Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam definitely deserves a top spot on your list of must-visit destinations when planning your Vietnam trip. This vibrant city is considered the heart and soul of Vietnam and was founded more than a millennium ago and boasts a rich history. The Old Quarter, with its 14th-century streets, is a testament to its past.
Strolling through the area’s tree-lined lanes and colonial facades will take you back in time. At the same time, the modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and art galleries are giving the ancient city a new modern life. When the sun sets, Hanoi’s watering holes offer a variety of options, from sophisticated rooftop bars to bustling “bia hoi” spots.
Hanoi weather
Hanoi’s weather is most pleasant between April and June. May is particularly beautiful because the trees suddenly burst into bloom. September and October are also excellent months to visit because the temperatures are cooler, and the sky is clearer.
How to get to Hanoi from India
The most convenient way to get to Hanoi from India is by air. There are several airlines that operate flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. Some of the airlines that offer this route include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Indigo…
Getting around Hanoi
There are many options for getting around Hanoi, including taxis, buses, and motorbikes. Grab and other ride-hailing apps offer on-demand services for getting around. Hanoi’s bus network has an extensive network around the city with low-cost fares. Lastly, you can hire a classic cyclo for a sightseeing tour of the Old Quarter.
Accommodation
Hanoi offers a variety of accommodation options for Indian tourists, including budget guesthouses, homestays, hotels, and resorts that cater to different budgets and preferences. If you’re exploring the Old Quarter, you can rent a “backpacker-style” dorm room bed for around 200,000 VND per night, or splurge on a high-end hotel for 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND per night.
Some notable hotels include the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, which boasts French colonial architecture and is located just a few steps from the Hanoi Opera House. The Hilton Hanoi Opera, Apricot Hotel on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, Sheraton Hanoi with its renowned West Lake view, and InterContinental Hanoi Westlake are also worth considering. The Lotte Hotel Hanoi, situated on the top floors of the 65-storey Lotte Center, is another upscale option.
Top Lists in Hanoi
Attractions in Hanoi
Top things to do in Hanoi
- Sample the street food: To get a taste of Hanoi’s authenticity, sample the street food. The street kitchens of the Old Quarter offer a range of delicacies. Phở broth, infused with star anise, steams on every corner, while the scent of bún chả fills the air as barbecued pork sizzles over hot coals.
- Stroll the Old Quarter: Hanoi is a sensory overload. Ancient temples emit wisps of incense into the streets, and the clang of blacksmiths’ hammers mixes with the calls of mobile fruit sellers. Hop on a cyclo and tour this fascinating maze.
- Explore Hanoi’s cafe culture: Hanoi’s cafe culture is a must-experience. Though fast-paced on the surface, the true rhythm of Hanoi life is far from hurried and is reflected well in its leisurely coffee hours. Alongside traditional coffee houses, a growing number of unique cafes serve new brews in cool caffeine dens.
- Check out the art scene: The elegant Fine Arts Museum houses the country’s most important collection, including ancient Cham artifacts and impressionist pieces. For something more contemporary, head to Manzi or the Vietnam Art Gallery.
- Join the locals at Hoan Kiem Lake: Hanoi is Vietnam’s art capital. The elegant Fine Arts Museum houses the country’s most important collection, including ancient Cham artifacts and impressionist pieces. For something more contemporary, head to Manzi or the Vietnam Art Gallery.
In brief, the Old Quarter of Hanoi is a sensory overload. Ancient temples emit wisps of incense into the streets, and the clang of blacksmiths’ hammers mixes with the calls of mobile fruit sellers. Hop on a cyclo and tour this fascinating maze.
FAQs about Hanoi
The most convenient way to travel from India to Hanoi is by air. There are direct flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore to Hanoi. The flight duration is approximately 5-6 hours.
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam, including Hanoi. You can apply for a visa online or through the Vietnamese embassy in India.
The best time to visit Hanoi is during the autumn season, which falls between September and November. The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 18-27°C, and the skies are usually clear.
Hanoi is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions to explore. Some popular tourist attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Hanoi Opera House, and the Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Tung’s Kitchen – 32/2 Ngo Huyen, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Hoang Cuisine – 33/69 To Ngoc Van Street, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Veggie Castle – 59 Xuan Dieu, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Uu Dam Chay – 34 Hang Bai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Hoang’s Restaurant & Cooking Class – 07 Hang Tre Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Vegan Banh Mi – 14 Hang Chinh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Loving Hut – 192/4 Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Quan Chay Bo De – 164 Au Co Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Here are some vegetarian foods you cannot leave Hanoi without trying!
- Banh mi Chay – a baguette split lengthwise and filled with fresh vegetables
- Banh It Tran – soft, puffy rice dumplings stuffed with savory mung beans
- Banh Khoai Tay Chien – fried potato cakes with vegetables
- Pho Chay – vegetarian pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and (traditionally) meat
- Goi Cuon/Nem Cuon – a summer roll/fresh spring roll made with fresh vegetables wrapped in thin rice paper and served with a peanut dipping sauce
- Nom Du Du – green papaya salad that is equal parts sweet, spicy, and sour
- Xoi Chay – sticky rice with vegetables
- Bun Cha – a dish that originated in Hanoi and is traditionally made with noodles and grilled pork, there are alternatives throughout the city that substitute the pork for a soy product
- Banh Xeo – a crispy, stuffed rice pancake popular in Vietnam made of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder
- Namaste Hanoi: Located at 46 Tho Nhuom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Namaste Hanoi is a popular Indian restaurant in Hanoi known for its delicious food and warm hospitality.
- Taj Mahal: Situated at 6 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Taj Mahal offers a wide range of Indian dishes with a focus on North Indian cuisine.
Baba’s Kitchen: With two locations in Hanoi (at 34 Hang Tre Street and 256 Au Co Street), Baba’s Kitchen is known for serving authentic Indian food with a modern twist. - Indian Palace: Located at 58 Hang Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Indian Palace offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu of classic Indian dishes, including vegetarian options.
- Ganesha Authentic Indian Cuisine: Situated at 28 Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District, Ganesha Authentic Indian Cuisine offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian dishes with authentic flavors.