Flights from Siem Reap (SAI) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends historic streets, tree-lined boulevards, and serene lakes with a fast-changing modern skyline. You will find quiet courtyards beside lively cafés, and artisan shops set among traditional shophouses and contemporary galleries.

What to expect
At the heart of the city, the Old Quarter offers narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, and a constant buzz of scooters. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, wide pavements and shaded benches offer a calmer pace, while districts such as Ba Dinh and Tay Ho reveal broad avenues, lakeside walks, and embassies.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is a rewarding base for exploring northern Vietnam, with easy access to destinations such as Ha Long Bay and the mountain landscapes around Sapa. With a compact centre and growing transport links, it is straightforward to combine city discovery with wider regional journeys.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll the shaded paths around this central lake, especially early in the morning or evening when it becomes a favourite place for walkers and street performers.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through a maze of narrow streets lined with shophouses, cafés, and small workshops that showcase the city’s traditional trades.

French Quarter

Admire grand boulevards, colonial-era architecture, and elegant façades that reflect Hanoi’s historic European influence.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Explore this expansive urban lake, popular for lakeside cafés, relaxed strolls, and sunset views over the water.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk part of this historic bridge for open views of the Red River and a different perspective on Hanoi’s daily life.

Train Street area

Watch trains pass through a narrow residential lane, and observe how the community adapts to the railway’s tight schedule.

Mosaic Mural along Yen Phu

Follow sections of the long ceramic mural that decorates the dike road, depicting colourful scenes from across the country.

Lakeside parks in Ba Dinh

Relax in quiet green pockets and tree-lined paths that offer a calm contrast to Hanoi’s busier streets.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hanoi’s core areas are compact enough for walking, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, while cyclos and bicycles offer a slower, more scenic way to explore. Many streets have narrow pavements, so allow extra time for short walks.

Local life & culture
Sidewalks double as social spaces, with residents gathering at small plastic stools for coffee or tea throughout the day. You will notice contrasts between older neighbourhoods, where traditional homes and markets dominate, and newer areas with modern apartments and creative studios. Small galleries and cultural spaces often host exhibitions, talks, and performances.

Where to unwind
Lakes such as Hoan Kiem and West Lake provide natural focal points for a quiet break from traffic. Early mornings are ideal for gentle walks, stretching, or simply watching local exercise groups. In the evening, many lakeside paths are softly lit, making them pleasant spots to enjoy a cooler breeze and a calmer side of the city.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for noodle soups, grilled dishes, and fresh herbs served at simple eateries and street-side stalls. The Old Quarter and streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are dotted with vendors, where you can sit on low stools and watch the city move past as you eat.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés, bistros, and casual restaurants are spread across districts like Tay Ho and the French Quarter, offering both local and international flavours. Many menus feature smaller dishes and shared plates, so you can sample a variety of tastes in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can dine in converted villas, rooftop venues, or restaurants set in historic buildings. Some offer views over lakes, leafy avenues, or the skyline, turning a meal into an atmospheric way to experience the city after dark.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hanoi’s shopping centres combine international brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment under one roof. You will find clothing, electronics, and lifestyle stores in bright, air-conditioned spaces that provide an easy break from the heat and traffic outside.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and small streets around the Old Quarter are known for textiles, accessories, and everyday goods. Areas such as Hang Gai, Nha Tho, and parts of Tay Ho offer boutiques with locally designed fashion, homeware, and art pieces that make meaningful souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
As the temperature drops, many shopping streets and small markets become livelier, with bright signs and window displays lighting up the pavements. Night-time is a comfortable moment to browse for clothing, keepsakes, or simple snacks. Central areas are well served by taxis and ride-hailing services, making evening shopping easy to fit into your plans.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mua Xuan, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi brings mild temperatures of around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and light, occasional showers. Flowers bloom across parks and lakeside areas, and the softer light makes it a comfortable time for walking tours and outdoor photography.

Summer (Mua He, May to August, low season)
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 28–34°C (82–93°F). Short, heavy showers are common, often followed by clear skies. This is a vibrant time in the city, with long daylight hours and a lively café culture that stretches into the evening.

Autumn and winter (Mua Thu and Mua Dong, September to February, peak season)
From September, temperatures gradually cool to around 15–25°C (59–77°F), with drier, clearer days that are ideal for city exploration. In the coolest months, you may experience misty mornings and crisp evenings, adding a distinctive atmosphere to Hanoi’s lakes and tree-lined streets.

Frequently Asked Questions