Hanoi Travel Guide

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Weather Forecast
Spring (Feb – Apr): The weather is mild and fresh, with light rain. The temperature is around 18 – 25°C.

  • You should bring a light jacket, umbrella/ raincoat, and comfortable shoes.
  • Summer (May – Aug): The weather is hot and humid, with occasional heavy
    showers. The temperature ranges from 30 – 38°C.
  • You should bring a hat, suncream, water bottle, and light breathable clothing.
  • Autumn (Sept – Nov): The weather is cool, dry, and very pleasant. The temperature is around 20 –28°C.
  • You should bring light layers, sunglasses, and a camera – it’s the best season for sightseeing.
  • Winter (Dec – Jan): The weather is cold and dry, occasionally with mist. The temperature can drop to 10– 18°C, especially at night.
  • Bring a warm jacket, scarf, and closed-toe shoes – indoor heating is limited.

Transportation

  • Ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, and Xanh SM provide quick and reliable service.
  • Hotel staff can assist with booking a taxi from trusted companies like G7 or Mai Linh. Please ensure the driver always uses the meter. Avoid jumping into any taxi around the Old Quarter - some of them might be a scam.
  • Public transport, including the metro and city buses, is affordable and offers a
    local experience.
  • For independent travel, motorbikes can be rented through hotels or public bicycles can be accessed via the TNGo app.
  • Visitors may also enjoy unique options such as jeep tours or the double-decker sightseeing bus for a broader view of the city.

Top Attractions

  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – the heart of Hanoi.
  • Old Quarter – bustling streets, colonial architecture, endless food stalls.
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a historical landmark, dress modestly.
  • Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university.
  • West Lake (Tay Ho) – serene view, cafés, pagodas.
  • Train Street – a narrow alley where trains pass inches from homes (check
    access status).
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – a rich cultural display of Vietnam’s ethnic
    groups.

Must-Try Food

  • PhBò (Beef Noodle Soup) – delicate broth, rice noodles, herbs. Bún Ch– grilled pork with vermicelli, herbs, and dipping sauce.
  • ChCá Lã Vng – turmeric fish with dill, table-cooked.
  • Bánh Mì – French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich.
  • Cà Phê Trng (Egg Coffee) – creamy, sweet, iconic Hanoi specialty.
  • Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls) – crispy and flavorful.

Souvenirs

  • Silk Products – scarves, ties, áo dài from Hang Gai Street.
  • Lacquerware – bowls, trays, decorative items.
  • Ceramics – from Bát Tràng village (short trip from Hanoi).
  • Vietnamese Coffee & Filter Sets – great local gift.
  • Hand-embroidered items – pillowcases, napkins, artworks.
  • Conical Hats (Nón Lá) – an iconic symbol of Vietnam