Things to Do in Hanoi

About Hanoi

Hanoi moves at two speeds—dawn tai chi and midday traffic chaos. The Vietnamese capital blends French colonial buildings with Buddhist pagodas, Communist banners with Confucian shrines, creating a mix that shouldn't work but does. Vendors carry bamboo baskets down tree-lined streets while old men play chess under archways. The smell hits you first. Pho broth and incense mix in the air as motorbikes weave through intersections where traffic lights are suggestions, not rules. Street food vendors set up on every corner. Lakes reflect colonial architecture. Markets never stop. Crossing the street takes nerve. Traffic flows around you if you walk steadily—hesitate and you'll wait forever. Cyclo bells ring out against shop fronts and cafes, a sound that is distinctly Hanoi and nowhere else. Time works differently here. Mornings belong to tai chi practitioners in the parks, moving through forms that haven't changed in centuries. By noon, the pace shifts into something faster and more urgent as the city wakes fully. Hanoi doesn't perform for tourists. It simply exists, pulling you into its rhythm whether you're ready or not.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use Grab for rides—airport to Old Quarter costs 150,000-250,000 VND ($6.04-$10.06). Local buses cost 7,000-9,000 VND ($0.28-$0.36) but routes are confusing. Rent motorcycles for 100,000-150,000 VND ($4.02-$6.04) daily but traffic is chaotic.

Money: Exchange at gold shops in Old Quarter for better rates than banks—around 24,850 VND per USD. ATMs charge 50,000 VND ($2.01) fees but are everywhere. Budget 400,000-800,000 VND ($16.10-$32.19) daily for meals and activities.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and temples. Don't point feet toward altars or Buddha statues. Bargain at markets but do so respectfully. Learn 'xin lỗi' (excuse me) and bow slightly when greeting elders.

Food: Try pho at street stalls for 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.21-$2.01) per bowl—best spots are near Hoan Kiem Lake. Sample bun cha (Obama's meal) at Bun Cha Huong Lien for 70,000-100,000 VND ($2.82-$4.02). Street coffee costs 15,000-25,000 VND ($0.60-$1.01) per cup.

When to Visit

Hanoi's climate offers distinct experiences across four seasons, each with unique advantages.October-Decemberprovides ideal conditions with temperatures 18-25°C (64-77°F), minimal rainfall (40mm monthly), and crystal-clear skies perfect for sightseeing. Expect peak pricing with accommodation rates 40-50% higher.January-Marchbrings cooler, sometimes misty weather (15-20°C/59-68°F) with occasional drizzle. This shoulder season offers 20-30% savings on hotels while maintaining comfortable touring conditions.April-Maydelivers warm, pleasant temperatures (22-28°C/72-82°F) before summer heat, though brief showers increase.June-Septemberpresents hot, humid conditions (28-35°C/82-95°F) with heavy rainfall (150-300mm monthly), particularly July-August. However, dramatic storms often pass quickly, revealing impressive post-rain cityscapes. Budget travelers benefit from 30-40% lower accommodation rates during this wet season.Key festivals:Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/February) creates magical atmosphere but many businesses close and prices increase 60%. Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) offers cultural immersion without extreme crowds.Photographer ensoiastsshould visit October-December for optimal lighting, whilebudget-conscious travelersfind excellent value June-August despite weather challenges.Cultural ensoiastsbenefit from fewer crowds January-March.