Flights from Guangzhou (CAN) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends leafy boulevards, shimmering lakes, and historic architecture with a lively, modern energy. You can wander narrow Old Quarter streets, pause at tranquil lakeside spots, and discover layers of history in a compact, walkable city.

What to expect
The city is centred around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, with French-era buildings, streetfront cafés, and busy shophouses. Scooters weave through traffic, while quieter neighbourhoods and lakeside promenades offer calmer corners to explore at your own pace.

Plan your trip
Hanoi works well as both a short city break and the starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay and the mountains around Sapa. With an efficient airport and growing transport links, it is an easy gateway to the wider region.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll the tree-lined paths around this central lake, a calm focal point of the city surrounded by cafés and lively streets.

Old Quarter

Explore a maze of narrow streets filled with shophouses, traditional trades, and atmospheric alleyways perfect for walking.

Temple of Literature

Admire elegant courtyards, ponds, and pavilions at this historic site dedicated to learning and classical architecture.

West Lake

Walk or cycle along the shoreline of Hanoi’s largest lake, dotted with cafés and scenic viewpoints over the water.

French Quarter

Discover broad boulevards, leafy streets, and grand colonial-era buildings in this refined central district.

Hanoi Opera House

View the impressive façade of this landmark theatre, a symbol of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Long Bien Bridge

Take in river views and a sense of history as you walk part of this iconic steel bridge spanning the Red River.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hanoi’s compact centre is best explored on foot, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, while cyclos and bicycles offer a slower, more scenic way to take in the streets.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Hanoi plays out on pavements, from conversations over coffee to families gathering by the lakes. Traditional shophouses sit beside newer buildings, and local markets bring colour and sound to many districts, giving you an easy window into the city’s character.

Where to unwind
Lakes and small parks provide welcome green space across Hanoi. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake early in the morning or at dusk for a peaceful walk, or head to West Lake for a longer promenade and broad open views that feel far removed from the busy centre.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for its vibrant street food, with steaming bowls and freshly prepared snacks served from small stalls and shophouses. The Old Quarter and areas around Hoan Kiem Lake are ideal for sampling local favourites in a casual setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed cafés, bistros, and contemporary restaurants across Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and the French Quarter. Menus often combine local and international flavours, and modest portions make it easy to try a range of dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant with views over West Lake or a restored heritage building in the French Quarter. Many venues offer calm interiors, refined menus, and a chance to enjoy Hanoi’s skyline or lakeside scenery while you dine.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls across central Hanoi bring together international brands, local labels, and family-friendly entertainment. They offer comfortable, air-conditioned spaces where you can combine shopping, dining, and leisure in one stop.

Markets & local crafts
For a more traditional experience, explore smaller markets and streets around the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market area, and the French Quarter. Here you can look for local crafts, textiles, homeware, and design pieces that capture the city’s style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets glow with shopfronts, cafés, and night-time activity. Weekend walking zones around Hoan Kiem Lake and neighbouring streets often feel especially lively, and central locations are simple to reach by taxi or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa Xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild and gradually warming, with temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Light mist and soft sunshine create a gentle atmosphere, making it a pleasant time for lakefront walks, café-hopping, and exploring the Old Quarter on foot.

Summer (Mùa Hè, May to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 28–32°C (82–90°F). Days are long, with bursts of rain that freshen the air. It is a lively time to experience Hanoi’s energetic streets and combine your visit with trips to coastal or mountain destinations nearby.

Autumn and winter (Mùa Thu and Mùa Đông, September to February, low season)
Autumn brings cooler, drier days around 22–27°C (72–81°F), while winter can be cooler at 15–20°C (59–68°F). Softer light and calmer weather suit city walks, cultural visits, and lakeside strolls, and the atmosphere feels especially relaxed during this period.

Frequently Asked Questions