Flights from Colombo (CMB) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends lakeside calm, leafy boulevards, and a lively Old Quarter into one distinctive city. You will find a mix of graceful colonial architecture and narrow shop houses, with tree-lined streets that feel both historic and energetic.

What to expect
The city moves at a gentle but constant pace, with scooters flowing past cafés, small shops, and street corners. Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter, you can walk between cultural sights, parks, and galleries, while the Old Quarter offers a denser, more intimate atmosphere.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is a natural starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, including bays, mountains, and rural landscapes. With a growing choice of hotels, tours, and day trips, you can use the city as a comfortable base while discovering the wider region.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a green oasis framed by trees, historic structures, and a relaxed promenade.

Old Quarter

Wander the maze of narrow streets packed with small shops, traditional houses, and lively local activity.

French Quarter

Admire broad boulevards, grand buildings, and shaded pavements that reflect Hanoi’s colonial-era architecture.

West Lake

Walk or cycle along the shoreline of Hanoi’s largest lake, dotted with cafés and scenic viewpoints.

Train Street area

Watch trains pass through a tightly packed residential lane, where daily life unfolds right beside the tracks.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore well-presented exhibits and life-sized traditional houses that showcase the country’s cultural diversity.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Discover layered archaeological remains and historic buildings at this former seat of regional power.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Many central sights are close together, so you can walk between the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the French Quarter. For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient, while cyclos offer a slower, scenic way to see the streets.

Local life & culture
Sidewalks double as meeting places, with people gathering at low stools and small tables throughout the day. You will notice a strong café culture, small galleries, and family-run shops, which together create Hanoi’s intimate, neighbourhood feel.

Where to unwind
Parks and lakesides are popular for gentle exercise, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. You can join residents walking or stretching around Hoan Kiem Lake, or seek a quieter break in shaded gardens and small green squares scattered through the city.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for comforting noodle soups, fresh herbs, and grilled dishes served from small kitchens at street level. The Old Quarter is a good place to sample long-standing favourites, with many places focusing on just one or two crowd-pleasing recipes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Hoan Kiem Lake, the French Quarter, and West Lake, you will find relaxed bistros, cafés, and contemporary eateries. Menus often blend local flavours with international influences, with smaller portions that make it easy to share and try several dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For an elevated evening, choose a rooftop restaurant or bar with views over Hoan Kiem Lake or the city skyline. Many venues combine carefully prepared dishes with floor-to-ceiling windows or terraces, creating a memorable setting for a leisurely meal.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Hanoi bring together international brands, local labels, and entertainment under one roof. They are convenient places to escape the heat, pick up essentials, and enjoy cafés or cinemas between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
The Old Quarter and nearby streets are known for small shops selling textiles, accessories, and contemporary craft items. Areas such as Dong Xuan Market, Hang Gai Street, and Nha Tho Street are good starting points for browsing local creations.

Evening retail scene
After dark, parts of the Old Quarter transform into lively walking streets with illuminated shopfronts and roadside stalls. Weekends are especially busy, with more vendors and performances, and central pedestrian zones remain easy to reach using taxis or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring season (mua xuan, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild and often slightly humid, with average temperatures around 20–24°C (68–75°F). Blossoming trees and comfortable daytime conditions make it pleasant for walking tours and lakeside strolls.

Summer season (mua he, May to September, peak season)
Summer brings warmer weather, with typical temperatures of 28–32°C (82–90°F) and occasional short showers. Longer daylight hours allow you to explore early in the morning, then take breaks in shaded parks, cafés, or air-conditioned museums.

Autumn and winter season (mua thu and mua dong, October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are cooler, with average temperatures of 15–22°C (59–72°F) and drier, calmer days. Light layers are usually enough, and the softer light and lower humidity can make city walks especially enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions