Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Hanoi (HAN)

About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends leafy boulevards, tranquil lakes, and a dynamic street scene into a city that feels both historic and contemporary. You will find French-era architecture beside narrow lanes, buzzing cafés, and creative spaces that invite you to explore at an unhurried pace.

What to expect
The Old Quarter is the city’s energetic heart, with scooters weaving past shophouses and pavement cafés from early morning to late evening. Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter, wider boulevards, galleries, and theatres showcase a more graceful side of the city, while nearby districts reveal a growing modern skyline.

Plan your trip
Hanoi is a rewarding base for discovering northern Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and mountain towns further afield. With a compact centre that is easy to navigate on foot or by short rides, you can enjoy both short city breaks and longer journeys that combine urban life with nature.

Top sights in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around this central lake, a calm focal point of the city, especially atmospheric in the early morning and evening.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Wander through a maze of narrow streets lined with shophouses, cafés, and small boutiques that each specialise in different trades.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Area

Explore the wide ceremonial square and surrounding gardens, and observe the monumental architecture of this historic complex.

Temple of Literature

Visit this well-preserved complex with leafy courtyards and traditional-style architecture, an oasis of calm in the city.

West Lake

Walk or cycle along the lakefront, stopping at cafés and viewpoints that offer broad water views and cooling breezes.

French Quarter

Admire tree-lined boulevards and grand buildings that reflect Hanoi’s colonial-era architecture and evolving arts scene.

Train Street (viewing areas)

Head to authorised viewing spots near the railway for a unique perspective on life beside the tracks in Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay day and overnight trips

Use Hanoi as your gateway for cruises among striking limestone islands and calm waters in nearby Ha Long Bay.

Experience Hanoi’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The compact centre of Hanoi is easy to explore on foot, especially around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. For longer distances, taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient and widely used. Cyclos and bicycles offer a slower, more scenic way to see the streets at your own pace.

Local life & culture
Sidewalks in Hanoi are social spaces where you will see conversations, street vendors, and everyday routines unfolding from early morning. Around the Old Quarter and French Quarter, you can discover small galleries, live music venues, and traditional performances that provide insight into the city’s creative spirit.

Where to unwind
Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake are popular places to take a gentle walk, especially at sunrise or in the cooler evening hours. Parks and leafy boulevards offer shaded benches where you can pause between sightseeing. On warm days, cafés with balconies or rooftop terraces give you a relaxed view over the streets below.

A taste of Hanoi

Street food & local specialties
Hanoi is known for noodle soups, grilled dishes, and fresh herbs served from small shopfronts and pavement kitchens. Around the Old Quarter you will find streets specialising in different favourites, where low stools and shared tables make dining feel informal and welcoming.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern cafés, bistros, and international restaurants are spread across Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, and newer districts. Many venues offer compact portions or shared plates, so you can sample several flavours during one meal, from local recipes to regional and international cuisine.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, look for restaurants and bars with rooftop terraces overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, or West Lake. Some venues sit inside heritage buildings, combining characterful interiors with city views to create a relaxed setting for a special meal.

Retail therapy in Hanoi

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Hanoi offer international fashion, lifestyle brands, and cinemas in comfortable, climate-controlled surroundings. They are convenient places to combine shopping with dining and entertainment, especially if you are travelling with family or during warmer parts of the day.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and streets around the Old Quarter showcase textiles, accessories, souvenirs, and contemporary local labels. Areas near Hoan Kiem Lake and in Tay Ho are good for boutiques and design-focused shops, where you can look for handmade pieces and home décor.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets become livelier, with illuminated shopfronts and evening markets on selected days. Car-free walking zones around Hoan Kiem Lake on weekends make browsing relaxed and enjoyable, and you can easily reach these areas by a short taxi or ride-hailing journey.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring (Mùa xuân, February to April, shoulder season)
Spring in Hanoi brings mild temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F) with light mist and fresh greenery. It is a pleasant time for walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, and you can often enjoy comfortable sightseeing throughout the day.

Summer (Mùa hè, May to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 28–34°C (82–93°F). Showers are common but often brief, leaving the air refreshed. This is a lively period for evening activities, when streets and lakeside areas remain animated well into the night.

Autumn and winter (Mùa thu and Mùa đông, September to January, low season)
Autumn starts with clear skies and temperatures around 24–28°C (75–82°F), ideal for outdoor exploring. As winter approaches, days become cooler, around 15–20°C (59–68°F), creating a crisp atmosphere that suits café-hopping, city walks, and day trips into the surrounding countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions