Flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, serene lakes, and an atmospheric Old Quarter into a city that feels both lively and timeless. You will find French-era architecture beside narrow laneways, with street life unfolding on every corner.

What to expect
The city is compact and layered, with busy scooter-filled streets giving way to quiet lakeside paths and leafy neighbourhoods. Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, you can explore shops, cafés, and cultural sights within easy walking distance.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an excellent starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and the mountains around Sapa. Plan at least a few days in the city before continuing into the wider region.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a peaceful focal point surrounded by shady trees, locals exercising, and historic architecture.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander the maze of narrow streets lined with traditional shop-houses, small cafés, and local businesses full of character.

French Quarter

Discover broad boulevards, grand colonial-era buildings, and cultural institutions in this elegant district south of Hoan Kiem Lake.

West Lake

Escape the bustle with a lakeside walk or cycle, and pause at cafés and viewpoints overlooking the water.

Train Street (viewing areas)

Visit designated viewing spots to watch a train pass close to houses, showcasing a striking side of city life.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk part of this historic bridge for sweeping views over the Red River and the surrounding suburbs.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the exterior of this landmark French-era theatre and explore the refined streets that surround it.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily between central districts by taxi, ride-hailing services, or walking for shorter distances. For a different perspective, try a short cyclo ride around the Old Quarter, and use hotel or major landmark addresses as simple last-mile navigation points.

Local life & culture
Street corners double as gathering spaces, with low stools, coffee spots, and small shops bringing energy to the pavements. Each neighbourhood has its own pace, from the busy Old Quarter to quieter residential streets, giving you many ways to see how locals live and work.

Where to unwind
Hanoi offers calm spaces in its parks and around its lakes, ideal for early-morning or late-afternoon walks. Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and smaller neighbourhood parks give you room to pause, enjoy the shade, and experience the city at a slower pace.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for flavourful noodle soups, fresh herbs, and grilled dishes served at simple street-side stalls. The Old Quarter and streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are packed with local eateries where you can sample classic favourites in an authentic setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find casual restaurants and cafés throughout the city, especially in the Old Quarter, French Quarter, and around West Lake. Menus often feature a mix of local and international dishes, with portions that make it easy to try several plates with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant with rooftop views over the Old Quarter or a lakeside terrace on West Lake. These settings pair carefully prepared dishes with memorable city panoramas, creating a relaxed atmosphere for lingering over your meal.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres around the city bring together international brands, local labels, supermarkets, and dining in one place. They are convenient stops for picking up travel essentials, enjoying air-conditioned comfort, and combining shopping with entertainment.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and neighbourhoods around the Old Quarter are ideal for browsing local products, from textiles to contemporary design pieces. Areas around Hang Gai Street, the French Quarter, and West Lake offer a range of boutiques and studios to explore.

Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, shopfronts and streets in the Old Quarter and central Hanoi stay lively, with illuminated signs and extended opening hours. Many areas remain easy to reach after dark by taxi or ride-hailing services, so you can continue browsing into the evening.

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 light, sometimes misty atmosphere. It is a pleasant time for walking tours, as flowers bloom across the city and outdoor cafés feel especially inviting.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F) and longer daylight hours. Short showers are common, but they also cool the air, and this is a lively period for exploring lakes, shaded streets, and evening outings.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and Mùa đông, September to February, low season)
Autumn starts with comfortable 24–28°C (75–82°F) days, gradually cooling into winter, which can dip to 15–20°C (59–68°F). Skies are often clear or softly overcast, creating gentle light that suits sightseeing, photography, and calm walks around Hanoi’s parks and lakes.

Frequently Asked Questions