Things to know about Ha Noi, Vietnam
Hanoi, for me, is a city of contrast. The city of old and new, of East and West with its character. The first impression of Ha noi is the motorbikes weaving through the crowded streets when we travel from Noi Bai Airport to the center of Ha Noi to start our journey. But then it is a peaceful feeling to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Just simply wander around and get lost in the streets, discover our history in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. When you start to get hungry and try some local food, you might be surprised again because of the delicate and deliciousness of the taste.
Ha Noi is also the starting point for travel to other destinations (Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Sapa, etc)
How to get to Ha Noi, Vietnam
Hanoi is our capital and is located in North Vietnam. It is a popular destination and home to many historical and cultural attractions. Therefore, you can travel to Ha Noi by plane, by train, by bus, or even ride the motorbike (could be a very interesting trip ^^)
By Plane: Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, which is located about 25 kilometers from the city center. Many airlines offer flights to Hanoi, both domestic and international. The fastest way and most convenient way in most situations would be a plane.
By Train/Bus: From other provinces/cities in Vietnam, such as Da Nang, Quang Binh, and Hue you can take the train/bus to Ha Noi.
By Motorbike: It will take around 2 weeks to 1 month for ~ 2,500 km. But the scenery would be fantastic. I will update these details later.
First-time visitor note
Esim: Esim is one of the most important things to prepare when travel. If you plan to visit Ha Noi first, you can purchase the esim HERE, received at the Noi Bai Airport to use for all of your travel.
Best time to visit Ha Noi, Vietnam
Two best times to visit Ha Noi is Spring (Feb – April) and Fall (August to November). In spring, the weather is warm and the streets are like new, with trees budding and flowers blooming. The best time to visit Ha Noi is the fall (There are many Vietnamese songs about the beautiful fall of Ha Noi). It is the combination of clear blue skies, cool breezes, falling yellow leaves, and the scent of milk flowers in the air.
What to do in Ha Noi, Vietnam
One of the characteristics of Hanoi is traffic jams. Be prepared for that (or you might find it unique)
Besides that, Ha Noi has many characters to discover. Not only travelers but also locals, find this place has lot of interesting angles to discover.
Like experiencing the feel of the historical and cultural atmosphere, through discovering Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, and Temple of Literature. There are so many interesting stories to tell about these places. You can book a trip HERE to travel to these places and understand more about Vietnam and our history.
Like experience a hop-on hop off bus tour around Ha Noi. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a fantastic introduction to Hanoi, especially if you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed by the city’s vast offerings. It helps you decide which spots deserve a more focused visit later in your trip. You can book it HERE
Like wander and experience the social pulse of Tạ Hiện, the iconic bia hoi corner, and explore the hidden gems where Hanoians gather to connect, unwind, and celebrate life.
What to eat in Ha Noi, Vietnam
I am a big fan of Ha Noi cuisine – it is just endlessly amazing. Here is my curated list for you to try. If you like it, or maybe you have other favorite ones, I love to see your comments about your experience.
Phở (Pho): A noodle soup that is made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various herbs and spices (Do you know that pho in HN tastes different than Ho Chi Minh pho – or we might say the taste of Pho in North, Central, South is different)
Famous addresses:
1.Pho Thin Bo Ho
Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM |Giá tham khảo: 60.000 – 80.000 VND
2.Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
Address: 10 Lý Quốc Sư Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 06:00 – 14:00 | 17:00 – 22:00
Phở cuốn: translating to “rolled pho,” is a unique and refreshing take on Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup, pho. Instead of serving the rice noodles in a steaming broth, pho cuon uses thin, uncut pho sheets as a delicate wrapper.
Famous addresses:
1.Phở cuốn Chinh Thắng
Address: 7 Mac Dinh Chi Street, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
2.Phở cuốn Hương Mai
Address: 25 Ngu Xa Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi (main branch)
Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Bun cha: A grilled pork dish that is served with rice noodles, vegetables, and a dipping sauce.
Famous addresses:
1.Bún chả Tuyết 34
Address: 34 Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7am – 5pm
2.Bún chả que tre Tô Hiệu
Address: 102 B8 Tô Hiệu Street, Nghĩa Tân Ward, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm
There are many more to discover, I will tell you more in another post until you’re in love with Ha Noi and Vietnam food like l am 😀
Where to stay in Ha Noi, Vietnam
Hanoi has a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget guesthouses and homestays to luxury hotels and resorts. Here is my curated list for you:
Guesthouses/homestays/Hotel:
Luxury hotels/reports