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: Download Grab app for reliable motorbike taxis (xe om) and cars. Negotiate taxi fares beforehand or insist on the meter. For real feel, hire a cyclo for Old Quarter tours—agree on price first. Walking remains best for exploring narrow streets.

Money: Carry Vietnamese Dong in small denominations (10,000-50,000 VND notes). Many vendors don't accept large bills. ATMs are widespread but notify your bank beforehand. US dollars accepted at hotels and tour operators but you'll get better rates with local currency.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some restaurants. Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees at religious sites. Bow slightly when greeting elders. Never point feet toward Buddha statues or touch someone's head, even children.

Food Safety: Eat where locals eat—high turnover means fresher ingredients. Choose thoroughly cooked items from busy street stalls. Drink bottled or boiled water. Wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer. Avoid raw vegetables unless at reputable restaurants.

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.