Explore Hanoi
Plan Your Trip to Hanoi: Best of Hanoi Tourism
Essential Hanoi
Traveler Guides
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Hanoi Is Great For
Tranquil pagodas and temples
Educational and cultural museums
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Hanoi



In the words of those who've been there before ...



What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
The main international airport is Noi Bai Airport which is located in the Soc San District of Hanoi. This district is approximately thirty miles from downtown Hanoi. Upon arrival, visitors can either take a taxi or have the hotel transport pick them up to take them to their hotel destination.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Hanoi from overseas, visit the Vietnamese Immigration Department website to see if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn and Spring: In autumn (around September to November) and Spring (in March and April), Hanoi’s weather is at its best. In winter, Hanoi is quite cold with temperatures falling below 10ºC (50ºF). In summer, things get hotter, with temperatures averaging around 28-35ºC (82º-95ºF). Hanoi has high humidity year-round. Check out this comprehensive tip sheet with what to expect.
Private car
Visitors often opt to rent a private car (and driver) when arriving at the airport in Hanoi. This is considered to be an efficient and inexpensive form of transportation. Car rental companies assign drivers as guides to assist visitors in getting around the area. This is a standard procedure and a common way for visitors to get in and out of the city after arriving in Hanoi. Having a private car hire and driver is a good way to become acquainted with Hanoi and the surrounding area.
Motorcycle hire
For those interested in motorcycle hire, it's important to note that traffic patterns and driving styles are much different than what foreigners are used to in their home countries. If you are planning to pilot your own vehicle, be warned that all of Vietnam is a "motorbike society,” and as such motorbike driving follows Vietnamese patterns that visitors are not used to. It could be considered alien, random, chaotic, or insane to the western visitor. Even drivers in big trucks and buses drive as if they were sitting on top of a small nimble motorbike. You may want to seriously reconsider driving your own vehicle, at least until you have a good understanding of the local rules.
Walking
Visitors should also know that, upon getting into downtown Hanoi, it is relatively easy to get around on foot. Visitors should feel free to save their money for tours and walk around instead of renting a car or motorbike.
More tips on getting around Hanoi here.
Get more tipping tips here.
Are there local customs I should know?
Here’s a great overview of customs and etiquette in Vietnam generally.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Hanoi, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Hanoi include:
- Hanoi is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Hanoi:
- Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike
- BEST SELLER- 2 Day/1 Night Cruise with All-Inclusive in Halong
- Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch
- Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi
- CozyBay Cruise-The Best Small Group 2D/1N inHalong-All inclusive
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Hanoi between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between September and November.