Hanoi Travel Guide: All you Need to Know for First Time Visitors
Hanoi is the capital and second largest city in Vietnam. With its rich culture, complicated history, and unique identity, Hanoi is a must visit destination for any traveler. Hanoi is an easy city to explore and is very welcoming to foreigners and first time visitors. This Hanoi travel guide is designed for first time visitors so that anyone can navigate the chaotic streets of Hanoi as we did on our first visit. From must visit attractions to dining experiences, and insider tips, this guide includes all you need to know for a first time visit to Hanoi.
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For some countries, it is required to apply for a Visa before traveling to Vietnam. There are multiple countries that are exempt from needing a visa to enter Vietnam.
My website, should not be used to apply for a Visa, this portion is just my personal experience with applying for a Visa. I hold citizenship from a country that required an eVisa.
The process is straight forward and there are multiple websites that can be used to obtain an eVisa to enter Vietnam.
eVisa Vietnam has a lot of helpful information on applying for an eVisa.
There are multiple Visa options as well that can be applied for depending on length of stay.
Our experience applying for an eVisa was not particularly great. We applied online, paid the fee, and signed in all the required information about 2 weeks prior to visiting Vietnam. About a week later, we received an email that our Visas needed to be updated. There was no description on what fields needed to be updated. We quickly redid the application and submitted the eVisa again. I got another email about 4 days before our trip that the Visa was denied again.
In panic, I contacted our hotel, the Hanoi Imperial Hotel and told them that I was unable to get my Visa approved in time. Without hesitation, the hotel told me that they could take care of it for us (of course, there was a fee) and within a day, both Jill and myself had our eVisa for Vietnam.
Advice on Applying for an eVisa for Vietnam
- Apply for the eVisa well in advance to ensure there is enough time to update the visa in case it is send back.
- Fill out the information properly and double check required fields are filled in.
- Pay attention to the photo upload requirements. I downloaded a passport photo app on my phone.
- If all fails, contact your hotel and see if the staff can take care of the Vietnam eVisa. You’ll pay extra but it is worth the peace of mind.
- Double check the eVisa website if your country is listed as exempt from needed a visa to travel to Vietnam.
Where is Hanoi?
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. Located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is about 100 km from shores of the South China Sea. Hanoi is situated in the Red River Delta.
The country of Vietnam shares its border with three other countries: Cambodia, China, and Laos.
Travel to Hanoi
Beside overland or by sea, the best way to reach Hanoi is through the air. Most people visiting Northern Vietnam will land at Noi Bai International Airport.
Noi Bai is about 35 km to the north of Hanoi. Drive time to and from Noi Bai International Airport from the city center can take anywhere from 40 60 minute depending on traffic.
From Okinawa, we flew to Seoul and caught a flight with Asiana Airlines from Seoul to Hanoi. Asiana Airlines is one of our favorite 5-star airlines.
Once at Noi Bai International Airport, unless you have a private transfer I’d recommend hailing a cab. We booked pick up and drop off to and from the airport through our hotel. We stayed in the Old Quarter and the price for a private pickup was under $25.
Where to Stay
If staying in Hanoi, it is recommended to stay within the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is a great pedestrian friendly district in Hanoi with tons of great options for restaurants, cafés, entertainment, nightlife, and attractions.
We booked the Imperial Hotel & Spa Hanoi via Agoda. To be honest, within our price range, there were so many options it was hard to just pick one. Hotels in Vietnam are cheap but that doesn’t mean the quality is cheap. For under $100 you can find luxurious hotels that make you feel like a celebrity! Again, after doing our research on Agoda we booked our hotel at the Imperial Hotel & Spa and we can’t recommend this hotel enough!
Imperial Hotel & Spa
The Imperial Hotel & Spa is a fabulous hotel situated in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Within walking distance from major attractions like Den Ngoc Son, Ho Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre we highly recommend the Imperial Hotel & Spa.
Prior to our trip to Vietnam, we had difficulties obtaining our E-Visa. We contacted the hotel and they took care of the E-Visa process for us. We also booked airport transfer and the driver was there on time to pick us up and drop us off. A hotel staff met us out front to guide us to the hotel entrance.
The staff politely opened the door for us, made us a welcome tea, and went over important information regarding the hotel, Hanoi, and safety. The front counter had a travel agent that can book trips. We booked our Hanoi Countryside on a Motorbike Tour through the hotel and it was one of the better tours we did while traveling Vietnam.
The rooms at the Imperial Hotel & Spa were very nice. Somewhat basic yet comfortable and spacious. The morning breakfasts were one of my favorite parts of staying at the Imperial Hotel and Spa. The menu changed daily and everything on the buffet was fabulous.
Imperial Hotel & Spa had a spa area on the same floor as the restaurant. Here you can book various spa treatments and massages. We did a full body massage here and it felt great after a long day of exploring.
On our final day in Hanoi, our flight was at midnight. We explored Hanoi that day. Worried we’d be sweaty after walking all day, our plan was to freshen up a bit at the hotel bathroom. Before we could even sit down, the staff offered the spa area for us to shower and change clothes.
Imperial Hotel & Spa, was one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had while traveling the world. I’d love to come back!
Website and Address Below:
Hanoi Imperial Hotel & Spa
2RJX+FW Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Mopeds and Moped Safety
For a city with a rough population estimate of 8 million people, there are about 5-6 million mopeds in Hanoi.
One of my favorite things to do in Hanoi was to just stand there on the sidewalk and watch the mopeds drive by. The locals in Hanoi were very innovative when it came to packing items and materials on their mopeds. I’ve never seen anything quite like it! I was also surprised by the amount of people and animals that the Vietnamese can fit on a single moped. I saw one moped with 5 people riding on it.
To us, it appeared that there were not many traffic rules when it came to driving in Hanoi. Mopeds were driving in every direction. Amongst the chaos of mopeds were pedestrians, cyclists, and cars driving on the same roads.
- As a pedestrian, at first crossing the roads in Hanoi looks almost impossible. I promise you it gets easier after the first day. By the end of the week, Jill and I were confident and felt very comfortable crossing the streets.
- Tips for first time visitors when crossing the street, include to be confident, relax, and be vigilant. Walk slow and just keep moving forward. Drivers are aware you are there and will go around you.
- If you want to rent a moped, I recommend trying to rent one outside the city and drive in rural areas before venturing into Hanoi. I feel like it takes skill and a brave soul to attempt to ride a moped in Hanoi.
- I had a few moped drivers come up to me while I was standing there and try and sell drugs. I simply declined and they drove off without any issues.
Things to do in Hanoi
If visiting Hanoi, you won’t run out of things to do. From historical landmarks to leisure strolls around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This Hanoi travel guide provides some of the must do attractions and places to see in Hanoi, especially for first time visitors.
For additional recommendations, I have a post on 18 Amazing Things to do in Hanoi
Hanoi's Old Quarter
Every Hanoi Travel Guide will recommend visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Personally, not only do I recommend visiting the Old Quarter, but also booking a hotel here.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is centrally located and close to many attractions and restaurants. We found the Old Quarter to be very pedestrian friendly and perfect for families.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter has many French style buildings that are unique and beautiful to include the St. Joseph’s cathedral.
Hanoi Train Street
This narrow alleyway in Hanoi is famous and well known because of the close proximity of the railroad tracks to houses, restaurants, and shops. Passing trains come literally within feet of buildings and people.
Although a popular destination and exciting for tourists to see, Hanoi’s train street is an active railway and does pose potential dangers.
If interested in visiting the Hanoi Train Street and curious when the trains arrive, here is an updated Hanoi Train Street Schedule.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
When visiting Hanoi, one of the most popular attractions is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This mausoleum was erected as a memorial to Ho Chi Minh.
Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body is located within the mausoleum and is open to visitors.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is free to visit and open from 8:00 am until 11:00 am.
Keep in mind, there are strict rules when visiting, such as covering up and chewing gum is not allowed.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hanoi’s Hoa Lo Prison otherwise known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” is a popular attraction to visit in Hanoi.
Hoa Lo Prison was built in the late 1800’s by the occupying French. The purpose of the prison was for political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, this prison was used to keep US Prisoners of War.
“Hanoi Hilton,” was a name given to the prison by US Prisoners of War.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a temple near the Citadel and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
This temple dates back to the year 1070 and is a Confucian Temple.
Plan on spending at least an hour at the Temple of Literature as there are many buildings within the complex that are worth exploring.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Hanoi.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a series of buildings in a complex that was built around the 11th century. The Citadel was built during the Ly Dynasty as the seat of power.
For first time visitors, you can walk the grounds of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, visit the museums within the grounds, and go to the archaeological site across the street.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
One of the most surprising attractions in Hanoi was the Thang Long Water Puppet Show. Prior to visiting Hanoi, I read about the puppet show but had no real desire to visit.
Thankfully, our second to last night we were looking for something to do to kill a few hours and decided on going to the Thang Long Water Puppet Show.
The puppet show was performed in a theater at the Old Quarter. Multiple performances took place during the hour long performance. All acts of the show were performed in a pool of water and the themes varied based on historical folklore and stories.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
A not miss attraction in Hanoi is the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This pagoda is located on a small island on West Lake. The pagoda dates back 1,500 years.
This was my favorite pagoda during my trip to Hanoi. The unique architecture, vibrant colors, and stunning location made the Tran Quoc Pagoda one of my favorite places to see in Hanoi.
Recommended Places to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi is renowned for its culinary scene, from cheap street food to high end dining. Most people know Vietnamese food mainly because of Pho and Banh Mi sandwiches, but there is so much more to Vietnamese cuisine then these two dishes. We definitely tried both Pho and Banh Mi sandwiches’, many times and these dishes were excellent. We also tried dishes like Bun Cha and Pho Tran.
Jill and I took a food tour the same day we landed in Hanoi. We decided we wanted to get a decent understanding of the food here and how to properly visit restaurants and order. I must say, I am very glad we started our trip with a food tour as it made us more confident and knowledgeable when it came to the food scene in Hanoi.
Banh Mi
A brilliant food dish that was created by French influence that is both very cheap and satisfying is the Banh Mi. Banh Mi is basically a sandwich using fresh baguettes and ingredients. Packed with fresh vegetables and yummy meats, Bahn Mi sandwiches are both refreshing and delicious!
Banh Mi Pate – Our original plan was to g to Banh Mi 25 as it was recommended by the hotel. We got there and it had lines of tourists. Felt a tad touristy to me, so we walked around the corner and stumbled upon a tiny outdoor vendor that was making fresh Banh Mi on the streets. Tiny chairs were set out in front of is open kitchen. The Pate Bahn Mi was delicious! At a price of 25k Vietnamese Dong or about $1, you can’t beat that!
Banh Mi 38 – This was our first Banh Mi experience in Hanoi. We sat on tiny plastic stools at a table that my knees hovered over. The table was sticky, definitely would not pass an inspection in the US or Europe, but I loved it! I ordered a Banh Mi with pulled pork and it was near perfection, the crispy baguette, tender meat, and refreshing vegetables, made for a perfect late night snack.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is one of Hanoi’s iconic dishes and consists of grilled pork, cold vermicelli noodles, and a broth to dunk the noodles in.
Bun Cha Dac Kim – This is a multi level Bun Cha restaurant that was very popular with both locals and tourists. They serve huge portions of Bun Cha, so come hungry!
Bun Cha Huong Lien – The famous Bun Cha restaurant were Anthony Bourdain sat down with former President Barack Obama. We ordered the Obama Combo and split it between the two of us. It’s nice to know that the price here has remained the same.
Pho
Phở Gà Khánh Béo – We stopped at Phở Gà Khánh Béo while on our food tour. This was the first stop and here we tried dry Pho. Basically, it’s Pho but without the broth. The dry Pho was very good, refreshing, and the ingredients all paired perfectly.
Other Vietnamese/Western Restaurants Worth Trying
Pizza 4P’s Bao Khanh – Seriously, one of the best brick oven pizzas I’ve had in a long time was at Pizza 4P’s. This pizza restaurant was outside the Imperial Hotel & Spa and was always packed full of people. The pizza here is quality with outstanding toppings and combinations. I had a half and half pizza. One half was gyros and the other was curry chicken. Both sides were excellent, everything from the flavor to the texture was perfect. As a bonus, they have craft beer here as well! I get it, you want to try Vietnamese food while in Vietnam, but it’s worth going to Pizza 4P’s.
Nem Nướng Nha Trang Quế Hoa – Nem Nướng Nha Trang Quế Hoa was another stop on our food tour. This restaurant was busy, chaotic, dirty, but the food was absolutely delicious. This was Jill’s favorite restaurant out of the ones we visited on our food tour. We had a huge platter (pictured above) full of veggies, meats, and rice paper. You use the rice paper to wrap up your ingredients and dunk it in the sauces provided. Super refreshing, filling, and satisfying!
Chay Trúc Lâm Viên – If you are looking for a vegetarian restaurant in Hanoi, Chay Trúc Lâm Viên offers a great variety of vegetarian dishes. We actually ordered way more then we needed because everything on the menu looked great. I had a mushroom cashew dish and it was fabulous!
Coffee in Hanoi
I heard Vietnamese coffee was good prior to visiting, but I had no idea about the variety and styles of coffee. I tried traditional Vietnamese coffee but also tried and fell in love with egg and coconut coffee.
Briefly, egg coffee is a strong espresso coffee with egg yolks in it. The sweetness of the egg breaks up the bitterness of the coffee.
The coconut coffee is a refreshing blend of coffee with condensed milk and coconut milk. Generally served cold, this is the perfect caffeinated drink for those brutal hot summer days in Hanoi.
As listed in my Favorite Cafés in Hanoi post here are my favorite cafés that I visited while in Hanoi.
- Café Dinh
- Hidden Gem Coffee
- Ma Xo Café
- Melbie Café and Bakery
- Xofa Café and Bistro
I have a detailed post on some of my favorite cafés visited in Hanoi: 5 Must Visit Cafés in Hanoi for Coffee Lovers
Recommended Half Day and Day Trips from Hanoi
What’s a Hanoi travel guide without day trip recommendations? I feel like you need at least 3 days in Hanoi to scratch the surface and visit most of the notable attractions. If planning to visit Hanoi more then three days, I recommend half day/full day tours from Hanoi to see more of what Vietnam has to offer.
Below you will find half day/day trips from Hanoi that we took and highly recommend.
Ha Long Bay
One of Vietnams most famous attractions, Ha Long Bay is a must visit destination and popular day trip from Hanoi.
Roughly 2.5-3 hours from Hanoi is the scenic and unique landscape of Ha Long Bay. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is famous for its limestone karst formations that tower over the picturesque waters below.
Ha Long Bay consists of 1,600 – 2,000 islands in the bay. Most islands are uninhabitable but many do include attractions that are generally included in full day tours.
We booked this Ha Long Bay Full Day Cruise through Viator and everything worked out perfectly.
The Ha Long Bay Day Cruise included a fabulous lunch on the cruise ship, a trip to the overlook on top of Ti Top Island for the best views of Ha Long Bay, we kayaked in a secluded cove, and walked through Surprise Cave.
If interested, we booked this tour: Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour: Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking, & Lunch
Ninh Binh
One of my favorite day tours from Hanoi was to Ninh Binh. Picture Ha Long Bay but on land. A Large valley with towering karst formations as far as the eye could see.
We booked this Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour From Hanoi through Viator.
