Flights from Philippines to Hanoi (HAN)

Discover Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?

Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, shimmering lakes, and centuries-old architecture with a lively modern energy. You will find a city that feels intimate yet full of unexpected corners to explore.

What to expect

Expect narrow Old Quarter streets filled with scooters, French-influenced buildings around Hoan Kiem Lake, and calmer neighbourhoods by West Lake. Hanoi moves quickly, but its lakeside promenades and parks offer a softer, slower side.

Plan your trip

Hanoi is a natural starting point for journeys to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and northern highlands such as Sapa. Plan at least a few days to enjoy the city before heading out to explore the wider region.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, then dive into the Old Quarter’s maze of streets for traditional shop-houses, cafés, and everyday city life.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex

Explore the vast landscaped grounds, stately government buildings, and stilt house set among gardens that tell the story of modern Vietnam.

Temple of Literature

Wander through serene courtyards, ancient stone steles, and pavilions in Vietnam’s historic centre of learning, a calm refuge from the busy streets.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Head to Hanoi’s largest lake for relaxed waterfront walks, rooftop cafés, and sunset views over the water and city skyline.

Train Street area

See how local life closely hugs the railway tracks, where homes, small cafés, and everyday routines sit beside passing trains.

Halong Bay day and overnight trips

Use Hanoi as your base for boat cruises through Halong Bay’s limestone islands, with options from day trips to overnight stays on the water.

Ninh Binh and the Trang An landscape

Take a day trip to Ninh Binh for boat rides among karst cliffs, rice fields, and caves, often called an inland version of Halong Bay.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

In central Hanoi, you can walk between many key sights, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer distances, metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient, while cyclos or bicycles offer a slower way to see the streets; keep small lanes for walking the final stretch.

Local life & culture

Cafés spill onto pavements, and low plastic stools line street corners where friends gather for conversation. Early mornings bring joggers to the lakes and group exercise in parks, while evenings see families and young people filling pedestrian streets around the Old Quarter.

Where to unwind

Relax with a quiet walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, when the city is cool and calm, or find a lakeside spot in West Lake to watch the sunset. Tree-lined boulevards in the French Quarter and small neighbourhood parks also offer shade and a slower pace.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties

Seek out steaming bowls of noodle soup, grilled meats, and fresh herbs in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Small local eateries and street-side stalls are where many of Hanoi’s classic dishes are found.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Discover cafés and bistros in Tay Ho, the French Quarter, and newer districts, where Vietnamese flavours sit alongside international favourites. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can sample several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining

For a special evening, choose a restaurant in the French Quarter or by West Lake that offers city or waterfront views. Rooftop venues near Hoan Kiem Lake also pair memorable skyline vistas with refined takes on local and international cuisine.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Modern shopping centres across the city bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment, making them easy one-stop options for an afternoon indoors.

Markets & local crafts

Explore Old Quarter streets and local markets for textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods, while areas around the French Quarter and Tay Ho offer boutique shops and design-forward studios.

Evening retail scene

At night, central streets and selected market areas fill with more colour and light, and some become pedestrian zones on weekends. Taxis and ride-hailing services make these night-time shopping and strolling spots easy to reach.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (March to April) in Hanoi is a shoulder season, with mild weather, temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F), and light humidity as the city emerges from winter. Summer (May to August) is the peak season, bringing hot, humid days with temperatures often between 28–35°C (82–95°F), occasional heavy showers, and longer daylight hours. Autumn and early winter (September to December) are a shoulder season, with cooler, drier air, temperatures around 18–26°C (64–79°F), and clearer skies that are ideal for walking the city and visiting nearby landscapes.

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