Flights from Milan (MXP) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Hanoi, where old streets meet modern energy

Hanoi is a city of tree-lined boulevards, shimmering lakes, and narrow streets filled with life. Motorbikes weave through the Old Quarter, while traditional shophouses hide cafés, galleries, and family-run eateries. Around each corner, you discover a blend of French colonial architecture and distinctly Vietnamese character.

Beyond its busy streets, Hanoi offers quieter pockets where you can slow down. Lakeside promenades, leafy parks, and peaceful courtyards give you space to pause between sightseeing and meals. The city is compact enough to explore at your own pace, yet varied enough to keep you discovering something new each day.

With its creative art scene, evolving food culture, and easy access to spectacular landscapes such as Ha Long Bay and the northern highlands, Hanoi is an ideal starting point for a wider journey through Vietnam.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through winding streets lined with shophouses, markets, and cafés, each area traditionally dedicated to a particular craft or trade.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake at sunrise or in the evening to see locals exercising, socialising, and enjoying the cooling breeze.

French Quarter

Explore broad boulevards, grand colonial-era buildings, and stylish boutiques in one of Hanoi's most elegant districts.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the striking architecture of this historic theatre, and, if time allows, attend a performance to experience its refined interior.

West Lake

Relax beside Hanoi's largest lake, where waterside cafés and promenade paths offer open views and a slower city pace.

Experience the culture of Hanoi

Exploring Hanoi on foot is one of the best ways to connect with the city. Join a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter to learn how different streets became hubs for silk, metalwork, or herbal medicines. Along the way, you can stop at family-run cafés, listen to stories about the buildings, and see how daily life unfolds at street level.

Food-focused experiences are another highlight. Street food tours help you navigate the many stalls and tiny eateries, introducing you to regional specialities and the traditions behind them. Local guides often share tips on how to order, where to sit, and how to enjoy dishes the way residents do, turning each stop into a small cultural lesson.

Beyond the centre, cycling or scooter tours can take you to quieter neighbourhoods along the Red River, craft villages on the outskirts, or green spaces where people gather to exercise in the early morning. Day trips from Hanoi let you see dramatic limestone landscapes, rice paddies, or riverside scenery, offering a refreshing contrast to the energy of the city.

A taste of Hanoi

Hanoi is known for its street-side dining, where low stools, steaming bowls, and lively conversations create a distinctive atmosphere. Small eateries specialise in just a few dishes, often perfected over generations, so you can expect focused menus and confident flavours. Eating here is as much about watching the rhythm of the street as it is about the food.

You will find a rich variety of noodle dishes, grilled meats, and fresh herbs that balance texture and taste. Coffee culture is strong too, with traditional brews, creative local variations, and contemporary cafés sharing the same neighbourhoods. Many places open early, making breakfast on the street a memorable way to start your day.

For a different experience, Hanoi also offers stylish bistros and contemporary restaurants that reinterpret local ingredients in modern ways. Rooftop venues and refined dining rooms provide views of the city skyline or leafy avenues, giving you options for relaxed dinners, special occasions, or quiet evenings after a day of exploring.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Shopping in Hanoi ranges from traditional markets to polished boutiques. In the Old Quarter, you can browse narrow streets devoted to textiles, paper goods, metalwork, and more, while small shops display everything from everyday items to carefully crafted souvenirs. Negotiating the busy pavements becomes part of the experience as you move from one specialist street to the next.

Modern shopping centres and department stores are scattered across the city, offering international brands, local labels, and air-conditioned comfort. These spaces often combine shopping with dining and entertainment, making them convenient stops if you are travelling with family or looking for a break from the heat.

If you are interested in local crafts, look out for shops selling lacquerware, ceramics, handmade accessories, and contemporary art. Many galleries and design studios are clustered in central districts, where you can meet creators or learn the story behind their work. These pieces make meaningful mementos of your time in Hanoi.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (February to April, shoulder season) brings mild weather, with average temperatures around 18–23°C (64–73°F). Light breezes, gentle sunshine, and fresh greenery make it a pleasant time for walking tours, lakefront strolls, and day trips to nearby countryside landscapes.

Summer (May to August, peak season) is warm and humid, with temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Long daylight hours suit early morning explorations, and brief showers refresh the city streets. This period is lively, with busy markets and vibrant evenings in outdoor cafés and along Hoan Kiem Lake.

Autumn and early winter (September to January, low season) are cooler, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Softer light and comfortable days create an inviting atmosphere for cultural visits, coffee breaks, and photography. Cooler evenings are ideal for exploring the Old Quarter and enjoying Hanoi's cosy food scene.

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