Hanoi
Vietnam
Thousand-year-old capital with French flair and legendary street food
About Hanoi
Hanoi is a city of contrasts — ancient pagodas sit beside French colonial architecture, motorbike-filled streets open onto tranquil lakes, and steaming bowls of pho are served at every corner. It's chaotic, charming, and utterly captivating.
Quick Facts
Best Time
October – December
Language
Vietnamese
Currency
VND (₫)
Timezone
ICT (UTC+7)
Avg Budget
$25–50/day
Top Things to Do
6 must-see experiences in Hanoi
Old Quarter
36 ancient streets each named after the goods once traded there
Pho & Street Food
Legendary soup and bun cha served on tiny plastic stools — a foodie pilgrimage
Hoan Kiem Lake
Sacred lake in the heart of the city, best at dawn when locals practice tai chi
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070 — a peaceful oasis of gardens and courtyards
Ha Long Bay Day Trip
UNESCO-listed bay with thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters
Water Puppet Theatre
Traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century
3-Day Sample Itinerary
A taste of what TripGenie can create — fully customized to your preferences.
Day 1: Old Quarter & Street Food
- Walk the 36 streets of the Old Quarter
- Pho breakfast at a local stall
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
- Evening street food tour
Day 2: Culture & History
- Morning at the Temple of Literature
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex
- Lunch at bun cha restaurant
- Water puppet show in the evening
Day 3: Ha Long Bay
- Day trip or overnight cruise to Ha Long Bay
- Kayak through limestone karsts
- Swim in emerald waters
- Seafood lunch on the boat
Travel Tips for Hanoi
Cross the street with confidence — walk slowly and steadily, and the motorbikes will flow around you.
Use Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) for getting around. Always use the meter or app for taxis.
Egg coffee (ca phe trung) is a Hanoi specialty — try it at Giang Cafe.
Bargain at markets but be respectful. Start at about 50% of the asking price.
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