Flights from Phuket (HKT) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, lakes, and historic architecture with an energetic street scene. You will find a city that feels both timeless and modern, where narrow alleys open onto tranquil courtyards and breezy lakeside promenades.

What to expect
The city centres around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, where traditional shophouses sit beside contemporary cafés and galleries. French-influenced avenues, leafy districts, and bustling scooter-filled streets create a dynamic backdrop to daily life.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an excellent base for exploring northern Vietnam, from the mountains of Sapa to the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. With an increasing choice of hotels, dining, and day trips, you can easily tailor a short city break or a longer regional journey.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll the path around this central lake, a calm counterpoint to the Old Quarter and a favourite spot for early-morning exercise.

Old Quarter

Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses, boutique stores, and lively cafés that showcase Hanoi's street life.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Explore this historic complex with ancient gateways, courtyards, and archaeological remains that trace the city's long past.

Ho Tay (West Lake)

Head to Hanoi's largest lake for sunset views, lakeside cafés, and a more relaxed atmosphere away from the city centre.

French Quarter

Admire grand boulevards and colonial-era buildings, with leafy streets that are ideal for a gentle, self-guided walking tour.

Train Street viewpoint areas

Visit designated viewing spots near the railway for a safe glimpse of trains passing close to houses and café-lined alleys.

Ha Long Bay day and overnight trips

Use Hanoi as your departure point for scenic cruises among Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts and tranquil waters.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily between central districts using taxis, ride-hailing services, and electric carts around the Old Quarter. For a slower, scenic view, consider a cyclo ride through historic streets, then continue on foot down the small alleys and lakeside paths.

Local life & culture
In Hanoi, much of daily life unfolds on the pavements, from morning exercise by the lakes to evening gatherings on low stools. Distinct neighbourhoods reveal different sides of the city, from creative spaces and galleries to quiet residential lanes where time feels unhurried.

Where to unwind
When you need a break, you can retreat to lakeside promenades, leafy parks, or quiet cafés overlooking the water. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly pleasant, with softer light and cooler air that make outdoor walks and gentle exploration more enjoyable.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for its steaming bowls, grilled snacks, and fresh herbs served at simple pavement shops. Around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find numerous spots to sample iconic noodle dishes, savoury pancakes, and aromatic broths.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés, bistros, and casual restaurants are spread across central districts and around West Lake, offering both local and international flavours. Menus often feature smaller plates, making it easy to share and try multiple dishes in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, you can dine in converted villas, rooftop venues, or lakeside restaurants with views of the skyline and shimmering water. These settings pair carefully prepared menus with an atmospheric backdrop, ideal for a special night out in the city.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Hanoi bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These air-conditioned hubs are convenient places to combine shopping with dining and a short break from the busy streets outside.

Markets & local crafts
In the Old Quarter, you can browse small shops and boutiques selling textiles, homeware, and design pieces with a regional touch. Other central districts also feature independent stores and creative studios where you can discover contemporary Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Evening retail scene
After dark, streets around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter become livelier, with illuminated storefronts and extended trading hours. Pedestrian-friendly zones make it easy to wander between stalls and shops, supported by plentiful taxis and ride-hailing services for the journey back to your hotel.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Temperatures usually range from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F), with mild days and fresh mornings. Light showers keep the city green, and comfortable weather makes it a pleasant time for walking tours and lakeside strolls.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to August, peak season)
Expect warm, humid conditions with temperatures between 26°C and 33°C (79°F to 91°F). Occasional showers help cool the air, and longer daylight hours give you more time to explore markets, parks, and nearby day-trip destinations.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu & Mùa đông, September to February, low season)
From around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), days are cooler, with some misty mornings adding atmosphere to lakes and historic streets. This season feels calm and relaxed, ideal if you enjoy brisk walks, cosy cafés, and quieter sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions