Hanoi is Vietnam's atmospheric thousand-year-old capital — a city of shaded lakes, crumbling French villas and a frenetic Old Quarter where motorbikes swarm past street-food stalls, ancient temples and shophouses selling everything under the sun. More traditional and reflective than Ho Chi Minh City, it rewards anyone who slows down to sip egg coffee on a tiny plastic stool and watch the endless, exhilarating flow of city life.
Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons — hot, wet summers, cool, misty winters and pleasant springs and autumns — unusual for Southeast Asia. It has a large, friendly and fast-growing expat community, with English widely used in its many international and language schools. Vietnamese is the language of daily life, while a famously low cost of living, plentiful teaching work and a rich café culture make it one of the most rewarding and affordable cities in the region.
Location Info
- Large, fast-growing expat community and one of the lowest costs of living in Asia
- Safe and welcoming, with friendly locals and a buzzing street life
- Cheap taxis, ride-hailing and a new metro, though the city runs on motorbikes
Top Experiences
Hoan Kiem Lake & the Old Quarter
The green heart of the city, with its red Huc Bridge and island temple, ringed by the chaotic, captivating Old Quarter — 36 ancient streets each once dedicated to a single trade.
Vietnamese Street Food
Hanoi is a street-food legend. Pull up a tiny plastic stool for steaming pho, smoky bun cha, crisp banh mi and the city's own sweet, silky egg coffee.
The Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070 — a serene sequence of courtyards, pavilions and lotus ponds dedicated to Confucius and the country's scholarly tradition.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & the French Quarter
Pay respects at the solemn mausoleum of "Uncle Ho," then wander the wide, tree-lined boulevards and grand colonial buildings of the elegant French Quarter.
Train Street & Hidden Cafés
Sip coffee inches from the rails as a real train squeezes through this narrow residential lane — one of Hanoi's most thrilling, only-here experiences.
Ha Long Bay
Take a trip to one of the natural wonders of the world, where thousands of limestone karsts rise from emerald water — an unforgettable overnight cruise just a few hours away.
Getting Around
Hanoi runs on two wheels — millions of motorbikes — but you have plenty of options. Ride-hailing apps Grab and Be (for both cars and motorbike taxis) are cheap and easy, metered taxis are everywhere, and a new metro is slowly expanding. Many expats rent a motorbike to join the flow, though crossing the road on foot — steadily and without stopping — is an art form in itself. Most journeys cost just a dollar or two.
When to Go
Autumn (September to November) is the most beautiful season — warm, dry and golden — closely followed by spring. Summers (May to August) are hot, humid and rainy, while winters (December to February) are cool, grey and surprisingly chilly by Southeast Asian standards, so bring a jacket.
Good to Know
- The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the currency, and Hanoi is one of the most affordable cities in Asia.
- Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely used in international and language schools.
- The city runs almost entirely on motorbikes — take care crossing the road and always wear a helmet.
- Cash is still king for street food and markets, though cards and apps are increasingly accepted.
- Hanoi is generally very safe, with petty theft the main thing to watch in crowds.
- The city runs on Indochina Time (GMT+7).
