Exploring Hanoi How to get to Hanoi Where to stay
Discover Hanoi
Hanoi is a vibrant city worth visiting for a few days. It’s the second-largest city in Vietnam and that is also why the busy roads and traffic can be overwhelming for some.
Still, Hanoi is still more relaxed than Ho Chi Minh. You will find here a number of museums, ancient pagodas, parks and lakes to escape from Hanoi’s busy traffic.
The wide streets, the large villas and the Vietnamese baguette (Banh Mi) still reflect the influence of the France occupation from 1873 to 1940.
Most tourists stay in the Old Quarter because it is in the centre of Hanoi and within walking distance of many sights in the city. When you stay in this area, you will experience Vietnamese culture from the moment you walk out of your hotel.
You can spend your days visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and French Hoa Lo Prison or the monumental Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. In the evening, you can wander around the night market and try some local Vietnamese food (Bun Cha!).
Need inspiration for what to do after your visit to Hanoi? We recommend spending a few days in the north to explore the gorgeous rice fields in Sapa. The night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is a convenient way to travel your way up north without wasting your valuable daytime.
How to get to Hanoi
Best places to stay in Hanoi
Siva Luxury Hotel - Budget Friendly
Just landed in Hanoi? In this hotel, you will get the best night of sleep you had since ages. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome and serve a wonderful breakfast buffet the next morning! Located in the middle of the centre, but completely isolated from all the noise.
Double rooms with city view from: $42
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
