Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural soul — a thousand-year-old capital where French colonial boulevards meet the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter, and every street corner seems to have its own particular smell of coffee, incense, or something frying. It’s the natural starting point for most Vietnam itineraries, and rewards at least a couple of days properly exploring before heading further afield.
Old Quarter Walking Tour
Hanoi's 36 historic streets, each traditionally named for the trade once practised there, form one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods in Southeast Asia — motorbikes weaving past street vendors, hidden temples, and some of the city's best low-key food stalls. Best explored on foot, ideally with a local guide who knows which alleys to duck into.
Train Street
A narrow residential lane where the railway track runs mere feet from people's front doors, Train Street has become one of Hanoi's most photographed curiosities — cafés line the tracks, and watching a train squeeze through at close range is a genuinely memorable few minutes.
Water Puppet Show
A genuinely unique Vietnamese art form dating back centuries, water puppetry uses a submerged stage and traditional live music to tell folk stories — a lovely, family-friendly evening and one of Hanoi's most distinctive cultural experiences.
Overnight Halong Bay Cruise
No trip to Hanoi is complete without an excursion to Halong Bay, roughly 2-2.5 hours away by road — nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising from emerald waters, best experienced aboard a one or two-night luxury cruise, complete with private cabins, fine dining, kayaking through the karsts, and sunrise viewed from the deck. We build this into most Hanoi itineraries as a genuine highlight, not just a day trip.
Egg Coffee & Street Food Tour
Hanoi's food scene is a destination in itself — from the ubiquitous bowl of pho to the city's signature egg coffee (a rich, custardy twist using whipped egg yolk), a guided food tour is the easiest way to eat well and confidently on a first visit.
Yes — UK passport holders need either an e-visa (arranged online in advance, straightforward and quick) or a visa on arrival letter pre-approved before travel. We're happy to guide you through this as part of booking your trip.
Two to three days is enough to cover the essentials, though many itineraries use Hanoi as a jumping-off point for Halong Bay, making a 3-4 night stay (including the bay trip) a common and sensible plan.
Yes, generally very safe — Hanoi's biggest hazard is genuinely just crossing the road amid the motorbike traffic (the trick is to walk slowly and predictably, letting bikes flow around you). Normal city precautions around belongings apply, as anywhere.
October to April offers the most comfortable weather, avoiding the intense summer heat and humidity. Spring (February-April) can be pleasantly cool but occasionally overcast.
The Grab app works well here, offering an easy, affordable way to get around by car or motorbike taxi — well worth setting up before you arrive, alongside an eSim so you're connected from the moment you land.
Very easily — Hanoi pairs naturally with Hoi An and Da Nang further south, or with Ho Chi Minh City if flying into one city and out of the other, letting you cover the whole country in a single well-paced trip.
Where to stay
From storied colonial grand dames to bold contemporary design, here are four of Hanoi's finest addresses.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Built in 1901 and still the city's most storied address, the Metropole has hosted heads of state, Hollywood filmmakers, and generations of writers — old-world colonial elegance in the heart of the French Quarter, with a level of history few hotels anywhere can match.
Capella Hanoi
A genuinely theatrical addition to Hanoi's Old Quarter, Capella brings a "Roaring Twenties" design sensibility to the city — bold, art-deco interiors and a level of individuality that sets it apart from more traditional luxury options nearby.
JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
A sleek, contemporary choice for anyone wanting modern polish over colonial heritage, JW Marriott Hanoi's striking curved architecture has made it a genuine city landmark in its own right, alongside dependably excellent service.
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Set within one of the city's tallest towers, Lotte Hanoi pairs sweeping panoramic views with genuinely opulent, spacious rooms — a strong choice for anyone wanting scale and skyline views alongside five-star comfort.