Flights from Perth (PER) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, lakes, and historic architecture with a lively street scene, creating a city that feels both intimate and energetic. You will find a mix of traditional shophouses, French-era buildings, and narrow alleyways filled with daily life.

What to expect
The Old Quarter is the city’s heart, where scooters weave past market stalls and families gather around low stools on the pavement. Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter, wide streets, colonial facades, and cultural institutions offer a calmer atmosphere, while districts like Tay Ho feel more residential and relaxed.

Plan your trip
Hanoi works well as both a city break and the starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay and the mountains around Sapa. With a growing collection of hotels and a compact centre, you can base yourself downtown and easily arrange onward journeys across the region.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a favourite place for locals to walk, exercise, and enjoy the cooler air, especially in the early morning and evening.

Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets lined with shophouses, cafés, and market stalls, each lane traditionally associated with a different trade.

Temple of Literature

Explore this historic complex, known for its tranquil courtyards, ponds, and traditional Vietnamese architecture amid the busy city.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Head to the shores of Hanoi’s largest lake for sunset views, waterside cafés, and a quieter contrast to the Old Quarter.

French Quarter

Walk wide boulevards lined with grand buildings, leafy trees, and cultural venues that showcase Hanoi’s architectural heritage.

Train Street (viewing areas)

From designated viewing spots, see trains pass close to houses, giving a sense of how railways weave through the cityscape.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the exterior of this elegant landmark and, if schedules allow, attend a performance for a classic evening out.

Weekend walking streets

Visit on weekend evenings when streets around Hoan Kiem Lake close to traffic and fill with families, performers, and pop-up games.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The central districts of Hanoi are compact enough to explore on foot, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer journeys, use metered taxis or ride-hailing services for point-to-point convenience, and consider cyclos or bicycles for a slower, more scenic perspective in quieter areas.

Local life & culture
Much of Hanoi’s character is found at street level, where you will see families socialising on pavements and small businesses operating from narrow-fronted homes. Early mornings bring tai chi and gentle exercise around lakes, while evenings see pavements transform into lively gathering spaces with stools, drinks, and conversation.

Where to unwind
For a break from the busy streets, circle Hoan Kiem Lake or head to West Lake, where waterside paths and cafés offer open views and cooler breezes. Parks and tree-lined boulevards provide shaded benches during the day, while hotel pools and spas give you a quiet retreat after exploring.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi’s pavements and small shophouses are home to iconic dishes, from steaming noodle soups to grilled skewers and fresh herbs. Areas around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake are ideal for sampling local favourites at simple eateries where you can sit close to the street and watch daily life.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the French Quarter and newer districts, you will find cafés, bakeries, and modern restaurants serving both Vietnamese and international flavours. Shopping centres and mixed-use developments often combine dining and retail, making it easy to try a few smaller dishes across different venues in one outing.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose restaurants with rooftop terraces or upper-floor dining rooms overlooking the Old Quarter or West Lake. Many hotels also offer elegant restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy refined menus and city views in a quieter, more spacious setting.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hanoi’s modern malls bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment under one roof. These lifestyle centres are often air-conditioned havens where you can take a break from the weather, browse, and find convenient dining options in the same building.

Markets & local crafts
The Old Quarter and surrounding streets are packed with shops selling clothing, accessories, and household items, often grouped by trade. Smaller boutiques and studios around streets such as Nha Tho, Trang Tien, and parts of Tay Ho showcase local designers, crafts, and homeware with a more contemporary feel.

Evening retail scene
As the temperature drops, many streets feel like open-air showrooms, with illuminated displays and stalls staying open into the evening. Night markets sometimes appear along central streets at weekends, offering clothes, souvenirs, and snacks, and you can use taxis or ride-hailing services to move easily between different areas.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân), February to April, shoulder season
Spring in Hanoi brings gradually warming temperatures, averaging around 20–24°C (68–75°F), with light mist and fresh foliage around the lakes. It is a pleasant time for walking tours and café-hopping, with a gentle atmosphere and mild humidity.

Summer (Mùa hè), May to August, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F) and occasional showers that quickly clear the air. Longer daylight hours and school holidays make this a lively period, ideal if you plan to combine Hanoi with coastal or bay excursions.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and Mùa đông), September to January, shoulder season
Autumn often brings clearer skies and comfortable temperatures around 22–27°C (72–81°F), while winter can be cooler at 15–20°C (59–68°F). Light layers are useful, and the slightly cooler weather can make city walks and café stops especially enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions