Vietnam (Hanoi) travel guide
Historic city
Hanoi blends history, culture, and modern life with ancient temples, colonial architecture, bustling markets, and serene lakes.
Best time to visit Vietnam (Hanoi)
Oct–Dec and Mar–Apr are the most pleasant months. Jan–Feb is cool and drizzly; Jun–Aug is hot, humid and wet.
| Month | Verdict | Temperature | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | mixed | 14–20 °C | 20 mm | medium | Cool, grey and drizzly; carry a jacket |
| February | mixed | 16–22 °C | 20 mm | high | Cool and drizzly; Tet, in late Jan or Feb, closes many shops for days |
| March | good | 20–26 °C | 35 mm | medium | Warming up; light drizzle is common |
| April | good | 22–28 °C | 100 mm | medium | Warm and green with occasional rain; showers become heavier |
| May | mixed | 25–33 °C | 170 mm | medium | Hot and humid; storms and heavy showers start |
| June | avoid | 27–35 °C | 260 mm | low | Hot, humid and wet; mosquitoes are common |
| July | avoid | 26–34 °C | 250 mm | low | Hot, humid and wet; mosquitoes are common |
| August | avoid | 26–33 °C | 270 mm | low | Hot, humid and wet; frequent heavy rainstorms |
| September | mixed | 25–32 °C | 230 mm | medium | Heat and rain ease off through the month |
| October | good | 23–30 °C | 160 mm | medium | Autumn weather, less humid and warm; some rain |
| November | best | 20–27 °C | 60 mm | high | Dry, cooler air and mild days; the most comfortable weather |
| December | best | 14–21 °C | 20 mm | high | Cool and dry; bring a light jacket for the evenings |
How many days to spend in Vietnam (Hanoi)
Two days cover the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison; a third adds the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and a Thang Long water puppet show.
How to reach Vietnam (Hanoi)
- By air: Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN) — 30 km, about 40–65 min by road. Hanoi's main international airport, north of the city
Getting around
The Old Quarter and lake area are best on foot. Traffic is heavy, so use taxis or ride-hailing apps for longer hops.
Things to do in Vietnam (Hanoi)
- Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum — Mausoleum (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Old Quarter — Bustling hub (3 h · Free entry)
- Turtle Tower — Scenic lake (30 min · Free entry)
- Temple of Literature — Historic site (1.5 h · VND 70,000)
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology — Ethnic museum (2.5 h · VND 40,000)
- Hoa Lo Prison — Historic prison (1.5 h · VND 50,000)
- Night market — Street market (2 h · Free entry)
- Hanoi Opera House — Opera house (1 h)
- Đồng Xuân Market — Large market (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre — Cultural show (1 h · VND 100,000-200,000)
- St. Joseph Cathedral — Neo-gothic church (30 min · Free entry)
- Train Street Hanoi — Unique street (1 h · Free entry)
Food to try in Vietnam (Hanoi)
- Pho — Rice noodle soup with beef or chicken; pho chay is a tofu version
- Bun cha — Grilled pork with rice noodles, herbs and dipping sauce, a Hanoi speciality
- Egg coffee — Coffee topped with whipped egg yolk cream, a Hanoi invention
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Vietnam (Hanoi)?
Oct–Dec and Mar–Apr are the most pleasant months. Jan–Feb is cool and drizzly; Jun–Aug is hot, humid and wet.
How many days are enough for Vietnam (Hanoi)?
2–3 days. Two days cover the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison; a third adds the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and a Thang Long water puppet show.
How do I reach Vietnam (Hanoi)?
By air: Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN) — 30 km, about 40–65 min by road. Hanoi's main international airport, north of the city.
What are the top things to do in Vietnam (Hanoi)?
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Old Quarter, Turtle Tower, Temple of Literature, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison.
Plan your Vietnam (Hanoi) trip
Open Guide My Holiday to turn these places into a routed, day-by-day itinerary and book a cab that follows it.
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Guide checked on 2026-10-06.