Flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi is a captivating mix of tree-lined boulevards, leafy lakes, and narrow streets filled with scooters and street vendors. You will find a blend of heritage architecture and creative new spaces, giving the city a character that feels both historic and refreshingly modern.

What to expect
Most visitors start in the Old Quarter, where small shophouses, cafés, and boutiques sit alongside traditional trades. Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter, wide pavements and graceful buildings create a more relaxed feel, while districts such as Tay Ho introduce you to a growing arts and café culture.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an ideal starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, with easy access to destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and the northern highlands. Whether you stay in the city or travel onwards, it works well as a gateway that combines urban energy with memorable landscapes nearby.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake in the early morning or evening and watch the city gather for walks, exercise, and people-watching.

Old Quarter

Explore the maze of narrow streets lined with shophouses, cafés, and stalls selling everything from textiles to local snacks.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk a section of this historic bridge for views over the Red River and a different perspective on Hanoi's skyline.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Cycle or walk along the lakeside paths, stopping at cafés and viewpoints that look back towards the city centre.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the grand façade of this landmark building and, if time allows, attend a performance for an evening out.

Train Street area

Visit the neighbourhood where railway tracks run close to homes and small cafés, offering a striking urban scene.

Hoa Lo Prison relic site

Discover a museum space housed in a former colonial-era prison, with exhibits on the city's complex past.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Walk through the archaeological remains and gates of this UNESCO-listed site to learn about Hanoi's historic seat of power.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Many central sights can be reached on foot, especially around the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the French Quarter. For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, while cyclos and electric carts offer a slower way to see the streets. Keep smaller lanes for walking the final stretch.

Local life & culture
Hanoi's pavements are social spaces where daily life unfolds in the open. You will see residents gathering at small pavement stools for coffee, playing board games, and browsing neighbourhood shops. Around the lakes, early mornings and evenings are especially lively, when the heat eases and the city feels more relaxed.

Where to unwind
Lakeside areas like Hoan Kiem and West Lake offer some of the most peaceful corners in the city, with benches and shaded paths where you can pause. Green spaces and small pocket parks are scattered through central districts, providing calm breaks between sightseeing. Sunrise and dusk are particularly pleasant times to enjoy the cooler air.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for steaming bowls of noodle soup, grilled skewers, and fresh herb-filled snacks served from small street kitchens. The Old Quarter and surrounding streets are excellent places to sample local specialities, where you can sit on low stools and watch the constant movement of the city.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Hoan Kiem, the French Quarter, and Tay Ho you will find cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants offering a mix of local and international flavours. Many places are designed for sharing and sampling, so you can try several small dishes in one meal. Shopping streets and modern complexes often have convenient food courts and mid-range options.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, look for restaurants with balconies or rooftop terraces overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, the Red River, or the city skyline. Some restored villas and contemporary dining rooms offer tasting menus or refined versions of local favourites. Reserving an outdoor or window-side table can turn dinner into a memorable view of Hanoi by night.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Hanoi bring together fashion, homeware, cinemas, and family entertainment under one roof. You will find international brands alongside local labels, plus cafés where you can take a break between stores. These complexes work well if you want to combine errands, dining, and leisure in one stop.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller streets are ideal for discovering textiles, ceramics, and design pieces. The Old Quarter is home to many specialist alleys, while districts such as Dong Da and Tay Ho feature boutiques, galleries, and studios. Exploring these areas on foot lets you find independent shops that do not appear on large maps.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets become livelier with illuminated shopfronts and extended opening hours, especially around Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter. Weekend pedestrian zones and pop-up stalls add to the atmosphere, with plenty of places to pause for a drink. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these evening hubs and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild, with average temperatures around 20–24°C (68–75°F) and a mix of sunshine and light showers. Flowers and trees come into bloom, and the city's lakeside areas feel especially pleasant for walking and photography.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, often humid days, with typical temperatures between 28–32°C (82–90°F). This is a lively period for travel to northern beaches and mountains, and longer daylight hours give you more time to explore Hanoi's streets and evening café culture.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and mùa đông, October to February, low season)
From October, temperatures gradually cool to around 15–22°C (59–72°F), and the air can feel crisp, particularly in December and January. Occasional mist creates a softer light over the lakes, and the cooler weather makes it comfortable to visit museums, galleries, and indoor attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions