Flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, tranquil lakes, and a lively Old Quarter, creating a city that feels both historic and contemporary. You will find atmospheric streets, narrow shophouses, and leafy parks that invite you to slow down and explore on foot.

What to expect
The city is organised around its many lakes and districts, each with a distinct character, from the busy Old Quarter to the more relaxed West Lake area. Scooters weave through the streets, cafés spill onto pavements, and French-influenced architecture sits beside traditional Vietnamese townhouses.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is a natural starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, including the mountains and coastal landscapes. With good connections to destinations such as Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, you can combine urban discovery with scenic day trips or longer journeys.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a calm landmark surrounded by trees, walking paths, and city life.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets lined with shophouses, small cafés, and stalls selling everything from clothing to souvenirs.

Temple of Literature

Explore this historic complex known for its traditional Vietnamese architecture, courtyards, and gardens.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area

Visit the expansive square and surrounding grounds, framed by imposing buildings and open spaces.

West Lake (Ho Tay)

Enjoy lakeside walks, sunset views, and a mix of modern cafés and local eateries along the shoreline.

Train Street area

See the famous railway line running close to houses and cafés, where daily life unfolds beside the tracks.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk part of this historic bridge for views of the Red River, city skyline, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover exhibits and outdoor displays showcasing the cultures and traditional houses from regions across Vietnam.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around Hanoi by using taxis or ride-hailing services for longer distances and the occasional bus for key routes. In the Old Quarter, walking is the best way to experience the streets, while short cyclo rides offer a slower, scenic perspective through historic areas.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Hanoi flows out onto pavements, where people chat, shop, and sit at low stools by small cafés. Different districts each have their own feel, from the compact, buzzing Old Quarter to the broader boulevards of the French Quarter and the more relaxed lakeside neighbourhoods further out.

Where to unwind
The city offers many places to pause, from the paths circling Hoan Kiem Lake to the peaceful banks of West Lake. Small parks and shaded squares provide moments of calm during the day, while evening walks around the lakes let you enjoy cooler temperatures and illuminated views.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for its steaming bowls of noodle soup, grilled skewers, and fresh herb-filled snacks served from compact stalls. Around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find busy street corners and small eateries specialising in local favourites at almost any time of day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
For relaxed meals, look to the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem, the French Quarter, and the West Lake area, where you will find cafés and restaurants offering both Vietnamese and international dishes. Menus often feature small plates and sharing dishes, making it easy to sample a variety of flavours in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with a balcony or rooftop terrace overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake or the Old Quarter streets below. Along West Lake, waterfront venues offer wider views and a more leisurely pace, ideal for enjoying a long dinner with the city lights in the distance.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls in Hanoi bring together international fashion brands, entertainment, and dining in one place. These larger centres are convenient when you want air-conditioned comfort, easy navigation, and a broad selection of shops for clothing, electronics, and lifestyle items.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and small streets in the Old Quarter are excellent for browsing clothes, accessories, and gifts. Neighbourhoods such as the area around Dong Xuan Market, the French Quarter, and parts of West Lake also feature independent boutiques and craft shops showcasing local designs and contemporary Vietnamese style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter become livelier, with shopfronts and stalls open late. Weekend nights often bring pedestrian-friendly zones and more open-air stands, creating a festive feel, and you can reach these central areas easily using taxis or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mua Xuan), February to April, offers mild weather with average temperatures around 20–24°C (68–75°F) and gradually warming days, making it a shoulder season ideal for walking city tours and lakefront strolls.

Summer (Mua He), May to August, is warm and humid, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F), bringing lush greenery and long daylight hours, and is considered the peak season for lively city energy and nearby coastal trips.

Autumn and winter (Mua Thu and Mua Dong), September to January, bring cooler, sometimes overcast days with averages of 15–23°C (59–73°F), creating a low season that suits slower sightseeing, museum visits, and relaxed café-hopping.

Frequently Asked Questions