Flights from Hangzhou (HGH) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends tree-lined boulevards, lakeside calm, and a lively Old Quarter into a city that feels both historic and energetic. You will find characterful streets, hidden courtyards, and a rich café culture at every turn.

What to expect
The city centres on Hoan Kiem Lake and the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter, where scooters weave between shophouses and streetfront cafés. French-era buildings, tranquil lakes, and leafy districts like Ba Dinh and West Lake offer a softer, quieter side to the capital.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is an ideal base for exploring northern Vietnam, from Ha Long Bay to mountain regions such as Sapa. With growing hotel options, walking-friendly neighbourhoods, and easy onward connections, it works well for both short city breaks and longer itineraries.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll the lakeside paths and watch local life unfold around this central landmark, especially at sunrise and in the early evening.

Old Quarter

Explore a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses, cafés, and small boutiques, each lane known for a different craft or trade.

West Lake

Walk or cycle around Hanoi's largest lake, dotted with waterside cafés and restaurants that are perfect for sunset views.

French Quarter

Admire wide boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings that reflect Hanoi's architectural heritage and quieter, more formal side.

Train Street

See a railway line that passes closely between residential buildings, offering a striking glimpse of city life alongside the tracks.

Long Bien Bridge

Cross this historic steel bridge on foot for panoramic views of the Red River and nearby market activity below.

Hanoi Opera House

View the ornate façade of this iconic performance venue and its elegant surroundings in the French Quarter.

Ta Hien Street

Experience one of Hanoi's liveliest streets in the evening, with pavement-side seating and a friendly, social atmosphere.

Experience Hanoi's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hanoi is compact enough that you can walk between central sights around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer journeys, use ride-hailing cars or taxis, and consider a cyclo ride for a leisurely look at the streets. Narrow pavements mean you often share space with local life.

Local life & culture
City life starts early, with morning exercise by the lakes and local markets coming to life at first light. Neighbourhoods each have their own feel, from the buzzing Old Quarter to calmer residential areas with tree-lined streets. Pavement cafés invite you to pause and watch the city go by.

Where to unwind
Hanoi's lakes provide natural breathing space in the middle of the city, with Hoan Kiem and West Lake popular for slow walks and people-watching. Small parks and leafy boulevards offer shady benches, best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and temperatures cooler.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for steaming bowls of noodle soup, fresh herbs, and snacks served from small streetfront kitchens. Around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find countless spots to try local favourites at simple plastic tables on the pavement.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés and bistros sit alongside traditional eateries, especially in areas near West Lake and the French Quarter. Malls and mixed-use complexes offer convenient food courts, where smaller portions and sharing plates make it easy to sample several flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, seek out rooftop venues overlooking Hoan Kiem, the Old Quarter, or West Lake for views of the city lights. Riverside and lakeside restaurants provide a calmer setting, where you can linger over a meal while watching the changing reflections on the water.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hanoi's central shopping centres bring together international brands, local labels, and cafés under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces double as social hubs, where you can browse, dine, and take a break from the busy streets outside.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and small boutiques are scattered across the Old Quarter, with some streets still named for historic trades. Areas around the French Quarter and West Lake feature independent shops and design studios where you can find contemporary Vietnamese crafts and fashion.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some streets around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter become pedestrian-friendly and livelier, with stalls, lights, and a festive atmosphere on selected nights. Many shops stay open late, and central locations are easy to reach on foot or via short rides in taxis or ride-hailing cars.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, March to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi is mild and often a little misty, with average temperatures around 20–24°C (68–75°F). Flowers bloom across parks and lakesides, and it is a pleasant time for walking the Old Quarter and exploring outdoor cafés.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with temperatures typically between 28–33°C (82–91°F). Sudden showers are common, often clearing quickly and leaving fresh air behind, and long daylight hours give you more time to explore the city and nearby countryside.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu và mùa đông, September to February, low season)
Autumn is cool and clear, gradually giving way to a crisper winter with temperatures from around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Skies can be overcast, but the softer light suits lakeside walks and photography, and the cooler air makes city strolling and café-hopping especially comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions