Hanoi has been Vietnam's capital since 1010, when it was founded as Thang Long – the 'Ascending Dragon'. Around Hoan Kiem Lake the Old Quarter still keeps its maze of streets once named for the trades practised on them.
Between pagodas, the Temple of Literature, museums and quiet lakes, the city tells Vietnam's story from the royal dynasties to the 20th century – and it is the natural starting point for Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa.
Best time to go
Autumn (September–November) is usually the most pleasant season, with mild, dry days; spring is mild but often drizzly, summer hot and humid, and winter cool.
What it feels like
- Morning by Hoan Kiem Lake as the city wakes up
- Quiet courtyards at the Temple of Literature
- Weaving through the Old Quarter's busy streets
A local's tip
Dress with shoulders and knees covered when visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pagodas.
Tours in Hanoi
9 tours
Hanoi
Viettel 5G eSIM Vietnam – 10, 15 or 30 Days
Day trip
From $8
Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour – Half Day Afternoon with Lunch
Day trip
From $25
Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour – Half Day Morning with Lunch
Day trip
From $25
Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour by Motorbike or Bicycle – 3.5 Hours: Long Bien Bridge, Banana Island & Train Street
Day trip
From $48
Hanoi
Hanoi Craft Villages Day Tour – Ha Thai Lacquer, Chuong Conical Hats & Quang Phu Cau Incense
Day trip
From $45
Hanoi
Vietnam Tour 5 Days: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay Cruise
5 days
From $420
Hanoi
Northern Vietnam Tour 15 Days: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau
15 days
From $477
Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour – Half Day with Lunch
Day trip
From $25
Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour – Full Day
Day trip
From $31
Guides for Hanoi
Hanoi Craft Villages: Lacquer, Conical Hats and Incense
A guide to the craft villages near Hanoi: Ha Thai lacquer, painting your own conical hat in Chuong, the incense yards of Quang Phu Cau, and how a day trip works.
4 min read
3 Days in Hanoi: An Easy Itinerary with Day Trips
A 3-day Hanoi itinerary: the city's history on day 1, Ninh Binh on day 2 and Ha Long Bay, craft villages or a motorbike tour on day 3, with timings, closing days and tips.
4 min read
15 Things to Do in Hanoi (Beyond the Old Quarter)
15 things to do in Hanoi beyond the Old Quarter: the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Long Bien Bridge, Train Street, craft villages and day trips, with closing days and tips.
4 min read