Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends lakeside calm, tree-lined boulevards, and narrow streets full of life. You will find a city where traditional shophouses sit beside French-era architecture, and where pavement cafes and tiny eateries bring each neighbourhood to life.

What to expect
At the heart of Hanoi, the Old Quarter is a maze of streets dedicated to different crafts, while around Hoan Kiem Lake you can stroll, people-watch, and join locals enjoying the cooler hours. Leafy districts such as Ba Dinh and the wide avenues near the Opera House reveal a quieter, elegant side of the city.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an ideal base for exploring northern Vietnam, with easy access to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and mountain regions to the northwest. Whether you stay in the compact city centre or use it as a gateway to the wider region, you will find plenty of reasons to linger.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a favourite local spot for morning exercise, evening walks, and views of its small island temples.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander the Old Quarter's narrow streets, where traditional shophouses, cafes, and small boutiques create a lively urban maze.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Explore the spacious grounds, grand buildings, and landscaped gardens that reflect an important chapter of Vietnam's modern history.

French Quarter

Admire tree-lined boulevards, grand villas, and the striking Hanoi Opera House in this elegant district south of Hoan Kiem Lake.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Head to Hanoi's largest lake for breezy promenades, waterside cafes, and wide views across the water at sunset.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit this former prison turned museum to gain insight into Hanoi's complex past and the city that grew around it.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk part of this historic steel bridge over the Red River for a different perspective on Hanoi's railways, river traffic, and skyline.

Train Street area

Observe the railway slicing through a tight residential lane, where daily life unfolds just metres from the passing tracks.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
The compact city centre makes walking one of the best ways to explore Hanoi, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer journeys, metered taxis and app-based rides are widely available, while cyclos offer a slower, open-air way to take in the streetscape.

Local life & culture
You will notice how much of daily life happens outdoors, from morning exercises by the lake to pavement coffee and informal gatherings on tiny stools. Each neighbourhood has its own character, from the bustling trading streets of the Old Quarter to quieter residential lanes and creative hubs in converted industrial spaces.

Where to unwind
When you need a break from the traffic, seek out the lakes and parks scattered across the city. Hoan Kiem Lake is ideal for early-morning calm, while West Lake offers cooling breezes and wide skies in the late afternoon. Small pocket parks and shaded boulevards provide easy spots to pause between sights.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for noodle soups, grilled dishes, and fresh herbs served at simple kerbside stalls and tiny shopfronts. Around the Old Quarter and markets near Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find busy morning spots as well as late-night favourites filled with low tables and chatter.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Contemporary cafes and bistros are dotted through the Old Quarter, Hai Ba Trung, and around West Lake, offering everything from local comfort food to international flavours. Menus often feature shareable plates and smaller portions, so you can sample several dishes in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for rooftop restaurants and terraces overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter rooftops, or West Lake's broad waters. Many hotels and restored villas also host refined dining rooms, where thoughtful menus and calm interiors complement the city views beyond.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Hanoi combine international brands, cinemas, and supermarkets under one roof. They are convenient places to find everyday essentials, fashion, and dining in air-conditioned comfort, and often serve as social meeting spots for friends and families.

Markets & local crafts
If you prefer smaller shops, explore the Old Quarter, where many streets still focus on particular trades, from textiles to homeware. Neighbourhoods such as Hang Gai, Nha Tho, and parts of Tay Ho are also known for independent boutiques, galleries, and contemporary local designers.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets grow livelier, with more stalls and late-opening shops, especially on weekends around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. Illuminated storefronts and pedestrianised areas make it easy to browse at your own pace, and central locations are well served by taxis and ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring season (mua xuan) – February to April, shoulder season
Spring in Hanoi brings mild temperatures of around 18–24°C (64–75°F), with some light showers and misty mornings. It is a pleasant time for walking the lakes and Old Quarter streets, with trees starting to green and an overall softer, more relaxed atmosphere.

Summer season (mua he) – May to August, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically 27–33°C (81–91°F) and occasional heavy showers that clear the air. Longer daylight hours suit day trips to nearby countryside and rivers, and you will experience Hanoi at its most energetic, with busy evenings and vibrant street life.

Autumn and winter season (mua thu and mua dong) – September to January, low season
Autumn often brings comfortable temperatures of 20–28°C (68–82°F) and clearer skies, ideal for city walks and photography. As winter approaches, cooler days around 15–20°C (59–68°F) give Hanoi a crisp feel, with lakeside strolls and cosy cafes offering a welcoming way to enjoy the city.

Frequently Asked Questions