500-year-old pagoda is considered the oldest in Hanoi and recently made it onto the list of the 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world as voted by the Daily Mail (UK). The pagoda preserves religious and historical values, attracting many Buddhists and tourists to visit.

Tran Quoc Pagoda - the most beautiful ancient pagoda in Vietnam

4. St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral is located at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Overall, the building features European Gothic architecture but still integrates with indigenous architecture, as shown in the system of terracotta roofs and the interior decoration with a strong Vietnamese traditional style. Hence, it is a remarkable product of East-West cultural exchange.

Hanoi's St. Joseph's Cathedral - majestic and venerable. Photo: @tinhvo97

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi is considered the epitome of church architecture and one of the most beautiful Catholic cathedrals in the capital city and the country. When traveling to Hanoi, tourists surely cannot miss this attractive destination.

5. Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam)

Temple of Literature seen from the outside. Photo: ST

Known as the first university in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is not only a famous historical site in Hanoi but also a place that embodies the essence of previous feudal historical periods and preserves the traditional values of Vietnam.

A corner of the Temple of Literature. Photo: @_hoangnhatanh

During Tet holidays or important exams, it's usually crowded with people coming here to pray for good luck. Photo: @maianhdinh

Today, the Temple of Literature is also a venue for poetry gatherings, honoring outstanding students, and a famous tourist attraction that attracts many domestic and international visitors. Moreover, it's a popular place for locals to seek blessings during traditional Tet holidays or important national exams, hoping for a peaceful new year or success in their exams. Book a hotel in Dong Da District for convenience when visiting this famous site.

6. Hanoi Opera House

The address of the Hanoi Opera House is 1 Trang Tien, Chương Dương, Hoan Kiem.

Hanoi Opera House - a cultural icon of the Capital City (source: collected)

This historical landmark in the heart of Hanoi hosts major artistic programs featuring top Vietnamese musicians and artists. Visitors can admire the splendid architecture of the Hanoi Opera House or purchase tickets to attend one of the regular performances to experience the grandeur of the opera house's interior.

7. West Lake

West Lake is located in the northwest of downtown Hanoi, covering an area of about 500 hectares, with a perimeter road around the lake nearly 20km long. This area is the most romantic corner in the colorful picture of Hanoi, a world of fresh breezes, freedom, and poetic richness. West Lake is not only an enticing Hanoi leisure destination for tourists but also holds cultural values of the nation. 

Around the lake, there are more than 20 pagodas, temples, and shrines that have been classified with many famous relics such as over 100 stone steles, 165 couplets, 140 horizontal lacquered boards, nearly 20 ancient bells, 60 imperial seals, and over 300 statues made of bronze, wood, and stone.

Aerial view of West Lake (source: collected)

Sunset over West Lake (source: collected)

Therefore, choosing a Hotel with a View of West Lake to fully admire the lake's scenery is something that tourists cannot miss when visiting the capital.

8. Hanoi Old Quarter

O Quan Chuong Gate – Hang Chieu Street (source: collected)

Tourists exploring the Old Quarter by cyclo (source: collected)

The Old Quarter consists of streets, houses, and corners imbued with the architectural style of the French in the 19th century. Despite the ups and downs of history and the changes of time, this place still retains its original architecture intact. It can be said that the Old Quarter is the soul, the distinctive feature of Hanoi.

Especially in Hanoi's Old Quarter, you can stroll around both day and night to fully experience the culture of the people here, enjoy the delicious signature dishes of Hanoi's Old Quarter. To have more time to explore, you should book hotels in the Old Quarter area such as:

IV. Interesting tourist destinations near Hanoi

Explore more: “Escape Together” to 12 weekend getaways near Hanoi

In addition to the famous scenic spots in the city, when traveling to Hanoi, don't miss out on these interesting suburban destinations:

1. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

A day tour in Hanoi at Bat Trang Ceramic Village (source: collected)

Bat Trang Ceramic Village sits along the Red River in Gia Lam district, on the outskirts of Hanoi. Bat Trang Ceramic Village produces a wide range of products, both in variety and style, including fine art pieces such as sculptures and reliefs, high technology items, seedlings, vases, wall plates... The most fascinating aspect of visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village is the opportunity to observe artisans creating exquisite products firsthand, and visitors can even try their hand at crafting their favorite items. 

