Hanoi,Vietnam

• Old Quarter (36 Streets)
• Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple
• Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace
• One Pillar Pagoda
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
• Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
• St. Joseph's Cathedral
• Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton")
• West Lake (Hồ Tây) and Tran Quoc Pagoda

• French colonial architecture (tree-lined boulevards, villas, and grand public buildings)
• Chaotic yet vibrant street life with motorbikes and street-food culture
• Lakes, parks, and green spaces nestled within an urban setting
• Distinctive northern Vietnamese cuisine, including pho and bun cha
• Traditional water puppet theatre performances

• Walking or cyclo tour through the Old Quarter
• Watching a traditional water puppet show
• Sampling street food at night markets and food stalls (pho, bun cha, bánh mì)
• Visiting museums and historical sites (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Museum of Ethnology)
• Cycling or strolling around West Lake and Hoàn Kiếm Lake
• Day trips to nearby attractions like Ninh Binh or Halong Bay (booked from Hanoi)
• Shopping for silk, lacquerware, and handicrafts in local markets

• Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) – major celebrations across the city
• Hanoi International Film Festival (periodic)
• Mid-Autumn Festival – lanterns and street activities
• Perfume Pagoda pilgrimage season (regional religious events)
• Hanoi Opera House events and occasional international concerts

September to November and March to April for mild temperatures, lower humidity, and clearer skies. Avoid peak summer months (June–August) for heat and heavy rain, and the cold damp winter (December–February) which can be chilly.

Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons: hot, rainy summers (May–September), cool, dry winters (November–March), and transitional spring and autumn. Temperatures range from about 10°C (50°F) in winter to over 35°C (95°F) in summer.

No international airport within the city center; Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) is ~30 km north, accessible by taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer. Train and long-distance bus stations connect Hanoi regionally. Within the city, taxis, ride-hailing apps (Grab), buses, cyclos, and motorbike taxis are common. Pedestrian areas like the Old Quarter are walkable but crowded; accessibility for people with reduced mobility can be limited in older sites.

3–5 days to cover main city attractions and a nearby day trip; 7–10 days if including additional regional trips (Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Sapa).

Light, breathable clothing for summer; a light jacket or sweater for cool winters. Comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket or umbrella (monsoon season), sunscreen, and a hat. Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders/knees covered).

Must-try foods: pho, bun cha, bánh mì, egg coffee (cà phê trứng), chả cá Lã Vọng. Souvenirs: silk scarves, lacquerware, conical hats (nón lá), embroidered textiles, ceramics, and local coffee.