Flights from Seoul (ICN) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends leafy boulevards, tranquil lakes, and a lively Old Quarter into a city that feels both historic and energetic. You will find French colonial architecture beside narrow shop-houses, with scooters, cafés, and street vendors adding to the city’s distinct rhythm.

What to expect
The city is built around scenic spots such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the West Lake area, with dense neighbourhoods radiating out from the Old Quarter. You can explore shaded streets, hidden courtyards, and relaxed cafés, while nearby districts showcase museums, galleries, and performance spaces.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an excellent base for exploring northern Vietnam, with easy access to destinations such as Ha Long Bay and mountainous highlands. Stay a few days to enjoy the city’s atmosphere, then use it as your gateway to the region’s landscapes, villages, and coastal escapes.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a popular spot for morning exercise, tree-lined paths, and views of small islets and historic structures.

Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets filled with shop-houses, cafés, and stalls, each lane traditionally associated with a particular craft or trade.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Explore a landscaped area of wide squares, grand buildings, and museums that reflect key chapters in Vietnam’s modern history.

Temple of Literature

Visit this former centre of learning, known for its courtyards, stone steles, and peaceful gardens in the heart of the city.

West Lake

Enjoy lakeside promenades, cafés, and viewpoints around Hanoi’s largest lake, a popular place for sunsets and gentle breezes.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire this grand colonial-era building, home to concerts and performances, and a striking landmark when illuminated in the evening.

Train Street area

See a railway line running close to homes and small cafés, in a neighbourhood that showcases Hanoi’s compact, lived-in character.

Ha Long Bay excursions

Use Hanoi as a starting point for day trips or overnight cruises among limestone islands and calm waters at nearby Ha Long Bay.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Many key sights in Hanoi’s centre are within walking distance, especially around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely used, while cyclos and electric carts offer a slower, scenic way to take in the streetscape.

Local life & culture
Daily life often spills onto pavements, with residents gathering on low stools to talk, read, or enjoy refreshment. Traditional shop-houses share space with modern boutiques, and you will notice a blend of long-established trades and contemporary design studios, galleries, and creative spaces.

Where to unwind
Green spaces around Hoan Kiem Lake and the quieter shores of West Lake offer a calm break from busy streets. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for gentle walks, people-watching, or simply resting by the water as the city softens in the cooler light.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for noodle soups, grilled dishes, and fresh herbs served at small street-side stalls and humble eateries. Areas around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake are especially lively, where you can sit on low stools and enjoy quick, flavourful meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across central districts you will find cafés, bistros, and restaurants that reinterpret local flavours and offer international options. Shopping streets and newer lifestyle complexes provide convenient places to dine between sightseeing stops, with menus designed for sharing so you can sample several dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for restaurants and rooftop venues overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, or West Lake. These settings pair thoughtful menus with city views, giving you a memorable way to experience Hanoi’s skyline as it transitions from daylight to illuminated streets.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Hanoi bring together international brands, local designers, and entertainment options under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces provide a comfortable break from the weather and a convenient way to combine shopping, dining, and leisure.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and streets around the Old Quarter offer textiles, accessories, and items made by local artisans. Districts such as Hang Gai, Hang Dao, and areas near Dong Xuan Market are known for fabrics, souvenirs, and independent boutiques that reward slow browsing.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, shopfronts and narrow streets light up, creating a colourful atmosphere around the Old Quarter and nearby walking streets. Night-time brings more stalls, snacks, and open-air activities, and you can easily reach these areas by a short taxi ride or on foot from many central hotels.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild and often cloudy, with average temperatures around 20–24°C (68–75°F). Light showers are common, and blooming trees and comfortable conditions make it a pleasant time for walking tours and exploring lakeside promenades.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 28–33°C (82–91°F). Short, heavy showers help cool the air, and longer daylight hours suit day trips to surrounding countryside, river landscapes, and coastal areas accessible from the city.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and Mùa đông, September to February, low season)
Autumn and winter bring cooler, drier weather, with temperatures usually ranging from 15–23°C (59–73°F). Skies can be hazy, but the more temperate conditions are comfortable for city walks, café stops, and exploring museums and galleries at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions