Hanoi is a bustling city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Located in the north of Vietnam, it is a city of culture, history, and beauty where you can find a mix of traditional and modern influences.
Also known as “Paris of the East,“ this city throws at its visitors hundreds of cafes and rooftop venues, all perched on the bustling streets filled with vibrant life and everyday business. Hanoi offers ancient temples, colonial architecture, unique cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife, thriving music scene, and art hub.
No matter what one looks for, Hanoi is sure to offer something to everyone.
Bucket List
What to expect
Vietnam Info & Stats
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language.
- Population: 97 million (2019 est.)
- Timezone: UTC +7
- Political System: Socialist Republic
- Ethnic Groups: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, various mountain groups
- Religions: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, and Muslim
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars are widely accepted
- Credit cards: Generally always accepted.
- Electricity: 220 volt / 50 hertz (NEMA 1-15, Europlug, BS 1363, Schuko)
- Tipping Customs: Not expected, but appreciated
- Haggling Culture: Common in markets and street stalls
Weather
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the city, with a drier climate and more tolerable temperatures.
In winter (and in autumn and spring during the night), the temperatures drop sharply which creates a chilly feeling because of the ever-present humidity.
During my visit in March, the weather was nice and relatively cool. Although it was always cloudy and there was a light drizzle of rain on one day, walking around the city was enjoyable because of the relatively low temperature, which did not create the steam bath effect of many East Asian cities.
Money
The currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
The exchange rate from US dollars is 1 USD = 24,585 VND.
Credit Cards cash is preferred but credit cards are also accepted in many places. ATMs are quite common so it is better to withdraw cash and pay with it rather than plastic.
Prices: Generally speaking Vietnam is a poor country and prices are low. Hanoi is a touristic city so prices are raised accordingly but it can be easily visited without breaking the bank.
Tipping: The more east one moves, the less tips are expected, to the point of being refused. Vietnam is no different and in general does not have a tipping culture.
Getting around
Grab is widely used as in many areas in Southeast Asia.
If you do not plan to take long day tours to the regions surrounding the city and stick to the city center, Hanoi can be easily explored by walking around its streets. The town is mostly flat and apart from the classical chaotic street traffic, it is very enjoyable to explore the nooks and crannies of the city.
Cycle rickshaws are widely available as are many motorbikes which are useful to travel short distances.
Safety
Safety: Hanoi is a very safe city. There are plenty of police and army personnel around the major tourist areas. Given the chaotic streets, pickpocketing is a concern, and there is a higher risk compared to other destinations when talking about transport, such as taxi cabs but it is limited to overpricing scams and rigged meters. In many places, it is preferable to not go out alone at night.
Natural risks: The biggest risks are typhoons and floods during the monsoon season.
Emergency numbers: 113 (police), 114 (fire dep.), 115 (medical)
Tips & Impressions
- I arrived in Hanoi at 4 in the morning and did not sleep on the plane. My first day walking around was in a zombie-like or dream-like state. This all contributed to the stark contrast with my previous stop, which was India. The relative silence and order were almost shocking. Walking around the city center and seeing all the shops open and cleaning the pavement in front of their doors was a strong contrast with the generally more chaotic and unhygienic state of Delhi or Jaipur.
- I soon realized that I had arrived the day before a 3-day tourism festival in the city. By the next day, the city was completely transformed, both in terms of stands, exhibitions and people. By the third day, the entire city almost did not seem Asian with so many foreign visitors.
Deals for Hanoi
Where to stay
Luxury
Boutique & Eco-friendly
Budget & Local experience
Travelogue
I arrived in Hanoi early at 5 and immediately went to have Pho for breakfast. I snuck through some gated areas to have at least a coffee in the iconic train street before being sent away by the police and then spent the rest of the morning walking around the city visiting the major attractions while stopping in as many coffee places as possible trying all the delightful drinks.
The next day I visited more of the city, immersed in the chaotic bustling traffic. Hanoi might be on par with bangkok when it comes to that feeling of being in a hive when walking through the streets. At the beautiful temple of literature there were a series of school graduation ceremonies and the place was swarming with classes of school children. the dichotomy between the strict etiquette and almost military order that was required from them and their natural joyful and playful nature on that celebration day was intriguing.
Accommodation
My accommodation was La Sinfonía Citadel hotel and Spa, a wonderful hotel right in next to the iconic train street. Staff is excellent, rooms surprisingly incredibly quiet allowing to keep out the incessant traffic noise of the bustling city. the hotel has also a great rooftop bar with experienced barmen which overlooks the city.
