Discover Hanoi
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Hanoi.
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Must-see attractions in Hanoi
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 35 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Hanoi today is the leading center of scientific study and research in the country and has always been a centre for education and the arts. Retaining much of its older colonial charm, a fairly significant side effect of conflict has been to make Hanoi largely oblivious to modern architecture, except of course in select cases. The Old Quarter is famous for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, and it trades the commercial boom and modern sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City in the South for a more understated charm, worth enjoying for an extra day or two, and with countless transport options and travel agents, it makes a perf
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Hanoi
Halal restaurants in Hanoi
Hanoi’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 45 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
hanoiLife Photo Gallery
Finely printed enlargements of documentary photography cover the walls of this small shop. The owner of the gallery has been capturing reflective and provocative images, mostly in black and white, since 1971. Open from 9am to 9pm.
hanoiBleu de Thuy
Cuisine: Fusion This restaurant is set in a beautiful converted French colonial house in the Hoan Kiem District. Upstairs offers terrace seating, and the side patio sandwiched between the restaurant and an exposed brick wall offers cozy private dining. Open from 11.30am to 2pm and from 6pm to 11pm.
hanoiClub de L'Oriental
Cuisine: Vietnamese With a beautiful colonial decor, properly trained staff, and amazing food this restaurant is a fine, upscale dining experience. The main floor has a handful of tables set up around an open kitchen, which are perfect for couples or single diners. Open daily from 11am to 2pm and from 6pm to 11pm, visitors are recommended to make reservations.
hanoiGreen Tangerine
Cuisine: French The Green Tangerine occupies a 1928 French townhouse and provides superb food, elegant presentation, a commendable wine list and fine service. Reservations are recommended and the restaurant is open 11am to 11pm.
hanoiLa Badiane
Cuisine: French This is local chef Benjamin Rascalou's first restaurant, but he is well respected in the local community for his stunning work at the Green Tangerine. Open daily from 11.30am to 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm.
hanoiLa Verticale
Cuisine: French / Vietnamese Open daily from 11:30am to 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm La Verticale is owned by Chef Didier Corlou who has lived in Vietnam for 18 years. The menu changes by season, but expect to find inventive dishes marked with a strong Vietnamese base. Address: 19 Ngo Van So St, Hanoi Tel: +4 3944 6317
Hanoi masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
hanoiMeliá Hotel Hanoi
Melia Hanoi offers 306 well furnished rooms and the largest pillar less Ballroom in Vietnam. All rooms are furnished with full-length windows, air-conditioning, large working desk, and wireless broadband internet. Only 10 walking minutes from the Old Quarter, a kilometer's worth of exploration will bring guests to the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Opera House and the Temple of Literature. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, gym with professional trainers, and the Oasis beauty salon with full selection of beauty treatments. For business there are two board rooms and executive conference room for meetings. Melia Hanoi also has a wide range of state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment with LCD projectors, large video screens, and portable microphones. For dining and entertainment there is a Mediterranean and Vietnamese seafood restaurant, and a tapas restaurant which also serves over 70 exotic cocktails and live music. The lobby lounge also features live music and entertainment.
hanoiSofitel Plaza Hanoi
The hotel towers over the southern end of West Lake, which is about a 10-minute ride on Hanoi's ring road to the north of downtown. Views from upper floors to the nearby lake and surrounding city (no buildings obstruct the views from here) are great. Rooms are large and decked out in sumptuous fabrics, rich rugs, and fine furnishings. The commute to the Old Quarter is about 40,000 VND in a taxi, and after wandering around there, you might be pleased to be whisked out of the chaos to air-conditioned comfort.
hanoiSheraton Hanoi Hotel
This smart, upscale hotel sits on a peninsula jutting out into Hanoi's picturesque West Lake in a neighborhood popular with the local expatriates. The hotel makes up for any inconvenience caused by its distance from the city by being completely self-contained, with fine-dining options and hotel services that cover all bases, from local touring to business support. All rooms have fine views of the lake. Bathrooms are large, with big bathtubs and transport to town is available 24 hours. Facilities include; babysitting, outdoor pool, restaurants, Jacuzzi and tennis courts.
hanoiSofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel
This charming historic hotel built in 2007 is ideal for families and is housed in a French colonial style building which has stood proud in the heart of Hanoi since 1901. The hotel has a rich history and centuries-old tradition which has received ambassadors, heads of state and business, and offers a blend of warm hospitality and a luxurious Vietnamese European heritage. The establishment is air conditioned and has a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out, currency exchange facility, bar, 3 restaurants and laundry services. All accommodations have their own bathroom with shower / tub and hairdryer, as well as double bed or king. Each room is equipped with internet broadband, satellite TV with LCD screen, DVD player, international direct dial telephone with dataport and voicemail, as well as safe, mini-bar, coffee / tea, air conditioning and heating central.
hanoiInterContinental Hanoi Westlake
The InterContinental is Hanoi's newest five-star. For a romantic getaway, splurge on a suite on one of the island pavilions connected to the main building via Venetian-style bridges. All rooms come with private balconies, and most have fabulous views of West Lake. Rooms on the top floor; referred to as Atelier rooms, have high, sloping ceilings, giving the space a cozy cabin feel. Located about a 20-minute cab ride away from Hanoi's Old Quarter, this hotel is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The outdoor Sunset Bar is a popular destination for hip locals and expatriates alike. Address: 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District, Hanoi Tel: +4 6270 8888
History and today in Hanoi
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Hanoi Residents
Most residents of Hanoi have been there for three generations or more and 85% of Hanoi's Population comprises of ethnic Vietnamese.
