Flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, shimmering lakes, and historic streets into a city that feels both energetic and deeply rooted in tradition. You will find a mix of elegant architecture, cosy cafes, and lively pavements where everyday life unfolds in the open.

What to expect
The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow lanes, each once dedicated to a particular trade, while districts around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter offer wider streets and grander buildings. Scooters weave past colonial facades, lakeside promenades, and intimate courtyards that give the city a warm, human scale.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an ideal base for exploring northern Vietnam, from the terraced hills of the highlands to dramatic coastal landscapes. With growing transport links and a compact historic centre, you can combine city discovery with easy side trips to surrounding countryside and coastal regions.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this tranquil lake at the heart of the city, where locals gather for exercise, photography, and relaxed evening walks.

Old Quarter

Explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, lined with shophouses, small cafes, and market stalls showcasing Hanoi's traditional trades.

Temple of Literature

Visit this historic complex, known for its graceful courtyards, pavilions, and stone steles honouring scholars from centuries past.

West Lake

Circle Hanoi's largest lake to find leafy promenades, lakeside cafes, and views that open up to the city skyline beyond the water.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the striking facade of this early 20th-century landmark, set among wide boulevards and stylish buildings in the French Quarter.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore detailed exhibits and reconstructed traditional houses that showcase the diverse cultures and lifestyles across Vietnam.

Train Street area

Experience the unusual sight of a railway line running close to homes and cafes, offering a vivid glimpse of urban life.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk part of this historic bridge at sunrise or sunset for expansive views over the Red River and neighbouring districts.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hanoi is best navigated with a mix of walking and short taxi or ride-hailing journeys, especially around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. For a different perspective, consider a cyclo ride through the historic streets, then continue on foot down narrow alleys and around hidden courtyards.

Local life & culture
Much of Hanoi's character is found at street level, where families and friends gather on low stools over drinks, and small shops spill onto the pavement. Neighbourhoods feel distinct, from the lively Old Quarter to calmer, more residential lakeside areas, each showing a different side of the city.

Where to unwind
Pockets of greenery and water offer a welcome break from the busy streets, with Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake inviting relaxed walks and quiet moments by the water. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, when the light softens and the temperature is comfortable for being outdoors.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for steaming bowls of noodle soup, fragrant grilled dishes, and fresh herbs served from modest street-side stalls and family-run eateries. Areas around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake are especially lively, with small spots tucked into narrow lanes and busy corners.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will also find contemporary cafes, relaxed bistros, and international flavours in newer districts and shopping centres. Many venues offer compact portions or sharing plates, making it easy to sample several dishes and mix local tastes with familiar favourites in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, consider dining at rooftop venues or restaurants overlooking lakes and broad boulevards, where views become particularly atmospheric after dark. These settings pair carefully presented menus with a sense of occasion, ideal for marking the start or end of your journey.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres across Hanoi bring together international brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and casual dining. They are convenient places to find everyday essentials, fashion, and entertainment in air-conditioned comfort, especially during the warmest hours of the day.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and traditional markets are where you will discover local designers, textiles, and handicrafts. Districts around the Old Quarter, the French Quarter, and the area near West Lake are good starting points if you are looking for distinctive pieces and gifts to take home.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, many streets remain active with illuminated shopfronts, late-opening boutiques, and informal night-time stalls. Wandering these areas after dinner offers a relaxed way to browse, with taxis and ride-hailing services helping you return easily to your hotel.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, February to April, 18–24°C / 64–75°F, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi brings mild temperatures, light breezes, and a mix of sunny and overcast days. Flowers bloom across parks and lakesides, and walking the city feels comfortable, making it a pleasant time for exploring both historic streets and outdoor spaces.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to September, 28–33°C / 82–91°F, peak season)
Summer is warm and often humid, with higher temperatures and occasional showers that refresh the air. This is a lively period, with long daylight hours for sightseeing and the opportunity to combine your city stay with coastal or highland trips elsewhere in northern Vietnam.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and mùa đông, October to January, 15–22°C / 59–72°F, low season)
Autumn and winter are cooler, with crisp mornings and some misty days that give the city a softer atmosphere. It is a comfortable time for long walks, photography around lakes and boulevards, and relaxed evenings in cafes and indoor attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions