Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Hanoi, where tradition meets a changing city

Hanoi blends lakeside tranquillity, leafy boulevards, and atmospheric alleys into a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. Around every corner you find narrow shophouses, hidden courtyards, and streets that still follow centuries-old trades. Yet there are also modern cafes, galleries, and boutiques that give the city a fresh energy.

The Old Quarter remains the heart of daily life, where scooters weave through market stalls and street kitchens send out the aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, the pace slows as locals stroll, exercise, or sit with a coffee to watch the city go by. Beyond the centre, French-era villas, leafy parks, and wide avenues show another side of the capital.

As the gateway to northern Vietnam, Hanoi also offers easy access to terraced mountains, river valleys, and coastal landscapes. Whether you come for food, culture, or wider exploration, you will find that Hanoi rewards unhurried wandering and an open schedule.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Walk the lakeside promenade, cross the iconic red bridge, and enjoy views of the water in the heart of the city.

Old Quarter

Explore maze-like streets lined with shophouses, market stalls, and cafes, each lane dedicated to a traditional trade.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Discover landscaped grounds, grand government buildings, and museums that trace the country’s modern history.

Temple of Literature

Visit this historic complex dedicated to learning, with courtyards, pavilions, and peaceful gardens full of old trees.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Stroll or cycle along the shoreline, stopping at waterside cafes and enjoying sunset views across Hanoi’s largest lake.

Experience Hanoi’s character up close

One of the best ways to experience Hanoi is on foot, moving from tranquil lakes to lively markets within minutes. Start your day early as the city wakes up, with vendors arranging flowers, produce, and steaming pots of breakfast dishes along the pavements. As you walk, notice the layers of architecture, from traditional tube houses to French-era facades and contemporary glass-fronted buildings.

Guided city tours, whether on foot or by cyclo, can help you understand the stories behind key streets and landmarks. Food-focused tours offer a structured way to sample local dishes while learning how they fit into daily life. For a change of pace, head to West Lake or the city’s parks, where you can join locals for a stroll, photography, or a gentle bike ride.

Hanoi also makes a practical base for day trips and overnight tours into the countryside. You can join organised excursions to river valleys, karst landscapes, or heritage villages, returning in the evening to the city’s restaurants and night-time atmosphere. This combination of urban buzz and nearby nature makes Hanoi a flexible stop on a longer journey.

A taste of Hanoi

Hanoi’s food scene is one of its greatest attractions, with flavourful dishes served everywhere from pavement stools to contemporary dining rooms. Noodle soups, grilled meats, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables come together in simple bowls and plates that highlight texture and balance. You can eat very well by following your senses and choosing busy spots where food is prepared to order.

Street-side eateries offer signature Hanoi specialities cooked right in front of you, from fragrant broths to bowls of vermicelli topped with herbs and grilled toppings. In recent years, more cafes and bistros have appeared, combining local ingredients with global influences and offering relaxed spaces for coffee, brunch, or shared plates.

In the evening, the Old Quarter and areas around Hoan Kiem Lake fill with small restaurants, dessert shops, and drink stalls. Around West Lake and in newer districts, you will find a growing collection of international options and modern rooftop venues. Wherever you choose to dine, take time to enjoy how the city’s food culture spills into every street and gathering place.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Shopping in Hanoi ranges from traditional markets to modern malls, with plenty of independent stores in between. In the Old Quarter, narrow streets specialise in particular goods, from fabrics and fashion to household wares and decorative items. It is an engaging area to browse, even if you are simply enjoying the sights and sounds.

Local boutiques and workshops around the Old Quarter and French Quarter showcase designs inspired by regional craft traditions. Here you can find items such as lacquer pieces, textiles, ceramics, and contemporary clothing, often produced in small batches. These neighbourhoods also have bookshops, galleries, and small concept stores that reward curiosity.

For a more conventional experience, Hanoi’s newer districts feature shopping centres with international and regional brands, as well as cinemas and dining options. Night markets, held on select evenings, bring together clothes, accessories, and souvenirs in a lively setting. Whether you are looking for a single keepsake or a longer browsing session, Hanoi offers many ways to bring a piece of the city home.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring
From March to April, Hanoi’s spring brings mild temperatures of around 20–24°C (68–75°F), with gradually brightening days and flowers in bloom. This shoulder season is popular for walking around lakes and parks, and for exploring the Old Quarter in comfortable weather.

Summer
From May to August, summer is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 28–32°C (82–90°F). This peak season suits those who enjoy long daylight hours, lively evenings, and combining time in the city with side trips to coastal destinations and nearby landscapes.

Autumn
From September to November, autumn sees temperatures ease to about 23–27°C (73–81°F), with clearer skies and pleasant evenings. This shoulder season is well suited to open-air cafes, lakeside walks, and photography, as the light softens across the city.

Winter
From December to February, winter is cooler and can feel crisp, with temperatures typically 15–20°C (59–68°F). This low season offers a calmer atmosphere, ideal if you prefer lighter crowds, cosy cafes, and exploring Hanoi’s museums and indoor attractions.

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