Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi combines tree-lined boulevards, lakes, and historic architecture with a lively street scene that feels both energetic and intimate. You will find tucked-away cafés, narrow alleyways, and a calm, reflective side around its lakes and shaded parks.

What to expect
The city centres on the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, where scooters weave through colonial-era buildings and small shopfronts. Around West Lake, broader streets and embassies give a more spacious feel, while newer districts offer contemporary hotels, offices, and shopping.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is a rewarding base for exploring northern Vietnam, with easy access to destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and the northern highlands. Many travellers spend several days in the city before heading into the surrounding countryside, then return to Hanoi for dining and last-minute shopping.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, especially in the early morning or evening, to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and views of its small island temple.

Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses, small cafés, and local boutiques that reveal Hanoi's historic trading heart.

West Lake

Head to West Lake for a scenic lakeside walk, waterside cafés, and sunset views across Hanoi's largest urban lake.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit this historic site to learn about Hanoi's complex past through preserved buildings, exhibits, and personal stories.

French Quarter

Explore wide boulevards and elegant architecture in the French Quarter, home to cultural venues and grand public buildings.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk part of this historic iron bridge for sweeping views over the Red River and a different angle on city life.

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the impressive façade of the Opera House and, if time allows, attend a performance or guided visit inside.

Train Street area

Visit the neighbourhood near the railway line, where trains pass close to homes and cafés, for a memorable urban photo stop.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can explore central Hanoi mainly on foot, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, where distances are short. For longer trips, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely used, while cyclos and bicycles offer a slower, more scenic perspective for short rides.

Local life & culture
Daily life often plays out on the pavements, with people gathering on low stools to chat, drink coffee, or watch the traffic flow. Each neighbourhood has its own character, from older trading streets with specialist shops to quieter residential lanes edged with leafy trees and corner cafés.

Where to unwind
Lakeside paths around Hoan Kiem and West Lake provide calm spaces for walking or sitting on a bench with a drink. Early mornings and late afternoons are popular for gentle exercise, including tai chi and jogging, when the air is cooler and the light is soft over the water.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for noodle soups, grilled dishes, and fresh herbs served from simple street stalls and small local eateries. The Old Quarter and surrounding streets are full of places where you can sit on low stools and enjoy freshly prepared dishes in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find a wide range of cafés and mid-range restaurants in central districts, offering everything from local cuisine to Asian and Western favourites. Modern dining areas in newer neighbourhoods and shopping centres are convenient if you want air-conditioned comfort and a variety of options in one place.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, book a restaurant with views over a lake, a rooftop terrace in the Old Quarter, or a venue inside a restored historic building. Many hotels also offer refined dining rooms where you can pair carefully prepared menus with quiet, attentive service.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Hanoi bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and casual dining in one space. They offer a comfortable, air-conditioned environment and are popular with families and friends meeting at weekends.

Markets & local crafts
In and around the Old Quarter, smaller shops and markets sell clothing, homeware, and crafts that make practical souvenirs. Streets in the French Quarter and around West Lake feature independent boutiques, art galleries, and design studios where you can discover more individual pieces.

Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, many streets grow busier with lit shopfronts, food stalls, and open-air vendors creating an energetic atmosphere. Nighttime is a pleasant moment to browse, combine shopping with a relaxed drink, and enjoy the cooler air, with taxis and ride-hailing services making it easy to return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild, with average temperatures around 20–24°C (68–75°F) and a mix of sunshine and light showers. Trees and lakeside areas feel fresh and green, making it a pleasant time for walking and sightseeing.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 28–34°C (82–93°F) and more frequent rain showers, often in short bursts. Longer daylight hours and school holidays make this a popular period for combining Hanoi with coastal or highland escapes.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and Mùa đông, October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter bring cooler, drier days, with temperatures from 15–23°C (59–73°F), sometimes dipping lower in the evening. The softer light and calmer air create a gentle atmosphere that suits lake walks, café visits, and exploring Hanoi's historic districts at an unhurried pace.

Frequently Asked Questions