Ninh Binh was a solid 2 – 3 hours drive from Hanoi. Our tour started off with a brief stop at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital before making our way to hike Dragon Mountain for that iconic Ninh Binh photo, where you see the river cutting through the mountains. We then had a 8 course meal lunch and set off on bicycles to Bich Dong Pagoda. Our tour wrapped up with a final attraction that included a somewhat relaxing boat ride down the Ngo Dong River.
I booked the Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour From Hanoi and highly recommend this tour.
Motorbike Tour: Exploring Hanoi's Countryside
Looking for something adventurous to do in Hanoi that doesn’t involve venturing to far from the city? I highly recommend a motorbike tour through Hanoi’s countryside.
We booked this Vietnam Backstreet Tours by Minsk Motorcycle through our hotel and it was one of the most fun half day tours I’ve ever done. We were picked up at our hotel by two locals on motorcycles.
Trust me, I would never ride a moped in Vietnam unless maybe there was no traffic and pedestrians.
Either way, the motorbike tour was a great way to experience driving one the streets of Hanoi on the back of a motorcycle.
We didn’t just cruise through Hanoi, we departed the city and drove through the countryside to Bat Trang, a famous pottery village.
We booked this Vietnam Backstreet Tours by Minsk Motorcycle and highly recommend it.
For more information, I have a post written about our half day motorbike tour: Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Hanoi’s Countryside on a Motorbike.
Common Questions When Visiting Hanoi
How Many Days to Visit Hanoi?
I’d recommend a minimum of two days but feel you need at least 3 days to explore the city. Tack on more days if you plan on doing day trips from Hanoi.
Is it safe to travel to Hanoi?
Absolutely, just watch out for mopeds and be vigilant when it comes to crossing the road. In regards to crime, apparently it is not all that common in Hanoi especially with foreigners. Like any city, use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
What do I need to know before traveling to Hanoi?
I’d recommend doing your research and come up with a game plan on what you would like to visit in and around Hanoi.
Hanoi or Vietnam in general is very cheap. Meals ran us anywhere from $1 to $6 a person.
Pay attention to when you travel to Hanoi. The summers can be brutally hot and humid. Bring plenty of clothes to change in to.
Tips When Visiting Hanoi
- Refresher on pedestrian safety when crossing the streets in Hanoi. Pay attention and be vigilant. Cross the road slowly, with confidence, relax, and move forward.
- Be mindful of what you eat in Hanoi. Although the food is great everywhere, some of the sanitary conditions might not be up to western standards and the food preparations can cause sickness. A general tip I learned when I first visited Guatemala was to only eat fruits that you have to peel. Try not to eat fruits and vegetables that are washed, and don’t drink water unless it’s bottled. Also, don’t drink beverages with ice.
- I was stopped a few times standing on the sidewalk and mopeds drivers came up to me asking if I wanted to buy what appeared to be drugs. Simply decline their offer and they should drive off.
Conclusion
Hanoi is an exciting city that offers a nice variety of things to do, historical attractions, and natural beauty. From strolling around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and drinking unique coffee to visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and exploring temples, Hanoi truly does offer something to everyone. A minimum of two days is a must when visiting Hanoi, but it is recommended to tack on a few extra days, especially if planning some day trips from Hanoi. This Hanoi travel guide for first time visitors was written based on my first time experience traveling around Hanoi for a week.
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Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇻🇳
Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖
For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com
Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁
Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.
In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘
I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
6 Comments
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Aira
Great Guide, Thanks for sharing!
zimminaround
No problem and thanks for reading, I hope you found it useful! I’d love to hear about your trip if you plan on going. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need recommendations.
John Talty
Thank you so much for this factual, down-to-earth account. I’m planning a trip to Viet Nam from Ireland and this has been so helpful. John
zimminaround
John,
I’m so glad you found my post helpful! I had such a great time exploring Hanoi. If I can help in any other way or if you have additional questions, feel free to reach out. Safe Travels!
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