Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, atmospheric lanes, and lakeside promenades with a fast-growing modern skyline. You will find a city that feels both energetic and intimate, with rich architecture, layered history, and a strong café culture that invites you to slow down and observe daily life.

What to expect
In the Old Quarter, narrow streets buzz with scooters, small shops, and hidden courtyards, while around Hoan Kiem Lake the pace softens with waterside paths and leafy shade. French-era buildings, tranquil lakes, and contemporary galleries sit side by side, creating a compact city that is easy to explore yet full of variety.

Plan your trip
Hanoi works well for a short city break or as a starting point for journeys to nearby mountains and bays. Many travellers pair time in the capital with side trips to Halong Bay or the northern highlands, using Hanoi as a convenient base with good tour connections and a wide choice of places to stay.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll the lakeside paths, cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and watch the city shift from calm mornings to lively evenings.

Old Quarter

Wander through bustling narrow streets lined with traditional shop-houses, small cafés, and vendors selling everything from local snacks to souvenirs.

French Quarter

Explore wide boulevards, grand colonial architecture, and cultural venues set among shaded trees and elegant buildings.

West Lake

Head to Hanoi’s largest lake for waterside cafés, scenic walks, and sunset views over the water and city skyline.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk along this historic steel bridge for sweeping river views and a different perspective on the city’s everyday rhythm.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the ornate façade and, if time allows, catch a performance in one of the city’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.

Train Street

Visit at designated safe viewing spots to see a train pass close by homes and small cafés along the tracks.

Halong Bay day trips

Join an organised excursion from Hanoi to cruise among limestone islands and calm emerald waters on a day or overnight trip.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hanoi is best explored on foot in central areas such as the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, where streets are compact and full of detail. For longer distances, taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient, while electric carts in some districts offer a relaxed way to see the sights.

Local life & culture
Sidewalks double as social spaces, with residents gathering at low stools for coffee, snacks, and conversations throughout the day. Small galleries, craft shops, and performance venues highlight local creativity, while leafy streets reveal a mix of traditional houses and elegant villas that hint at the city’s layered past.

Where to unwind
Lakes and parks are where the city slows down, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Join locals walking or jogging around Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake, or find a quiet bench beneath the trees. On warm evenings, riverside and lakeside areas become pleasant spots to enjoy the cooler air.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for steaming bowls of noodle soups, fresh herbs, and charcoal-grilled bites served from small family-run stalls. The Old Quarter and neighbourhood streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are ideal for sampling local favourites at any time of day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed eateries, cafés, and international options scattered through central districts and in newer areas towards the west of the city. Many venues offer sharing plates and smaller portions, making it easy to try several flavours in one meal, from local recipes to global comfort food.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant housed in a restored villa, a rooftop venue, or a dining room overlooking a lake. These settings pair thoughtful menus with views of the skyline, leafy streets, or the water, turning lunch or dinner into a special part of your visit.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres across Hanoi bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in air-conditioned comfort. They serve as convenient one-stop destinations if you are looking for fashion, electronics, and everyday essentials in a single location.

Markets & local crafts
In the Old Quarter, narrow streets are often dedicated to specific goods, from textiles to homeware, while smaller markets showcase handmade crafts and souvenirs. Areas around Hoan Kiem Lake and parts of the French Quarter are good for browsing boutiques and galleries that highlight local designers.

Evening retail scene
After dark, streets around the lake and in the Old Quarter become livelier, with illuminated shopfronts and, on certain nights, pedestrian areas hosting stalls and street performers. Night-time is a pleasant moment to browse, take photos, and enjoy the cooler air, with central locations easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi brings mild temperatures of around 20–24°C (68–75°F) with light breezes and occasional mist. It is a comfortable time for walking tours, lakeside strolls, and exploring parks as the city’s trees become greener and flowers begin to bloom.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with typical temperatures from 28–33°C (82–91°F) and short, intense showers that often clear quickly. Longer daylight hours suit day trips to nearby landscapes, and brief rain showers can be a refreshing break during busy sightseeing days.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and Mùa đông, October to February, low season)
From autumn into winter, temperatures usually range between 15–23°C (59–73°F), with cooler evenings and a softer light over the lakes. This period is ideal if you enjoy wearing light layers while exploring museums, cafés, and neighbourhoods at a calmer pace.

Frequently Asked Questions