A trip to Hanoi is the gateway to northern Vietnam: a thousand-year-old capital with its lakes, its Old Quarter of 36 streets packed with scooters and street kitchens, its pagodas and its colonial-era buildings. Things to do in Hanoi? Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Temple of Literature and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, taste phở and bún chả, watch a water puppet show, then head for Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh. This guide brings together the highlights, the best time to go based on official normals, the budget and practical tips for visiting Hanoi.
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Hanoi at a glance
- Country Vietnam, capital city, in the Red River delta
- Language Vietnamese; English is common in tourism
- Currency the Vietnamese dong (VND) · currencies
- Time zone UTC+7, no daylight saving · details7 h ahead of London and 12 h ahead of New York in winterLocal time now: –:–
- Airports Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN), about 30 km (19 mi) north of the centreCheck current routes with the airlines
- Entry US: visa required (e-visa); UK: visa-free up to 45 days · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Electricity check the plug type with your adapter supplier before you go · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
Safety: what the UK and US governments say
- Crime: violent crime against foreigners is rare, but bag-snatching by thieves on motorbikes is common: hold your bag on the side away from the road (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026). The U.S. Department of State notes that petty crime rises during the Christmas and Tet seasons.
- Traffic: road accidents are a major risk; it is illegal to ride a motorbike without a helmet (GOV.UK), and the U.S. Department of State strongly discourages riding motorbikes or using motorbike taxis.
- Floods and storms: seasonal flooding is common in and around Hanoi, particularly along the Red River; tropical storms normally run from May to November (GOV.UK).
- Air pollution: a significant problem in Vietnam’s major cities, according to the U.S. Department of State: check the air quality index.
- Updates: GOV.UK and travel.state.gov (read on 26 October 2026)
When to go to Hanoi
The best times to go to Hanoi are autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April): 26 to 30 °C (79 to 86 °F) in the afternoon, moderate or light rain and less sticky air. Winter (December to February) is dry but cool and often grey, with 14 °C (57 °F) at night and frequent drizzle in February. From May to September it is the hot, wet season: 33 to 35 °C (91 to 95 °F), more than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rain a month in summer, and a risk of tropical storms.
Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, different from the centre and south of the country. If you are planning a north-to-south tour, March and April are the best compromise for the whole of Vietnam.
When to go to Hanoi: the essentials
- Best periods: October-November and March-April
- Driest: December to February, about 20 mm (0.8 in) a month, but cool
- Hottest: June, average high 34.9 °C (95 °F)
- Wettest: August (274 mm / 10.8 in), then June and July
- Coolest: December and January, about 14 °C (57 °F) at night
- Plan ahead for: Tet (Lunar New Year, late January or February), when many businesses close and transport is overbooked
Hanoi climate month by month
| Month | Avg max | Avg min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 14.1 °C (57 °F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | Moderate (high at Tet) | Medium (high at Tet) | ⚠️ Cool and grey, but dry |
| February | 21.7 °C (71 °F) | 16.4 °C (62 °F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | Moderate (high at Tet) | Medium to high | ⚠️ Drizzle, possible Tet |
| March | 25.9 °C (79 °F) | 20.5 °C (69 °F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | Moderate | Medium | ✅ Mild, warming up |
| April | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | Moderate | Medium | ✅ Pleasant before the heat |
| May | 32.8 °C (91 °F) | 25.0 °C (77 °F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Hot, rains begin |
| June | 34.9 °C (95 °F) | 26.6 °C (80 °F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | Moderate (local holidays) | Medium | ❌ Sticky heat, thunderstorms |
| July | 33.7 °C (93 °F) | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 254 mm (10.0 in) | Moderate | Medium | ❌ Rain and heat |
| August | 33.2 °C (92 °F) | 25.8 °C (78 °F) | 274 mm (10.8 in) | High (European holidays) | High | ❌ The wettest month |
| September | 31.9 °C (89 °F) | 25.0 °C (77 °F) | 228 mm (9.0 in) | Moderate | Medium | ⚠️ Still wet |
| October | 30.4 °C (87 °F) | 22.8 °C (73 °F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | High | High | ✅ Good weather returns |
| November | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 20.0 °C (68 °F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | High | High | ✅ The best month |
| December | 21.3 °C (70 °F) | 13.8 °C (57 °F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | Moderate (high at Christmas) | Medium to high | ✅ Dry, cool |
Hanoi season by season
- Winter (December to February): 20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F) in the afternoon, 14 to 16 °C (57 to 61 °F) at night, little rain but often overcast skies and fine drizzle in February. Accommodation is rarely heated: bring a jacket. It is much colder in the mountains, towards Sapa.
- Spring (March-April): 26 to 28 °C (79 to 83 °F), vegetation returns, rainfall stays moderate (36 mm / 1.4 in in March, 104 mm / 4.1 in in April). A very good time for the city and Ha Long Bay.
- Hot, wet season (May to September): 32 to 35 °C (90 to 95 °F), very humid air, thunderstorms that are often violent but brief. August is the wettest month. Check the weather before sea trips: the UK FCDO says the tropical storm season normally runs from May to November.
- Autumn (October-November): 27 to 30 °C (81 to 86 °F), much less rain (61 mm / 2.4 in in November), clearer skies. The favourite season for Hanoi, Ha Long and Ninh Binh, and so also the most in demand.
Hanoi month by month
January: 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon, 14 °C (57 °F) at night, dry. Pleasant for walking; check the date of Tet, which sometimes falls in late January.
February: 22 °C (71 °F), frequent drizzle. Tet in some years: decorations and flower markets, but shops closed for a few days.
March: 26 °C (79 °F), the warmth returns gently. A good month, little rain (36 mm / 1.4 in).
April: 28.5 °C (83 °F), more rain (104 mm / 4.1 in). Still pleasant, before the big heat.
May: 33 °C (91 °F), the first real downpours. Low prices, but marked heat.
June: 35 °C (95 °F), the hottest month, thunderstorms. Sightsee early in the morning.
July: 34 °C (93 °F), very humid and wet (254 mm / 10.0 in).
August: 33 °C (92 °F), the wettest month (274 mm / 10.8 in). High demand during the European holidays.
September: 32 °C (89 °F), still wet. National Day on 2 September; Mid-Autumn Festival according to the lunar calendar.
October: 30 °C (87 °F), less rain. The best conditions return.
November: 27 °C (80 °F), 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain. The best month for Hanoi and the north.
December: 21 °C (70 °F) by day, 14 °C (57 °F) at night, dry. Quiet until the end-of-year holidays.
The centre and south of the country have different seasons: see our page on the best time to visit Vietnam to plan a north-to-south tour.
Things to do in Hanoi: the highlights
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
In the heart of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake, the « Lake of the Returned Sword », is linked to a 15th-century legend. The red The Huc bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple, on an islet. From Friday to Sunday evening, the streets around the lake become largely pedestrian: families, musicians and street games gather there. It is the best starting point for exploring the centre on foot.
The Old Quarter of 36 streets
North of the lake, the Old Quarter (Phố Cổ) keeps its pattern of lanes where each street was once named after the goods sold there: silk, silver, votive paper, medicinal herbs. Narrow tube houses, communal temples, kitchens set up on the pavement and plastic stools make up the scene. Dong Xuan market, at the northern end of the quarter, is the city’s largest covered market; a night market takes over the neighbouring streets at weekends. Keep your bag and phone on the side away from the road: bag-snatching by motorbike thieves is common (GOV.UK).
The Temple of Literature
Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) housed the country’s first university. You cross several courtyards and gardens to reach the stone steles set on tortoises, bearing the names of those who passed the mandarin examinations. Students still come to pray there before exams. Arrive early to avoid the groups.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The central sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, has remains spanning more than ten centuries: the Đoan Môn gate, archaeological foundations, buildings used by the general staff during the war, with bunkers you can visit. The Hanoi Flag Tower and the Military History Museum are nearby.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda
On Ba Dinh Square, the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies can be visited in the morning, in silence, in suitable dress (shoulders and knees covered), without large bags or cameras inside. It closes on certain days and for a maintenance period each year: check opening times before you go. The neighbouring park includes Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda, rebuilt after 1954.
West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda
West Lake (Hồ Tây), the city’s largest, can be explored by bike or scooter. On a peninsula, Tran Quoc Pagoda, considered the oldest in Hanoi, is particularly beautiful at sunset. The Tay Ho shores are lined with cafés and restaurants popular with expats.
Museums: Hoa Lo, Ethnology, Vietnamese Women
Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French colonial administration, presents the Vietnamese view of prison history, from the colonial era to the Vietnam War. The Museum of Ethnology, slightly out of the centre, is one of the best in the country on the 54 recognised ethnic groups, with traditional houses rebuilt in its garden. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum, near Hoan Kiem Lake, is also very informative.
French Quarter, Opera House and St Joseph’s Cathedral
South and east of the lake, the French Quarter has tree-lined avenues, villas, the Hanoi Opera House, inspired by the Palais Garnier, and the Maison Centrale. West of the lake, the neo-Gothic St Joseph’s Cathedral opens onto a small square lined with cafés. Long Bien Bridge, designed in the colonial era, spans the Red River: you can walk across it.
Water puppets and street food
The Thang Long theatre, by Hoan Kiem Lake, stages water puppet shows several times a day, a traditional art of the Red River delta, accompanied by an orchestra. For food, Hanoi is the city of phở, the beef noodle soup, bún chả, grilled pork served with rice vermicelli and herbs, and cà phê trứng, egg coffee. The stalls most frequented by locals are often the best. The famous « Train Street », where the train passes right by the houses, is subject to changing access restrictions: follow the instructions on site.
Day trips: Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa
Hanoi is the gateway to the north. Ha Long Bay is about 2 h 30 to 3 h away by road; a cruise with a night on board lets you really enjoy it. Ninh Binh and the Tràng An area, a « Ha Long Bay on land » with limestone karsts explored by rowing boat, are about 2 hours away and can be visited in a day or two. Sapa and its rice terraces, further northwest, can be reached by bus in about 5 to 6 hours or by night train to Lao Cai.
Itinerary: suggested routes
Hanoi in 3 days
- Day 1: Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan market, a water puppet show, street food in the evening
- Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda in the morning, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long citadel, sunset at Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Day 3: Hoa Lo Prison, the French Quarter and the cathedral, the Museum of Ethnology or Long Bien Bridge
A week in northern Vietnam
- Days 1 to 3: Hanoi
- Days 4 and 5: Ha Long Bay, with a night on a cruise
- Days 6 and 7: Ninh Binh and Tràng An, back to Hanoi
- Optional: 2 to 3 days in Sapa
For a complete tour, see our Vietnam travel guide: from Hanoi, a domestic flight takes you to Da Nang to visit Hoi An. The north of the country also combines with Laos or Cambodia.
Budget for visiting Hanoi
Hanoi remains very affordable, especially for food and transport. Rough estimates per person per day, excluding flights, converted to US dollars at the European Central Bank rate of 23 October 2026:
| Item | Tight budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared double room) | roughly US$10 to US$30 | roughly US$45 to US$100 |
| Meals | roughly US$10 to US$15 | roughly US$20 to US$40 |
| Local transport (Grab, bus) | roughly US$0 to US$5 | roughly US$10 to US$15 |
| Sights and shows | roughly US$5 to US$10 | roughly US$10 to US$20 |
| Total per day | roughly US$35 to US$55 | roughly US$90 to US$170 |
To cut costs: eat at street stalls, use Grab and city buses, and travel in May or September, accepting the heat and the rain.
Hanoi: for which travellers?
Our verdicts by traveller profile, based on the places, conditions and budget ranges in this guide:
- Culture and history: ideal: the Temple of Literature founded in 1070, the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoa Lo Prison, the Museum of Ethnology and the French Quarter.
- Food lovers: an excellent choice: Hanoi is the city of phở, bún chả and egg coffee, and the street stalls most frequented by locals are often the best.
- Tight budget: very suitable: roughly US$35 to US$55 a day eating at street stalls and getting around by Grab or bus, excluding a Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Couples: yes: sunset at Tran Quoc Pagoda, West Lake cafés, then a night on board a boat in Ha Long Bay.
- Families: possible: pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake at weekends, water puppets, traditional houses at the Museum of Ethnology. The very heavy traffic and the heat from May to September call for care with children.
- Nature and adventure: mainly on excursions: the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh by boat, the rice terraces of Sapa, Ha Long Bay.
- Beach: no: Hanoi has no beach. For the sea, take a cruise in Ha Long Bay or continue to the centre of the country.
Getting to and around Hanoi
- By air: Noi Bai International Airport is about 30 km (19 mi) north of the centre, 45 minutes to 1 hour by road. Taxi, Grab or express bus to the Old Quarter. The UK FCDO notes that if you transfer from an international to a domestic flight in Hanoi, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam.
- On foot: the centre (lake, Old Quarter, French Quarter) is best explored on foot. To cross the road, walk at a steady pace, without running or stepping back.
- Grab: the ride-hailing app for cars and motorbike taxis is the simplest option with the most transparent prices. The UK FCDO recommends pre-arranged transport or official apps such as Grab or XanhSM, and booking your full journey in the app.
- Taxis: metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable (GOV.UK).
- Metro: a few elevated metro lines serve outlying districts, of little use for the tourist centre.
- Scooter: not recommended without experience; the U.S. Department of State says US licences and international driving permits are not valid in Vietnam, and riding without a helmet is illegal (GOV.UK).
- To the rest of the country: domestic flights, the Reunification Express train to Huế and the south, buses and minibuses to Ha Long, Ninh Binh and Sapa.
Where to stay in Hanoi
- Old Quarter: the most practical for a first visit, with a wide choice of hotels and hostels; lively and noisy late at night
- Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the cathedral: central and a little quieter than the Old Quarter lanes
- French Quarter: large hotels and boutique hotels, more spacious avenues
- Tay Ho (West Lake): residential and quiet, popular for long stays, 15-20 minutes from the centre
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026), you need a valid passport and a visa; you can apply online for a single- or multiple-entry e-visa on the Vietnam Immigration website. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, with at least one blank visa page. Check every detail: an error, even a typo in your name, can lead to refusal of entry.
UK citizens
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 21 September 2026), you can visit without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business; for a longer stay, you can apply for an e-visa allowing 90 days and multiple entries. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive and be undamaged. Overstaying can lead to a fine and deportation.
- Health: mosquito-borne diseases include dengue, Zika, malaria and Japanese encephalitis; see a travel health clinic at least 8 weeks before you leave (GOV.UK). International clinics in Hanoi can treat minor illnesses, but serious problems often require evacuation, and hospitals expect immediate cash payment (U.S. Department of State).
- Security: petty crime (bag-snatching, pickpocketing) occurs regularly in crowded and tourist areas (U.S. Department of State). Methanol in drinks has caused deaths, including in licensed bars (GOV.UK). Vapes are banned.
- Weather: during the storm season, follow the forecasts and be ready to postpone a Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Emergency numbers: police 113, fire 114, ambulance 115 (GOV.UK).
Our travel insurance guide helps you choose suitable cover.
Practical tips for Hanoi
- Money: plenty of ATMs; dong amounts have many zeros, so check your notes when paying. Our currency converter helps you get your bearings.
- Haggling: customary at markets, not in restaurants or shops with displayed prices.
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered in pagodas, temples and at the mausoleum.
- Tet: if you travel at this time, book transport and accommodation very early and expect closures.
- Air: the U.S. Department of State describes air pollution as a significant problem in Hanoi, with seasonal smog; people with health conditions should consult their doctor before travel.
- Mobile data: a local SIM card or an eSIM is cheap and essential for Grab and navigation.
Read also
Hanoi has its own seasons: for a complete tour, compare with the best time to visit Vietnam, north to south, and read our page on Vietnam in August if you can only travel in summer. To plan your first days, note the time in Vietnam. Still hesitating between two countries? Our Thailand or Vietnam comparison helps you choose, and our Ha Long Bay guide prepares the most popular excursion from Hanoi.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October-November and March-April: 26 to 30 °C (79 to 86 °F) in the afternoon and moderate rain. Winter is dry but cool (14 °C / 57 °F at night); from May to September it is hot, humid and very wet.
How many days do you need to visit Hanoi?
Two to three days are enough for the main sights. Add two days for Ha Long Bay and one or two for Ninh Binh.
Do I need a visa for Hanoi?
US citizens need a visa (e-visa) and a passport valid six months beyond their planned stay (U.S. Department of State, last updated July 2, 2026). UK citizens can stay up to 45 days without a visa, with a passport valid at least six months after arrival (UK FCDO, updated 21 September 2026).
Is Hanoi cold in winter?
It is cool: about 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 14 °C (57 °F) at night in December and January, with often grey skies and little heating in accommodation. Bring a jacket, and warm clothes for Sapa.
Is Hanoi a safe city?
Violent crime against foreigners is rare, according to the UK FCDO and the U.S. Department of State. In Hanoi, the usual risks are bag-snatching by motorbike thieves and the very heavy traffic.
How do I get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?
By road, in about 2 h 30 to 3 h, by bus, minibus or a transfer included with a cruise. Most boats leave from the piers in Ha Long city; the departure point depends on the route you choose.
Our sources
- Entry, health and safety information read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Vietnam country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Vietnam (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026)
- Climate data: 1991-2020 normals for the Hanoi (Láng) station, published by the Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology (IBST) in standard QCVN 02:2022/BXD
- European Central Bank, euro reference rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion to US dollars)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Vietnam travel guide, the page best time to visit Vietnam, our guides to Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, and our other destinations in Asia. For date ideas, see where to go in November or in March.
