Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi combines leafy boulevards, lakeside calm, and a lively Old Quarter into a city that feels both historic and dynamic. You will find French-era architecture, compact streets full of local life, and a café culture that invites you to slow down between explorations.

What to expect
The city is centred around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, where narrow shop houses and scooters define the streetscape. Around them, districts such as the French Quarter and West Lake offer wider avenues, elegant facades, and quieter neighbourhoods that reveal a different side of the capital.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an ideal starting point for journeys to northern highlights such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and the mountain town of Sa Pa. With a growing hotel scene and easy domestic connections, you can base yourself in the city, then branch out to explore the wider region at your own pace.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake at sunrise or dusk to experience Hanoi at its most atmospheric, framed by trees, water, and elegant bridges.

Old Quarter

Wander through a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional shop houses, local vendors, and cafés that open onto the pavement.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Head to this expansive lake district for breezy waterfront walks, modern cafés, and sunset views over the water.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the grand French-inspired architecture of this landmark building, especially striking when illuminated in the evening.

Train Street area

Visit the streets that run close to the railway line to see how everyday city life adapts around the tracks and passing trains.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk portions of this historic bridge for panoramic views over the Red River and glimpses of local markets below.

Weekend walking streets

On weekend evenings, enjoy the pedestrian-only streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, where families, performers, and street stalls gather.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are practical for crossing the city, while cyclos and electric carts in central districts offer a slower way to take in the streets. In the Old Quarter, walking is often the fastest option, so comfortable shoes are essential for navigating narrow pavements.

Local life & culture
Sidewalks double as living rooms, with tiny stools, tea kettles, and board games creating a lively street scene. Early mornings reveal groups practising gentle exercises by the lakes, while small galleries and performance venues show a growing contemporary arts side to the city.

Where to unwind
Green spaces and lakes are central to how residents relax, from lakeside promenades to shady corners in pocket parks. Early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times for a walk by the water, when temperatures soften and the city naturally slows.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for noodle soups, fresh herbs, and grilled dishes served from small streetfront kitchens. Around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem, you will find countless spots to sample steaming bowls, crisp snacks, and sweet treats at almost any time of day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Contemporary cafés and bistros are clustered in areas such as Tay Ho and the French Quarter, where menus pair local flavours with international influences. Food courts and mall dining floors give you an easy way to try several dishes in one place, ideal if you are travelling with a group.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for rooftop venues with views over Hoan Kiem Lake or the Old Quarter skyline. River-facing restaurants and lakefront terraces offer a quieter atmosphere, where you can enjoy regional cuisine alongside expansive city or water views.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Hanoi combine international brands, local labels, and cinemas under one roof. They are convenient places to pick up travel essentials, enjoy air-conditioned comfort, and find a mix of dining options between shops.

Markets & local crafts
The Old Quarter is filled with small boutiques, tailor shops, and speciality streets that focus on items such as textiles, paper goods, or homeware. Areas around Hoan Kiem and the French Quarter add galleries and design stores where you can discover contemporary local brands and crafts.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, certain streets and squares become livelier with pop-up stalls and pedestrian zones. Weekend evenings around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter are especially atmospheric, and public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing services make these central areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mua Xuan, February to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi brings milder temperatures of around 18–24°C (64–75°F) and gradually clearer skies. It is a pleasant time for walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and exploring the Old Quarter, with comfortable conditions and fresh greenery appearing throughout the city.

Summer (Mua He, May to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures often between 28–34°C (82–93°F). Short showers are common and can feel refreshing, and longer daylight hours give you more time to explore museums, cafés, and shaded parks or to take day trips to nearby countryside areas.

Autumn and winter (Mua Thu and Mua Dong, September to January, low season)
Autumn is often mild, around 20–28°C (68–82°F), with softer light and comfortable evenings. Winter can be cool and overcast, from 14–20°C (57–68°F), creating a cosy atmosphere in cafés and museums, and making it an inviting time for city walks in lighter layers.

Frequently Asked Questions