Hanoi, Vietnam

City · Vietnam

Hanoi

Lake mornings, French-era facades, hidden courtyards and steaming bowls of pho give Hanoi a deeply atmospheric character.

Travel by Ildy tip

Architecture

In Cầu Giấy, walk the garden of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where full-scale houses of ethnic minorities stand among ponds — climb into the soaring Bahnar communal house and the long Ede longhouse.

Best time to visit

Best time to travel

September–November is the sweet spot: mild, drier and less humid. May–August is hot, with the heaviest rain in July–August; winter is cool and often overcast.

Travel tips

Travel by Ildy tips

  • From Nội Bài airport, take public bus 86 to Hanoi Railway Station, about 2 km from the Old Quarter; the ride takes roughly an hour, so allow for it when planning your arrival.
  • Order cà phê trứng, egg coffee, created in 1946 by Nguyễn Văn Giảng when milk was scarce; his family still serves it at Café Giảng on Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street.
  • Save a Friday-to-Sunday evening for Hoàn Kiếm Lake, when the streets around it close to traffic and fill with families, street musicians and games; Tet and special events can suspend it.
  • Long Biên Bridge, opened as the Paul Doumer Bridge, is often credited to Eiffel, but it was designed and built by Daydé & Pillé of Paris, whose plaque still marks the entrance.

Travel by Ildy recommends

Follow the rhythm of the place first, then shape the journey around the experiences that feel most like your own.

Location

Hanoi on the map

Vietnam

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Where to stay

Stay ideas — Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam

Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Historic landmark with polished old-world atmosphere.

Capella Hanoi

Theatrical boutique luxury near the Opera House.

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Central boutique base with rooftop pool.