Hanoi Travel Guide
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Weather Forecast
Spring (Feb – Apr): The weather is mild and fresh, with light rain. The temperature is around 18 – 25°C.
- You should bring a light jacket, umbrella/ raincoat, and comfortable shoes.
- Summer (May – Aug): The weather is hot and humid, with occasional heavy
showers. The temperature ranges from 30 – 38°C. - You should bring a hat, suncream, water bottle, and light breathable clothing.
- Autumn (Sept – Nov): The weather is cool, dry, and very pleasant. The temperature is around 20 –28°C.
- You should bring light layers, sunglasses, and a camera – it’s the best season for sightseeing.
- Winter (Dec – Jan): The weather is cold and dry, occasionally with mist. The temperature can drop to 10– 18°C, especially at night.
- Bring a warm jacket, scarf, and closed-toe shoes – indoor heating is limited.
Transportation
- Ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, and Xanh SM provide quick and reliable service.
- Hotel staff can assist with booking a taxi from trusted companies like G7 or Mai Linh. Please ensure the driver always uses the meter. Avoid jumping into any taxi around the Old Quarter - some of them might be a scam.
- Public transport, including the metro and city buses, is affordable and offers a
local experience. - For independent travel, motorbikes can be rented through hotels or public bicycles can be accessed via the TNGo app.
- Visitors may also enjoy unique options such as jeep tours or the double-decker sightseeing bus for a broader view of the city.
Top Attractions
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – the heart of Hanoi.
- Old Quarter – bustling streets, colonial architecture, endless food stalls.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a historical landmark, dress modestly.
- Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university.
- West Lake (Tay Ho) – serene view, cafés, pagodas.
- Train Street – a narrow alley where trains pass inches from homes (check
access status). - Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – a rich cultural display of Vietnam’s ethnic
groups.
Must-Try Food
- Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup) – delicate broth, rice noodles, herbs. Bún Chả – grilled pork with vermicelli, herbs, and dipping sauce.
- Chả Cá Lã Vọng – turmeric fish with dill, table-cooked.
- Bánh Mì – French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich.
- Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee) – creamy, sweet, iconic Hanoi specialty.
- Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls) – crispy and flavorful.
Souvenirs
- Silk Products – scarves, ties, áo dài from Hang Gai Street.
- Lacquerware – bowls, trays, decorative items.
- Ceramics – from Bát Tràng village (short trip from Hanoi).
- Vietnamese Coffee & Filter Sets – great local gift.
- Hand-embroidered items – pillowcases, napkins, artworks.
- Conical Hats (Nón Lá) – an iconic symbol of Vietnam