Create your own charming ceramic pieces. Photo: @Canary3010

2. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Located more than 50km from the capital city, Duong Lam Ancient Village, situated in Son Tay town, is a quite renowned destination near Hanoi. It was the first ancient village in Vietnam to be granted the National Historical and Cultural Heritage title by the government in 2006. 

To this day, Duong Lam Ancient Village remains the only village in the country that preserves the intact ancient architecture and lifestyle of a Vietnamese village dating back 300 years. Additionally, Duong Lam boasts numerous historical relics such as Phung Hung Temple, Ngo Quyen Temple, and the shrine of General Giang Van Minh...
Travelers can take a bus from the city center of Hanoi to Son Tay, then continue by taxi to the village entrance. Entrance ticket: 20,000 - 25,000 VND per person.

The entrance gate of Duong Lam Ancient Village (source: collected)

3. Ba Vi National Park

The road in Ba Vi National Park resembles scenes from a Korean drama (Source: TuanDao)

Located approximately 60km from Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park in Ba Vi district, Hanoi. This is a complex of entertainment, exploration, and resort areas. It's suitable for individuals or families to relax and have fun after days of studying and working hard. At Ba Vi National Park, you can visit the cactus greenhouse, explore the ancient French-built structures. There are also shrines dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and Saint Tan Vien. You can hike to Vong Canh Peak to admire the panoramic view of the surrounding forests and mountains.

Here are some typical hotels you can book in Ba Vi:

4. Dong Mo Cultural Village of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups

A place that revives the unique cultural values (source: collected)

Ethnic Cultural Village - Tourist Attraction of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups in Dong Mo - Ngai Son (Son Tay town), is a place that showcases the unique cultural values of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. This is an ideal destination for domestic people as well as international tourists and is a vivid symbol for countries around the world to understand Vietnam's ethnic policies.

5. Tram Mountain

Tram Mountain may not be very high but it's extremely impressive. Photo: @thuyvivuu

Tram Mountain is located in Phung Chau commune, Chuong My district; about 30 km from Hanoi center. To get here, drive along National Highway 6 towards Hoa Binh, then to Chuc Son town, Chuong My district, you will see a sign pointing right to Tram Pagoda. This is a beautiful spot and very suitable for day picnics or overnight camping. If you stay at Tram Mountain overnight, you will be immersed in the mystical beauty of sunset or admire the white mist at dawn.

Tram Mountain is an ideal spot for weekend camping. Photo: @chou.chouuuuu_

V. Delicious Specialties of Hanoi

Discover more: Hanoi cuisine - unforgettable delicacies worth trying at least once

1. Hanoi Pho

Pho is the first dish you should indulge in when in Hanoi. Famous pho spots include Pho Cart on Hang Trong Street, a small sidewalk stall with just one tiny stool, open only in the afternoon. Despite the lack of comfortable seating, the place is always crowded, with people lining up and waiting for a long time.

Missing out on pho in Hanoi would be a great pity. Photo: @halonngcruisecabin

In addition, there are the best beef pho spots like Pho Ly Quoc Su, the best chicken pho located on Quan Thanh Street, sweet and sour mixed pho on Lan Ong Street or Luong Van Can Street, and stir-fried pho on Bat Dan Street...

Here are some good pho addresses in Hanoi:

• Pho Ly Quoc Su: No. 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
• Pho Bat Dan: No. 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
• Pho Thin Lo Duc: No. 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

2. Bun Cha

Cha, made from finely ground pork, is seasoned with spices, then molded into round pieces and grilled over charcoal until golden and fragrant. The dipping sauce for Hanoi bun cha is a sweet and sour fish sauce with vinegar, garlic, chili, and pepper mixed with thinly sliced green papaya. This dish is served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs including perilla leaves. 

Hanoi Bun Cha. Photo: @bachuaviahe

Here's a list of delicious eateries you can visit:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
• Bun Cha Dac Kim: No. 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
• Bun Cha skewered on bamboo sticks: Intersection of Nguyen Du - Ba Trieu.

3. Cha Ca La Vong

Cha Ca La Vong is a famous specialty of Hanoi, found in numerous places from small eateries to high-end hotels. The dish is prepared as follows: Fish is fried in a small pan. It is served with grilled rice paper, vermicelli, roasted peanuts, coriander, dill, scallions, and sliced fresh garlic, all dipped in shrimp paste sauce. 

Cha Ca La Vong - a renowned specialty of Hanoi. Photo: @hedinguyen1710

The fish is marinated with lime juice, sliced chili, essence of murrel fish, a few drops of white wine, a spoonful of fat, and sugar, then whisked until foamy. This dish has a sweet, savory, and fatty taste.

To enjoy Cha Ca La Vong in its most authentic form, head to No. 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem.

4. Bun Thang

Bun Thang embodies the essence of Hanoi's culinary art. Its ingredients include shredded chicken, fried quail eggs, and thinly sliced pork sausage. The broth is made from bones and tiny shrimps, ensuring a clear, subtly fragrant soup with a hint of shrimp paste.

Bun Thang can only be found in Hanoi. Photo: @andreannguyen88

Vntrip.vn suggests some places for delicious Bun Thang that are favored by locals and tourists alike:

• Bun Thang Cau Go: 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
• Bun Thang Hang Hom: 11 Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

5. Com cake

Hang Than Com Cake. ( source: collection)

Until now, only Nguyên Ninh store at 11 Hang Than street still preserves the traditional handmade Com cake making method. The cakes have green color on the outside with a yellow mung bean filling inside, emanating the fragrant aroma of coconut and mung bean. When visiting Hanoi, make sure to buy Com cakes as gifts.

6. Rolled cake

Steamed rice rolls are a traditional dish of Hanoians. The ingredients for making steamed rice rolls include high-quality rice ground into flour, mixed with water, then spread thinly on the stove to form sticky sheets. The filling is made from pork, shiitake mushrooms, and topped with shrimp floss when the rolls are rolled up. This dish is served with fish sauce, cucumber extract, and cinnamon pork sausage.

Steamed rice rolls are an essential breakfast dish in Hanoi. Photo: @foodlifewitt

Here are the top places to enjoy delicious steamed rice rolls in Hanoi as recommended by travelers:

• Mrs. Hoanh's Steamed Rice Rolls: 66 To Hien Thanh Street.
• Thanh Van's Steamed Rice Rolls: 81 Le Van Huu Street.

7. Fermented shrimp paste vermicelli with tofu

You must try fermented shrimp paste vermicelli with tofu when in Hanoi.

This is a dish that everyone visiting Hanoi wants to taste at least once. The key to the deliciousness of this dish lies in the preparation of the shrimp paste. The chef must choose the finest shrimp paste, mix it with a bit of hot oil, add chili and kumquat, and mix until the paste becomes fluffy. Dip your tofu, crispy fried tofu cakes, or hot pork slices into the richly flavored shrimp paste sauce for a delightful culinary experience.

Here are the most famous places to enjoy fermented shrimp paste vermicelli with tofu:

• Bún đậu Hàng Khay: 31 Hàng Khay Street.
• Bún đậu Phan Huy Ích: 54 Phan Huy Ích Street.

9. Pho rolls

Refreshing pho rolls with tender white pho sheets rolled with beef, fresh herbs inside, dipped in perfectly seasoned fish sauce, are an irresistible Hanoi street food. To enjoy this delicious treat, you can visit pho eateries in Ngũ Xã or on Quán Thánh Street. In addition to pho rolls, these places also serve crispy fried pho, egg fried pho, and delicious duck sausage.

Pho rolls in Hanoi. Photo by @simplycalledann

Here are the essential information you can't miss in your Hanoi travel guide. I hope these insights will make your journey to explore the beautiful capital city even more exciting.

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