City Information
When to Go
The ideal time to visit Hanoi is in spring or autumn. The ‘Tet’ holiday which is the celebration of the Lunar New Year is in the spring; flowers are at their most beautiful during this time of the year and the city becomes even more magical as locals celebrate what is an important part of the year for them. The weather starts to warm up with occasional light rain which the citizens of Hanoi believe brings prosperity and luck for the New Year. Autumn is also a unique time of the year in Hanoi. The temperature drops and the humidity of the summer months dissipates, and the foliage is beautiful, as it is in the spring. It is not advisable to visit Hanoi in the summer months due to the intolerable heat and humidity, and winters are generally cold, and made even colder by an absence of central heating systems.
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Fast Facts
The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is located at 1,760 km north of Ho Chi Minh City and is the capital of Vietnam.
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Exchange Rates
Currency in Vietnam is: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
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Public Holidays
New Year's Day - 1st January Lunar New Year - varies annually Hung Kings Commemorations - 23rd April Liberation Day - 30th April Labor Day - 1st May National Day - 2nd September
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Annual Temperatures
Month Average Minimum Average Maximum January 13 20 February 15 20 March 18 23 April 21 27 May 24 32 June 25 33 July 26 33 August 25 32 September 24 31 October 22 29 November 18 25 December 15 22
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Hanoi Today
Hanoi today is the leading center of scientific study and research in the country and has always been a centre for education and the arts. Retaining much of its older colonial charm, a fairly significant side effect of conflict has been to make Hanoi largely oblivious to modern architecture, except of course in select cases. The Old Quarter is famous for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, and it trades the commercial boom and modern sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City in the South for a more understated charm, worth enjoying for an extra day or two, and with countless transport options and travel agents, it makes a perfect base for exploration of the North.
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Hanoi History
Hanoi has made a fine capital for more than a thousand years; through several invasions, occupations, restorations, and name changes. The Nguyen Dynasty gave the city its modern name of Ha Noi in 1831, and in 1887, the French colonists made Hanoi the capital of all Indochina. It changed hands again in 1954 and, when it was ceded to Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh after almost a decade of fighting, it became the capital of North Vietnam. Upon reunification in 1975, it assumed that title for the entire country. Its post reunification history has been one of growth and progress and till today it retains the most unique feel of all the cities in Vietnam.
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Shopping in Hanoi
Explore 38 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
hanoiLouis Vuitton
With knock offs readily available around every street corner, this is a store with the real thing at real prices. Located in the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, its part of a larger shopping area and is situated right next to Cartier.
hanoiApricot Gallery
Many of Hanoi's most accomplished contemporary artists are shown at this multi storey gallery as well as older works by local masters. Timings are 8am to 8 pm.
hanoiArt Vietnam
One of Hanoi's most reputable galleries and an essential stop for any serious collector. Open from 10m to 5pm. Address: 30 Hang Than Truc Bach Tel: +4 3927 2349
hanoiCoco Silk
A high-end shop that sells silk garments, open from 8.30am. Address: 37A Van Mieu Dong Da Tel: +4 3747 1535
hanoiKhai Silk
With branches and small outlet corners in various hotel lobbies around town Khai Silk is the largest retail silk outlet in Vietnam and is justly famous for its selection, silk quality, and chic store layout.
Signature sights in Hanoi
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Hanoi
Plan around 16 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
hanoiPerfume Pagoda (Huong Tich)
Date: January - March Celebrated from the 6th day of the first month to the end of the third month according to the lunar calendar, the Perfume Pagoda is the most prominent of pilgrimage for the Buddhists in the northern parts of Vietnam. Thousands of pilgrims endure hardships to reach these sacred caves where they go to pray for well-being, happiness and prosperity in the future. Surrounded by an epic landscape and lush greenery the festival is observed in three places- Huong Tich, Tuyet Son and Long Van. These areas can be reached either by riverboat and a short hike along the riverbank or by taking the Hanoi - Ha Dong - Van Dinh - Huong Son route by road. Most of the crowds visit between the 15th and 20th day of the second month of the lunar calendar.
