Flights from Taipei (TPE) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, lakes, and layered architecture with a lively street scene, creating a city that feels both historic and energetic. You will find elegant colonial buildings beside narrow alleys, and quiet lakeside paths moments away from buzzing cafés.

What to expect
At the heart of the city, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake set the pace, with scooters weaving past shophouses and small parks. Around them, wider districts feature museums, wide roads, and shaded pavements, giving you space to explore at a gentler rhythm.

Plan your trip
Hanoi works well as a standalone city break or as the starting point for journeys to Halong Bay, northern highlands, and coastal towns. With a growing network of hotels and transport links, it is an easy and rewarding base for discovering more of northern Vietnam.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake at sunrise or sunset to enjoy a calm green space framed by historic bridges and leafy trees.

Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses, small cafés, and stalls selling everything from textiles to souvenirs.

French Quarter

Explore grand boulevards and landmark buildings that showcase Hanoi's colonial-era architecture and cultural institutions.

West Lake

Head to the city’s largest lake for waterfront cafés, scenic walks, and wide views over the water and skyline.

Train Street (viewing areas)

Visit designated viewing stretches where trains pass close to homes, offering a dramatic glimpse of city life along the tracks.

Hanoi Opera House exterior

Admire the ornate façade of this early 20th-century landmark, especially atmospheric when illuminated in the evening.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk part of this historic bridge for elevated views over the Red River and a different perspective on the city.

Contemporary art spaces

Drop into small galleries and creative hubs around the city to see how modern Vietnamese artists interpret urban life.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
In central Hanoi, you can reach many sights on foot, with taxis and ride-hailing services useful for longer distances. Cyclos and bicycles offer a slower way to see the Old Quarter, while walking down side streets often reveals quieter corners and small cafés.

Local life & culture
Daily life plays out on pavements, from early-morning exercise by the lakes to friends gathering on low stools outside coffee shops. Each neighbourhood has a distinct feel, from the compact bustle of the Old Quarter to the more spacious, leafy avenues of the French Quarter.

Where to unwind
Lakeside paths around Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake provide gentle routes for walking or jogging, especially pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon. Small parks and gardens dotted through the city offer pockets of shade where you can pause and watch local life go by.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for steaming bowls of noodle soup, fresh herbs, and grilled dishes served on low stools by the roadside. Alleys and side streets around the Old Quarter are filled with small eateries that focus on a few favourites prepared to order.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Hoan Kiem Lake, the French Quarter, and newer districts, you will find cafés, bakeries, and relaxed restaurants offering regional Vietnamese dishes and international options. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can try a variety of flavours in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a different view of the city, choose rooftop terraces or high-floor restaurants overlooking the Old Quarter or West Lake. Many hotels and standalone venues offer refined takes on local cuisine, turning dinner into a chance to appreciate Hanoi’s skyline and city lights.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Hanoi and newer districts bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining. They are convenient places to escape the heat, pick up everyday items, and enjoy a relaxed browse between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Around the Old Quarter, you can explore streets where each stretch once specialised in a single trade, now filled with textiles, décor, and everyday goods. Areas such as the French Quarter and creative districts are good for smaller boutiques showcasing local designers and handicrafts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets become livelier, with bright shopfronts and late-opening stores near Hoan Kiem Lake and in the Old Quarter. Nighttime strolls are an enjoyable way to combine browsing with people-watching, and central locations make them easy to access using taxis or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring mild season (February to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi brings comfortable temperatures of around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and gradually brighter days. Light layers work well as you explore lakes and neighbourhoods, and the city feels fresh with flowers and greenery in many parks and gardens.

Summer warm season (May to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 28–32°C (82–90°F) and longer daylight hours. This is a lively time to enjoy early-morning walks by the lakes, then take breaks indoors during the hottest part of the day before heading out again in the evening.

Autumn and winter cool season (September to January, low season)
From autumn into winter, temperatures usually range from 15–22°C (59–72°F), with some cooler days. Softer light and misty mornings around Hoan Kiem Lake can add atmosphere to your walks, and a light jacket keeps you comfortable when exploring the city on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions