What to do in Hanoi?
Hanoi is a very vibrant city which is definitely worth to visit 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.
However, Hanoi is still more relaxed than Ho Chi Minh. There are several 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 from the France occupation from 1873 to 1940.
Most people stay in the Old Quarter of Hanoi as this location is in the middle of the center and in walking distance from many sights in Hanoi. When you stay in this area, you will experience the Vietnamese culture from the moment you walk out of your hotel.
You can spend your days visiting the Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Hoa Lo Prison or the monumental Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. At night, you can wander around the night market and try some local Vietnamese food (Bun Cha!).
PRO-TIP: In case you haven't used it yet, here is a 15 euro discount on Booking.com.You can use it for all bookings from 30 euro, what means you can use this as a one-time discount of up to 50%!.
How to get there
Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai)
Shuttle bus: 1h 15min, 40.000 VND (€1,50)
Public bus: 1h 30min, 5.000 VND (€0,20)
1 hour, 200.000-350.000 VND (€7-€13)
See our step-by-step guide of how to travel to and from Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai).
From SaPa to Hanoi
8,5 hours, 445.000 VND (€16,50)
5,5 hours, 255.000 VND (€10)
See our step-by-step guide of how to travel from Sapa to Hanoi.
From Cat Ba to Hanoi
3,5 hours, 360.000 VND (€13,50)
4 hours excl transit, 300.000 VND (€11,50)
See our step-by-step guide of how to travel from Cat Ba to Hanoi.
From Ninh Binh to Hanoi
2,5 hours, 75.000 VND (€3)
2-3 hours, 185.000 VND (€7)
See our step-by-step guide of how to travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
From Phong Nha to Hanoi
10 hours, 300.000 VND (€11,50)
11 hours, 597.000 VND (€22,50)
6 hours, 2.215.000 VND (€84)
See our step-by-step guide of how to travel from Phong Nha to Hanoi.
From Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi
2h 05min, 1.565.000 VND (€59,50)
See our step-by-step guide of how to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.
From Hoi An to Hanoi
3 hours, 695.000 VND (€26,50)
18,5 hours18 hours,650.000 VND (€24)
16h 30min, 360.000 VND (€13)
See our step-by-step guide of how to travel from Hoi An to Hanoi.
My favourite places to stay in Hanoi
Ancient Lane Hotel
Looking for a room in the middle of the Old Quarter? Ancient Lane Hotel offers very clean rooms nicely decorated with ancient attributes. The hosts Thuy and Tuan will make sure you'll have a great stay!
Double room from: €26
Nova Luxury Hotel
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 center, but completely isolated from all the noise.
Double rooms with city view from: €38
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