Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, tranquil lakes, and narrow Old Quarter streets into a city that feels both historic and energetic. You will find French-era architecture, traditional shophouses, and a dynamic café culture sitting comfortably side by side.

What to expect
The city is centred around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, where scooters weave through tiny lanes and small shops spill onto the pavements. Around them, broader districts such as Ba Dinh and the French Quarter offer spacious avenues, museums, and cultural venues that shape everyday life.

Plan your trip
Hanoi works well as both a short city break and the starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay and mountain regions. With a compact core, a growing metro and ride-hailing services, you can experience a lot in a few days before continuing your journey through the region.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake at sunrise or sunset to experience a calm, scenic side of Hanoi life.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Explore a maze of narrow streets packed with shophouses, cafés, and small boutiques that reflect the city’s trading past.

French Quarter

Admire grand colonial-era buildings, leafy boulevards, and cultural institutions in this elegant neighbourhood south of the Old Quarter.

West Lake

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

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Step into a historic complex of gates, courtyards, and archaeological remains that reveal Hanoi’s ancient past.

Hanoi Opera House

View the striking early 20th-century façade and, if time allows, enjoy a performance in the ornate interior.

Train Street (viewing areas)

Watch trains pass close to buildings from designated cafés and viewpoints that offer a safer perspective on this unusual sight.

Long Bien Bridge

Walk a section of this historic bridge for views over the Red River and a different angle on the city skyline.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Central Hanoi is compact, so you can often walk between major sights around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer journeys, taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient, while the growing metro network helps you reach outer districts quickly for a broader view of the city.

Local life & culture
You will see daily life unfold on pavements, from morning exercise around the lakes to small cafés with low stools on street corners. Distinct neighbourhoods give Hanoi its character, with older areas feeling intimate and bustling, and newer districts showcasing modern architecture, galleries, and creative spaces.

Where to unwind
Hanoi offers many peaceful corners despite its busy streets, especially around West Lake and the botanical gardens. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for lakeside walks, quiet cafés with a breeze, or a gentle cycle, giving you space to relax between sightseeing and evening activities.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for its steaming bowls of noodles, grilled snacks, and fresh herbs served from small street-side stalls. Around the Old Quarter and local markets, you can sample traditional dishes that highlight light broths, rice noodles, and crisp, vibrant vegetables and greens.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city, especially around Hoan Kiem, the French Quarter, and West Lake, you will find casual eateries, cafés, and modern restaurants. Menus often mix Vietnamese staples with regional and international flavours, and smaller portions make it easy to try several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, consider dining in venues overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, or the city skyline. Restored villas, rooftop terraces, and stylish dining rooms combine refined cooking with atmospheric views, ideal for marking a special occasion or the end of a busy day exploring.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Hanoi bring together international brands, local labels, and entertainment under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces are convenient for combining shopping with dining and cinema visits, and they offer a relaxed contrast to the city’s busy streets.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and traditional streets are ideal for discovering textiles, souvenirs, and everyday essentials. Areas around the Old Quarter, the French Quarter, and the streets near West Lake offer a mix of small boutiques and family-run shops where you can look for locally made items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some market streets and central shopping areas become livelier, with illuminated storefronts and a relaxed evening atmosphere. Pedestrian-friendly zones around Hoan Kiem Lake are especially pleasant, and public transport or taxis make it straightforward to reach these districts from most parts of the city.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (mùa xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild, with temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and a light freshness in the air. Occasional drizzle keeps the city green, and this season is comfortable for walking tours, lakeside strolls, and day trips into the surrounding countryside.

Summer (mùa hè, May to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with temperatures typically 28–34°C (82–93°F). The days are long and bright, great for extended sightseeing and exploring Hanoi’s café scene. Short, intense showers are common and can provide a refreshing break before evening activities.

Autumn and winter (mùa thu and mùa đông, September to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are cooler, with temperatures from 15–25°C (59–77°F), sometimes dipping lower in January. Skies can be overcast, but the softer light suits photography and unhurried walks, and the calmer visitor numbers create a gentler pace for discovering the city’s landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions