Flights from Dubai (DXB) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, tranquil lakes, and lively streets into a city that feels both historic and contemporary. You will find elegant colonial architecture, charming alleyways, and a welcoming atmosphere that rewards slow exploration.

What to expect
The city is built around scenic lakes and distinct neighbourhoods, from the compact Old Quarter to the graceful French Quarter. Scooters weave through the streets, pavement cafés spill onto corners, and small galleries, boutiques, and cafés create a creative, urban energy.

Plan your trip
Hanoi works well as a stand-alone city break or the start of a wider journey across northern Vietnam. From here, you can easily connect to destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and the highlands around Sapa, using Hanoi as a convenient and characterful base.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a calm focal point of the city with shaded paths and views of historic structures on the water.

Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional shop-houses, small cafés, and busy storefronts selling almost everything.

French Quarter

See grand boulevards and elegant architecture that reflect Hanoi’s colonial heritage, along with cultural venues and quieter streets.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk or cycle across this historic bridge for sweeping views of the Red River and the city’s changing skyline.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

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

Train Street area

Experience the unusual sight of trains passing close to homes and cafés along a narrow railway corridor in central Hanoi.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Explore this former prison complex, now a museum that presents the site’s layered and often poignant history.

Dong Xuan Market

Browse one of Hanoi’s main markets, where stalls offer textiles, souvenirs, and everyday goods under a large covered roof.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Getting around central Hanoi is easiest on foot, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the French Quarter. For longer journeys, use taxis or ride-hailing services, which are widely available, and consider a cyclo ride for a slower, more scenic look at the old streets.

Local life & culture
Much of daily life plays out on the pavements, where people gather to chat, shop, or relax at small cafés. You will notice a strong café culture, a growing contemporary art scene, and quiet residential lanes just a short walk from the busier roads, giving the city both energy and calm.

Where to unwind
Hanoi offers several places to slow down between sightseeing. Join locals walking or exercising around Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning, or enjoy the softer light and cooler air around West Lake in the late afternoon. Green spaces and lakeside paths make it easy to step back from the traffic for a while.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for its vibrant street food, with steaming bowls and freshly prepared dishes served at low stools and shared tables. Look to the Old Quarter and surrounding streets for local favourites and busy stalls that attract residents throughout the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Beyond street food, you will find relaxed eateries, contemporary bistros, and cafés clustered around Hoan Kiem Lake, the French Quarter, and Tay Ho. Many menus mix local and international flavours, and the smaller portions often make it easy to try several dishes across the day.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, consider restaurants set in restored villas, rooftop venues overlooking the Old Quarter, or lakeside spots around West Lake. These settings combine carefully prepared cuisine with memorable city or water views, making them ideal for an unhurried evening.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hanoi offers modern shopping centres for international brands, lifestyle stores, and cinemas, often combined with dining and entertainment. These malls provide a convenient, air-conditioned break from the streets and an easy place to pick up essentials or relax.

Markets & local crafts
For more characterful browsing, explore markets and smaller streets in the Old Quarter, the area around Dong Xuan Market, and parts of Tay Ho. Here you can find textiles, homeware, and locally made crafts, as well as contemporary boutiques showcasing designers from across Vietnam.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central Hanoi’s streets become livelier, with pedestrianised areas on some evenings and more stalls appearing near popular lakes and squares. Night-time is a pleasant moment to window-shop, pick up souvenirs, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, with taxis and ride-hailing services helping you return to your hotel with ease.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring season (Mùa xuân, February to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild, with average temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F) and a light mist on some mornings. Flowers brighten parks and lakes, and comfortable temperatures make it a good time for walking tours and day trips into the surrounding countryside.

Summer season (Mùa hè, May to August, peak season)
Summer brings warmer, more humid weather, with temperatures typically 27–33°C (81–91°F). Short, heavier showers are common, often clearing to bright skies. This is a lively time in the city and suits travellers who enjoy warm evenings and combining Hanoi with coastal or bay excursions.

Autumn and winter season (Mùa thu & mùa đông, September to January, low season)
Autumn and winter feel cooler, with averages from about 15–23°C (59–73°F), and some days dropping lower, especially in December and January. The lighter air and gentler sunlight create clear days for photography and sightseeing, and the city generally feels a little calmer.

Frequently Asked Questions