An Insider’s Travel Guide to Hanoi, Vietnam

🛈 THIS POST IS PART OF A SERIES CALLED AN INSIDER’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIETNAM

Car horns. This will be your first thought when thinking back on Hanoi! But if you overlook this, you will fall in love with this place, the locals and the food. Hanoi (Vietnamese: Hà Nội) is the capital of Vietnam and the second largest city. As Hanoi has been conquered by the French (1873) and the Japanese Empire (1940), the city is a blend of East and West with the charm of both worlds. We had the opportunity to visit Hanoi in 2016, where we ventured from north to south. Unfortunately, we only had 12 days to visit Vietnam which was far from enough. If you do have the time and the possibility (and a desire to venture off to many more epic places than we did) I recommend at least three weeks. It’s not without reason that Hanoi consistently is ranked among the world’s top 15 destinations by TripAdvisor’s users ^[1].

Hanoi is known for its architectural and cultural richness, which is an aggregate of Chinese, French, and South Asian influence. It has at its heart a rather chaotic place known as the old quarter, a place known to have narrow streets which are roughly organized for commerce and trading. In this city, you’d find small temples, like the Bach Ma, which pays tribute to a legendary horse, and the Dong Xuan Market, which sells street food as well as household goods.

Other city attractions include the one-pillar pagoda, a small temple standing on a stone pillar, and an 11th-century Temple of Literature, which once housed a Confucian academy. From neoclassical work to the neo-Gothic cathedral of St. Joseph, numerous French colonial buildings are dotting the city for you to gaze upon for hours. You’d also find the mausoleum of the communist leader Ho Chi Minh and the museum of Hoa Lo Prison (where prisoners of war were imprisoned) which are reminiscent of the Vietnam War. Several cultural activities are ranging from the Tai Chi martial arts to the traditional chamber music and even water puppetry.

Over the centuries, the city of Hanoi has had its name changed several times. This includes Thăng Long (“rising dragon”), Đông Quan (“eastern gate”) and Đông Kinh (“eastern capital”). In 1831, the name of the city was called Hanoi (Hà Nội) by Emperor Minh Mạng – which means “inside (the) rivers” ^[2].

Fun Facts About Vietnam

• The Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi was a masterpiece, designed by Alexandre Gustav Eiffel. He is the designer of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
• Hanoi in Vietnamese means “inside (the) rivers”. It’s more formal and historical name is Thăng Long, which means “rising dragon”.
• In October 2010, the city celebrated its 1000th anniversary since it became the capital of Vietnam.
• The rumour to why the houses in Hanoi are very narrow is that property taxes are measured according to the width of houses.
• The body of Ho Chi Minh is preserved and is exhibited in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (in Hanoi) actually against his final wishes.
• The city is a top destination for honeymoon travellers.

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

Don’t just believe that because Hanoi is a Southeast Asia city and that means shorts and t-shirts are right all through the year. Hanoi has its four seasons complete and, as a city in the north of the Hemisphere, it means that the cold winter begins in December while the hot summer starts around July/August. It is hard forecasting the accurate climate of Hanoi every month as the temperature, precipitation, and sun can often change each day.

WINTER: Beginning with the colder part of the year, the temperatures between December and January can be cold. Dropping to around 10 degrees in Hanoi can be a lot colder than you may have expected. Count in the humidity, lack of building insulation, wind chill factor, and heating system can make you feel colder if you’re not prepared. This does not mean, however, that it is a wrong time to visit Hanoi since the humidity can be lower than that at other times of the year. It can be less rainy, the sky is often light blue, and you could even experience a 20 degrees temperature day. That is a nice temperature to explore the city on foot, sightseeing and having fun.

SPRING: The months of February to April are usually nice months to be in Hanoi, considering the weather. They have temperatures that are consistently between 15 – 20 degrees but not yet at that summer roasting temperature. During these months, the skies are often clear, and the rate of rainfall would start to increase although intermittent. While rain in Asia is known to be short but dense, that in Hanoi is mostly drizzle and can last longer. This may be that time of the day when you’d sit in a café to enjoy a cup of beer or coffee yet not sweating a bit.

SUMMER: May to August is usually the hottest months. They have temperatures rising to about 40 degrees, and the constant average temperature can be at around 32 degrees. That can be hot enough, considering the high humidity if it has rained. During this time, the temperature is always warmer than it is in the south of the country. The heat can be exasperating, making you get tired more easily while wishing for a cold bath now and then.

FALL: September to November is often referred to as the romantic time weatherwise to visit Hanoi. The average temperature drops a bit to an average temperature of 25 degrees. The warming sun, the occasionally needed breeze with the changing autumn colour should sweep your feet away. We planned our visit in September, although it was almost 30+ degrees every day.

Travelling to Hanoi

VISA: Getting to Vietnam isn’t difficult for many. Often you can get a visa on arrival or even apply for an eVisa. You may talk with your travel agent or your local embassy.

GRAB/UBER: You may use ride-sharing apps in Hanoi (it’s a choice). In fact, it can make the process of getting from point A to point B both convenient and cheap. We didn’t use it. But please share your experiences below! I’m very much excited to hear more about it.

TAXI: Hanoi has pretty cheap and decent cabs. From the Noi Bai international airport, a taxi may cost only VND 350.000 which is about $15. It is also possible for your hotel to arrange a pick up as well as a drop-off service, to and from the airport. We got a taxi with a taxi meter to take us to our hotel; actually, we got into one taxi who took us past the exit toll and then made us change to another taxi – Never figured out why? I tracked the route via GPS and a pre-loaded map of Vietnam and made sure the driver saw it just to make sure he wouldn’t get any funny ideas 😉

SHUTTLE BUS: These are quite a cheap option from the airport to the old quarter at about VND 40.000, which is just $2. Do not be tricked by the drivers who attempt to persuade you to stay in a hotel they’d recommend because your supposed hotel is full. It’s a trick, don’t fall for it.

BUSES: The buses are even far cheaper. From the airport, getting to the old quarter will set your pocket back by only VND 5.000 which is about $0.25. However, unless you pay a small luggage fee, they may not accept your luggage. Rides in town cost only VND 3.000.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

The choice of the area to stay depends on what kind of accommodation you are looking for. Whatever the preference you want, one of the following will appeal to you (one or more).

OLD QUARTER: This is best for those who want to be in the thick of the action. This is an area that is always busy because not only tourists but locals also roam the street here. It is ideal for tourists who love being close to everything, wants to have a taste and actively participate in the nightlife, as well as the wonderful food. It has accommodation range for every budget. For the Hanoi backpackers, this is undoubtedly the best area to stay.

BA ĐÌNH: This is best for travellers who love the combination of serenity and nearness to the attractions. These include the Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, one pillar pagoda, the temple of literature, and more. It is a place meant for those travellers who don’t want the crowd or noise associated with them. However, you have to know that there are not as many restaurants here, neither is the nightlife as fun as the old quarter. It is targeted towards the more relaxed traveller in mind.

TÂY HỒ: This is best for those who want a quiet accommodation and for foodies. It takes roughly 15 minutes to drive to the Old Quarter, so it is a fair amount away from the busy streets. There are lots of restaurants in Tay Ho, it is serene, plenty of historic places of interest and Buddhist temples. The accommodation is more expensive with plentiful of 5-starred hotels.

FRENCH QUARTER: Located on the southeastern end of the highly popular Hoan Kiem Lake and the more ‘posh’-site harbouring government buildings, wealthy residents and foreign embassies. You’ll find upmarket restaurants, luxurious hotels and vast opportunities for shopping; especially on the main road Trang Tien.

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Things to Do in Hanoi // What to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi is a city where the proudly preserved and ancient culture of the Vietnamese culture is felt the most by tourists. The city of Hanoi is over a thousand years, so as expected, the wealth of history in this city is mind-boggling. There are ancient citadels and temples, the unique atmosphere and the stunning wilderness outside the city provides a memorable experience for all travellers.

We have listed some of the things we did in Hanoi below.

Old Quarter of Hanoi

The Old Quarter is filled with charming French colonial architecture, delicious street food, and beautiful temples. Give yourself time to explore this magical place where you will find plentiful shopping opportunities, artists and artisans, tea and coffee café’s or catch a traditional three-wheel Cyclo taxi. Be prepared to haggle as there starting prices are way in the air! And remember… You haven’t visited Vietnam if you haven’t paid way to much for a tourist attraction 😉 I have to admit, that we didn’t do our research well in advance and paid around 50 % to much. When the one-hour trip was finished, we even tipped him for his services (he was THAT good!) and he was high-over-heels, so much that he nearly stopped the entire traffic on a three-lane road for us to cross it.

Like most people argue, the Old Quarter is the heart of Hanoi. Much of the charm and beauty of Hanoi can be found within the Old Quarter, but at times, you might need the help of a local to locate where you are going. You can also use the city map so you don’t lose yourself in the labyrinth.

Many of Hanoi’s major attractions are within or close to the Old Quarter: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, National Museum of Vietnamese History, Ba Dinh Square, a former Governor-General of French Indochina’s mansion, the One Pillar Pagoda, Bach Ma Temple, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Dong Xuan (Hanoi’s largest market).

Hoan Kiem Lake

If you are visiting Hanoi and staying in the city, you will most likely encounter Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiế) either on purpose or not. The lake is too many considered the centre of Hanoi and the more you read or hear about this lake, the more unique you will think it is. The direct translation or meaning of Hoan Kiem Lake can be translated to “Lake of the Returned Sword”, “Lake of the Restored Sword”) or as Hồ Gươm (Sword Lake).

The legend is that Emperor Lê Lợi came across a bar when he visited a friend. He moulded the bar into a sword when the words Thuận Thiên (Heaven’s Will) appeared. The Emperor knew that it was a gift from heaven and it was used when in the war with a neighbouring country. When he later returned to the lake, a Golden Turtle God surfaced and asked for his sword. The Emperor threw the sword in the lake and the turtle dove down the water.

The lake is greenish which is rare for other lakes in and around Hanoi. Equally rare is that you can find turtles in the lake which is not common in the rest of Hanoi. So look carefully, when walking around the lake.

Turtle Tower (Vietnamese: Tháp Rùa) can also be found at Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter, Hanoi City Centre. Although you can’t visit it directly, it is easily seen from the lake’s edge. Get a tripod and come here at night, as there often is a light illuminating the tower. The tower was built in 1886 on the Turtle islet.

You will also find The Huc Bridge and the entrance to Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.

The Huc Bridge

The Huc Bridge is considered one of the most famous symbols in the capital of Vietnam and connects daily life with the spiritual life of the people in Hanoi. The bridge is named The Huc (the light is absorbed) by Nguyen Sieu in 1865.

It’s considered an icon of both domestic and foreign tourists when visiting Hanoi and the bridge receives tremendous busy traffic as shown in the video here 🙂

Ngoc Son Temple

The Ngoc Son Temple, also known as The Temple of the Jade Mountain (Vietnamese: Đền Ngọc Sơn) is Hanoi’s most visited temple. You can cross The Huc Bridge to get to the temple, but you will have to buy a ticket to get in, but it is next to nothing.

It is quiet and gentle, and you will feel like you no longer are in the city centre.

Weekend Night Market

The Hanoians are not the only ones who love a good old market; at these 3km long market stands in the Old Quarter occupying roads as Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, and Hang Dao you’ll find everything your heart desire. Whether it’s a little treat for yourself, souvenirs for the loved ones at home or just for an excellent old peek at the handicrafts that are offered. For backpackers, you’ll find plenty of things that can lighten your travels. For food enthusiasts, several food stands offer traditional Hanoi and Vietnamese food as well as ice cream rolls, pancake, and other sweets. Entertainment is also found when the night market opens.

Remember to take your time and soak in this amazing Vietnamese atmosphere, relax and be prepared to have your breath taken away!

One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda (Vietnamese: Chùa Một Cột) rises from one pillar in the centre of a delightfully square shaped lotus pond. It is said to represent a blossoming lotus flower growing out of the water. It is built between the years of 1028 and 1054 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong of the Ly Dynasty.

Hanoi Citadel

The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long (Vietnamese: Hoàng thành Thăng Long) also known as Hanoi Citadel is worth a visit at it gives great insight into Vietnamese history. The French colonialists destroyed parts of the Citadel. Nonetheless, the Citadel represented historical and cultural importance and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology

Get set to explore, and engage in some of the activities done daily by the ethnic groups and participate in traditional games. The entrance price is usually USD 2 per person. It is a very big museum and within this museum are so many fascinating things to behold.

Vietnamese Food

Vietnamese food is good! Choices are abundant and it’s so cheap that it will never burn a hole in your pockets! Sometimes we laughed at ourselves, as we always found an excuse to buy food from every street food stalls along the road as we slowly progressed our sightseeing. You’ll fall in love with the food!

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ever wanted to walk silently around a dead person in one long cue? Here’s your chance as his body is preserved in a glass case! Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square is one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi. The Mausoleum is the resting place Ho Chi Minh, the most popular leader of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is known to his people as Uncle Ho.

Uncle Ho was a Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader who was Chairman and First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Vietnam. He was Prime Minister (1945–1955), President (1945–1969) of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) and a key role in the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 as well as the People’s Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Before you go, you should know that the Vietnamese people are very devoted to honouring their leader which is why you need to be very respectful and quiet when visiting the place. Ironically, they preserved his body against Ho Chi Minh’s wishes as he wanted to be cremated.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Way better than Mandalay Puppet show but I’m still not a huge fan. The Wife loved it and was impressed about all the Hanoian history one could get from the puppet show.

Barbecue at Ta Hien Street

Wait, more food? Yes. Go here! Book one evening to try this. You will thank me afterwards! You will sit in way too small chairs, but it is worth it. When you get here in the evening there will be a lot of people, but don’t worry, there will be room for you… Somewhere!

Imagine an improvised raclette where you order your own food which you need to cook yourself! Let me show you instead of telling you. We loved this 😛

Inhale (metaphorically) the Hanoian Street Charm

Remember to take time just soaking in the atmosphere (although only metaphorically, as there is more air pollution than you are used to). Just wandering the busy streets of Hanoi is an incredible experience. Either walk slowly around or have a well-deserved break at one of the many cafés and let the Hanoian life pass you on the streets while feeling lucky to be here.

Take a Stroll on the Closed Streets (Weekends)

The closed streets of Hanoi is a remarkable sight for everyone. The busy streets on weekdays turn in to a charming and tranquil atmosphere. People flock out to the streets to have fun; play games directly on the ground, rope jumping and tug of war is only a selective selection of some of the gems you will find here. Be warned; even the locals wish that the streets are closed every day; experiencing an evening like this, with all of the joy everywhere, the smiles and happy faces from everyone we can only be in total agreements with the Hanoians. Remarkable!

Day Tours From Hanoi

When visiting Vietnam, the chances are that your stay will revolve around the city of Hanoi. There are places you do not want to miss. For instance, you don’t want to miss certain landmarks and to fully experience and enjoy the best of the outer city, you may want to broaden your experience, with one of these amazing day trips.

Mai Chau

The Mai Chau district is located about 160km southwest of Hanoi. While it is a mountainous region, it has towering mountains and lots of verdant landscapes. You’d love to behold the green rice paddies, while the emerald mountains is a big draw. Mai Chau is home to seven of the ethnic groups (minority groups). While visiting, get set for a busy day of beholding the beauty of agriculture. You’re also likely to see water buffalos strolling within the homes, and a population that is warm and welcoming, albeit diverse.

Hao Lu

This is about 100km to the south of Hanoi, is an old Vietnamese capital and was the go-to place for politics and trade. For those who are interested in the history of the Vietnamese people, this is the right place to be. There are many important and impressive temples to be found here: These include the Dinh Tien Hoang (Đinh Tiên Hoàng Temple), the Le Dai Hanh (Lê Đại Hành Temple), and the Naht Tru (Nhật Trụ Pagoda). You may also want to explore Thien Ton (Thiên Tôn Cave).

Bat Trang

Bat Trang is only 13 km from Hanoi. It is on the other side of the red river. Though a small village, it still has a long and awe-inspiring history. Quite an ancient town, it is known for its ceramics. During the Ming Dynasty, ceramics and other goods were exported. Tourists visit Bat Trang today, and many of them shop for the locally made handcraft souvenirs.

Perfume Pagoda

Upon realising that this place is built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains and at the center lies the Perfume Temple and the name starts to make sense. It is located around 60 km southwest of Hanoi, although not easily accessible. Because of the terrain, it requires a car or bus ride, then a boat ride, after that a short hike or a cable car. Upon arrival, you would forget the hassle you faced to reach there because you will enjoy the incredible pagodas as well as the shrines which are built to the side of the mountain. One of the sites you have to explore is the Chua Thien Chu (the pagoda leading to heaven).

Tam Coc

The very first thing you’re going to take note of is the scenery of Tam Coc. Limestone cliffs are poking up from the rice paddies. This is more like the Halong Bay; it is a miniature landlocked version. Only about 90 minutes to the south of Hanoi, it may feel like it’s a planet away from the chaos in the city. Boat rides are the best way to get around Tam Coc, especially when you find out how they can row with their feet!

Halong Bay

This is an amazing destination. Probably the most known destination across Vietnam. More than 160km to the east of Hanoi, you won’t regret the journey, it is well worth it. From your boat cruise, you’d see the beautiful water of the bay as well as the limestone formation, including the forested isle on the sea. Many of the tours are stopped at secluded islands and beaches so you can enjoy wonderful picnics and take in the breathtaking scenery.

You can read more about Halong Bay here: 11 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

How to Get Around Hanoi

Finding your way around Hanoi is very easy because they’re a lot of attractions, hotels, shops and other landmarks which you can use as guiding points. The local population of the city usually travels by motorcycle, taxi, and bus.

ON FOOT: The Old Quarter is relatively small, and it just as easy to walk around and to have the occasional stops at the different shops to grab a bottle of drink and take some memorable selfies. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is within walking distance, though walking may not be the wisest thing when the summer is at its peak.

BICYCLE (CYCLO): Is supposed to be one of the cheapest means of finding your way around Hanoi city or compensation for a hop on hop off bus. However, usually priced at about VND 20,000 for a short ride, the driver will probably wait for you or hassle the price into a sightseeing event for an hour ride for a cost of VND 200-300.000. Nonetheless, these bicycles are perfect for exploring the Old Quarter’s narrow streets and sights.

MOTORBIKE (TAXI): If you are looking for a fast and cost-effective way to get around Hanoi, then travelling by a motorbike is one of the various ways you can achieve that. You can find one in most neighbourhoods, mostly near tourist attractions and hotels. Please be aware that these motorbike taxis do not have counters. Therefore you should try to negotiate well, set a price suitable for you then put on the helmet before getting on it. A tip is that you should try to find out from the hotel concierge about the vehicles’ fare before planning a trip out. A journey of about 2 km should be roughly VNC 30.000 if I remember correctly. If the driver doesn’t speak English, you could always get the hotel/hostel staff to write down the address on paper in Vietnamese.

TAXI: This is a reasonably comfortable means of transport to find your way around the city of Hanoi. Taxies are usually found almost everywhere, on every street. You can ask your hotel to provide you with a taxi if you don’t want the hassle to find one just at the corner of your street where you’re staying. These taxies have good counters, and the starting prices are around VND 12,000, and the resulting mileage costs around 4,000 to 6,500 VND. The moment you get to your destination, you should round the fare price up to the nearest 10.000.

LOCAL (HANOI) BUS: These are local buses decorated in yellow, red and white. They serve regular routes in the city. Most of them stop near some popular attractions like the Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Railway station, the Old District, Ho Chi Minh Complex, and also the Temple of Literature. The price of a regular ticket is around 5,000 to 10,000 VND, and you can only pay in cash. Therefore, ensure you bring small notes along when you plan your trip.

How Long to Stay in Hanoi

It is not unusual for most tourists to complete their itinerary in 3 days. While a three day itinerary may look short, it is likely to be an optimal choice (don’t get us wrong, you can extend your stay to a week or two), but in three days, you may not visit all the places, but you’re likely going to experience the most popular places, the food, and the attractions you should not miss.

We spend two and a half days here before going to Halong Bay by minibus. The longer you stay the more freedom you have to venture off to many of the other famous attractions scattered around Hanoi. You could, for example, add Bat Trang village to your itinerary, Tam Coc or Hao Lu.

Hanoi Travel Itinerary

DAY 1: Wander around Old Quarter and North Hoan Kiem Lake

• Hoa Lo Prison Museum
• Ngoc Son Temple
• Bach Ma Temple
• Dong Xuan Market
• Memorial House
• Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre
• Night market

DAY 2: Explore west of the Old Quarter

• Temple of Literature
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House or Ho Chi Minh Museum
• One Pillar Pagoda
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

DAY 3: French Quater or Greater Hanoi

• Hai Ba Trung Temple
• Hanoi Opera House
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
• Tay Ho Pagoda
• Tran Quoc Pagoda
• Long Bien Bridge

Hanoi Food Guide

Hanoi is such an incredible place with a vast range of tasty foods. You don’t need to stay hungry during your stay. Hanoi offers an excellent variety of street foods that you can enjoy.

NOODLE SOUP is known as Pho (phở). It is a dish that has won the hearts of many. Some even say that they can’t begin to narrate how much they love this wonderful dish. Most visitors claim to love this food because of its rice noodles that are always freshly made. Most importantly, the food is very cheap. For only about 2 dollars, you can you can get a satisfactory noodle soup.

PHO BO (phở bò) is noodle soup, with beef meat. You haven’t had noodles with beef like here. The one you find in Hanoi is of utmost delicacy and far better than what I’ve had anywhere else in the world. You can find restaurants like Pho Bat Dan, this is particularly popular for selling the (allegedly) best Pho Bo in Hanoi.

PHO GA (phở gà) is chicken noodle soup. A favourite place to eat pho ga is Pho Lam Nam Ngu which is located somewhere very close to Hilton Hanoi. This is a restaurant where you will not only eat a sweet delicacy but you can eat while having so much fun. Having dinner here is a full-time experience beginning with the women using coals to cook the soup and continues within the restaurant that is noted for wooden benches and long tables.

CHA CA is rice noodles fried together with grilled fish. Visitors from across the world have confessed their love for this delicacy. Cha Ca is a speciality of North Vietnam that consists of pieces of meat fried in a frying pan, dill, shrimp paste, oily fish, rice noodles and turmeric.

BUN CHA is noodles combined with grilled pork. Super tasty ingredients like diced pawpaw, fresh herbs, garlic, and chilli are all the assets that make up this dish. If all these ingredients are not sufficient for you, then you can also mix it with Nem.

XOI, also known as sticky rice or glutinous rice. Most visitors prefer to go to Xio yen to have this delicacy as a desert. Often accompanied with a paste made from mung beans, and chicken fat to flavour the sticky rice you can’t go wrong. Mixed with meat and a beer that you can almost get for nothing, there is no better way to define guilty pleasure here in Hanoi if you are hunting for the local desserts.

How Much Does It Cost Travelling Hanoi?

ACCOMMODATIONS
Highly subjective, but you should be able to find relatively cheap hotels here. Although there are hotels for every type of traveller; Hilton Hanoi Opera to Central Backpackers Hostel. We booked a room at Hanoi Holiday Diamond Hotel for about USD 30 a night.

MEALS
Food prices in Hanoi are extremely inexpensive. If you think Thai prices are low, you will be surprised by the Vietnamese prices. Especially if you are a street foodie like us! You won’t go hungry in bed. If you estimate roughly USD 8 – 20 you won’t go wrong.

TRANSPORTATION
As already outlined, there are multiple good choices for means of transportation. To and from the airport is roughly VND 350.000. Depending on your transportation mode, you can do it absolutely free or grab a cab for a very low fee.

ATTRACTION FEES
Estimate USD 10 for an attraction like the water puppet show. However, most attractions at Hanoi are free of charge (The Huc Bridge, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum etc.).

TOTAL
If you estimate around VND 1.000.000 each day per traveller, you won’t be entirely off on the budget side. Although please take into account if you like to sleep at 5 starred hotels, eat at fancy restaurants, buy luxurious stuff or take day tours away from Hanoi you will break this estimate On the other hand, if going on a shoestring you can certainly lower this estimate 🙂

Have Fun

In all of Southeast Asia, Hanoi city is about the cheapest city to go on vacation. Everything from hotels, food, transportation, and tours are relatively cheap and will never put a hole in your pocket. Hope you enjoyed our travel guide to Hanoi in Vietnam, the things to do in Vietnam that we did as well as the things to do in Hanoi which we, unfortunately, didn’t have the time to do (although really wanted to do). As two days might not be enough for most, it is possible depending on the pace you’re in. Hopefully, you can learn a bit from our travel guide and put it to good use!

As always, if you have any suggestions, comments or want to share your own experiences, please feel free to do so in the comments section below. You can follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook! We look forward to hearing from you 😉

Notes and References

Note 1: Best Destinations in the World – Travelers’ Choice Awards – TripAdvisor.
Note 2: Names of Hanoi – Wikipedia.