hanoiNui Ba Festival
During the Nui Ba annual celebration, thousands of Buddhists and tourists flock to the Ba Mountain to worship and sightsee. The festival is celebrated during spring till the 30th day of the 1st lunar month and reaches its peak on the day of the full moon of the first month. People from the Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of the south gather in crowds at the mountain to celebrate on the day of the peak. Pilgrims start at the bottom of the mountain and climb one half of the mountain to Saint Linh Son's communal house, then; they follow a path that leads to a pagoda where they feast on the vegetarian meals offered at the pagoda. Tourists can enjoy the meal for free and donations to the pagoda can be made depending on budget and ability.
hanoiLim Festival
Lim Festival in Hanoi celebrates northern Vietnam's beloved quan ho folk songs and the founder of these songs, Hieu Trung Hau. Practicing a traditional dramatic art form that dates back several centuries, performers at this annual festival in the Bac Ninh Province, converse in a specific style of quan ho folk singing. It takes place every year on 13th day of the 1st lunar month. The participants make for a spectacular sight adorned in traditional quan ho attire and millions of visitors come to enjoy the dialogue performances between 'lien anh' or male singers and 'lien chi' or female singers. They are the country's most skilled quan ho singers. Besides this, visitors are treated to traditional temple games and competitions in addition to all the religious observances that take place.
hanoi‘Tet’ in Hanoi
Date: January-February Tet is a major event in Hanoi which is enjoyed by both locals and tourists every year. This festival is celebrated at the beginning of January or at the end of February, and marks the beginning of the New Year by the lunar calendar. It is one of the most sacred and important festivals to locals, and while it is officially a three-day affair, festivities may continue for a week or more with locals and tourists alike indulging in eating, drinking, merry making and other enjoyable social activities. People are seen in their best attires, decorating their homes and stocking up on traditional Tet delicacies. Festoons adorn the city streets and shops and stalls are decorated with colored lights, selling traditional candied fruits and jams, traditional cakes, and fresh fruit and flowers.
hanoiWhale Festival
The Whale Festival in Hanoi lasts for only two days and is commemorated in the middle of the 3rd lunar month. It is considered to be the biggest water festival among the fisherman of the Danang province where the Whale God is worshipped in the hope that it will ensure safety and prosperity for the entire village for the coming year. Irrespective of wherever they might have been all fishermen and boats return to the village for this celebration and it is accompanied by chanting and prayers, as well as a feast that entirely excludes any seafood. It is an elaborate ceremony, rich in color, and a large part of the ceremony is the decoration of the temple, the houses and all fishing boats in the village.
Hanoi tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
hanoiTopas Adventure Vietnam
The Topas Adventure Vietnam capitalizes on the country's natural riches by offering tourists walks, treks, and mountain-biking and horseback-riding adventures. Well-equipped with an experienced team of guides, cooks and porters, some of them tribal, who are accustomed to the local conditions and familiar with the region trips are organized all over Vietnam and Cambodia. The prices include all meals, overnight stays, equipment and vehicular charges.
hanoiWide Eyed Tours
Choose a special custom designed tour like the Adventurous Tour, or the Special Interest Tour which explores sites specified by the customer, the Deluxe Tour or the Corporate Tour, whichever suits requirements and time frame. All the staff members at Hanoi are ex tour leaders, so the tours are handled professionally, with the aim being to ensure convenience while making sure tourists do not miss out on any of the wonderful sights Vietnam has to offer.
hanoiHo Chi Minh's Hanoi Small Group Adventure Tour
Discover the sights of Hanoi on this full-day tour. Visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the world famous Museum of Ethnology and enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Lunch is included so enjoy Vietnamese style "Pho" or Noodle Soup for lunch. The tour departs from most Hanoi hotels, so check with the concierge or reception about its availability.
hanoiPerfume Pagoda Day Trip from Hanoi
The Perfume Pagoda is surrounded by the beautiful Perfume Mountain, and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Tours depart from selected hotels in the city and have to be registered for through the hotel or a licensed booking agent. The day trip will take visitors by road to the township of My Duc, approximately two hours from Hanoi followed by a short boat trip along the scenic Yen River, through the limestone cliffs to the base of the mountain. To reach the main Pagoda visitors have to climb for about four hours; good walking shoes are necessary as areas of the mountain path are steep and can often be slippery. If the walk proves too difficult, visitors can opt to take the cable car.
hanoiHuong Hai Junk Cruise
The Huong Hai junk brings you a wonderful opportunity to sail along the picturesque Halong Bay in luxury accommodations while still retaining the originality of sailing on a Junk. Enjoy various interesting activities such as watching Vietnamese folk music performance, going fishing on the bay at night, kayaking and learning Vietnamese cuisine. Offering two packages; a two day one night cruise, or a three day two night cruise, all meals are included as are entrance tickets, visiting fees and overnight fees for the various activities, transport from Hanoi to Halong and return by shuttle bus. Excluded from the package are drinks, laundry and any personal expenses incurred. Departs from: Gate 2- Bai Chay Port
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Hanoi travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
