Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, shimmering lakes, and narrow alleys into a compact and characterful capital. You will find historic architecture, lively street corners, and a relaxed pace that invites you to slow down and explore on foot.

What to expect
The Old Quarter is a maze of shophouses, pavement life, and scooters, while around Hoan Kiem Lake the atmosphere feels more open and reflective. French-era buildings, shaded parks, and countless cafes create an easy rhythm, with modern districts adding hotels, offices, and contemporary culture.

Plan your trip
Hanoi works well as both a short city break and the starting point for a longer journey through northern Vietnam. From here, you can easily connect to destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and mountain regions, making the city a practical and rewarding base.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll the pathways around this central lake, a scenic focal point for morning exercise, evening walks, and people-watching.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets lined with shophouses, small cafes, and busy storefronts that reveal the city’s everyday life.

Temple of Literature

Explore this well-preserved complex known for its tranquil courtyards, traditional architecture, and historic significance.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk or cycle part of this historic bridge for views over the Red River and a different perspective on the city’s skyline.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Head to Hanoi’s largest lake for breezy promenades, waterside cafes, and sunset views over the water.

French Quarter

Admire grand boulevards and colonial-era facades, with cultural venues and hotels set among leafy streets.

Train Street area

Visit the neighbourhood around the railway line, where narrow homes and small cafes sit close to the passing trains.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Walk through the remains of this former seat of power, with historic gates, excavated relics, and open lawns.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hanoi is best explored with a mix of walking and short rides by taxi or ride-hailing services for longer distances. The city’s newer metro lines and buses connect key areas, while cyclos and bicycles provide slower, more scenic journeys through the Old Quarter’s compact lanes.

Local life & culture
You will notice daily life spilling onto pavements, where residents gather at low stools to talk, sip coffee, or play board games. Each neighbourhood has its own character, from traditional trades in the Old Quarter to more contemporary, creative spaces in developing districts around the city.

Where to unwind
Lakeside paths at Hoan Kiem and West Lake offer calm spaces for a morning walk or an evening breeze. Parks and leafy boulevards give you a chance to pause between sightseeing, and sunrise or sunset are ideal times to enjoy their softer light and cooler temperatures.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for noodle soups, grilled dishes, and fresh herbs served at small, open-front eateries. Busy streets in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake are filled with stalls where you can sit on low stools and watch the city go by as you eat.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafes and restaurants are spread through central districts, often clustered along main roads or in small shopping centres. Menus frequently mix local and international flavours, with modest portions that make it easy to sample several dishes during one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for rooftop venues overlooking the Old Quarter or West Lake, where you can pair your meal with city views. Riverside and lakeside restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere, making them a pleasant choice for a slower, more scenic dining experience.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hanoi has several modern malls that bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and casual eateries under one roof. These centres double as social spaces, giving you a comfortable, air-conditioned place to shop and meet friends or family.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and small streets in the Old Quarter are popular for textiles, souvenirs, and everyday items. Neighbourhoods near Hoan Kiem, parts of the French Quarter, and areas around West Lake host boutiques and craft shops where you can find more design-led pieces.

Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, shopfronts stay open and certain streets become livelier, with bright lights and a gentle buzz of activity. Weekend walking streets and night markets near the Old Quarter create a relaxed, festive atmosphere, and you can reach them easily by taxi or public transport.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mua Xuan), March to April, shoulder season
During spring, temperatures sit around 20–25°C (68–77°F), with mild days and fresher evenings. Light humidity and soft light make it pleasant for walking around lakes and exploring the Old Quarter, with flowers and greenery adding colour across the city.

Summer (Mua He), May to September, peak season
Summer brings warmer weather, with averages between 28–32°C (82–90°F) and higher humidity. Short showers are common, often followed by bright skies, and this season suits travellers who enjoy long daylight hours and the lively energy of Hanoi’s streets.

Autumn and winter (Mua Thu and Mua Dong), October to February, low season
Autumn and winter are cooler, ranging from 15–23°C (59–73°F), and can feel crisp, especially in the evenings. Skies are often hazy but atmospheric, and the gentler temperatures make city walks, park visits, and day trips into the surrounding countryside comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions