Discover Hanoi // Everything You Need to Know
A Newcomer’s Guide to Hanoi: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Hanoi is a city that’s steeped in history and culture, with a unique blend of Vietnamese, French, and Chinese influences.
As a newcomer, it can be overwhelming to navigate the bustling streets and unfamiliar customs.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know before you go from transportation and accommodation to the best things to see and do in the city.
Let’s go!
Discover Hanoi || History
Discover Hanoi || Getting There & Around
Discover Hanoi || Where to Stay
Discover Hanoi || What to Eat
Discover Hanoi || What to See & Do
Discover Hanoi || FAQs
Discover Hanoi | Short History of Hanoi
As Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s past and present, evolving from a modest settlement along the Red River to a thriving metropolis at the heart of Southeast Asia.
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Hanoi has undergone a multitude of changes, but has remained a prominent cultural and political center throughout its history.
Originally Hanoi was named Thang Long, meaning “ascending dragon”.
During the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century, the city continued to grow and attract scholars, traders, and artisans from across the region, cementing its status as a hub of culture and commerce.
Today, Hanoi is home to more than 7 million people and exudes a vibrant and dynamic energy.
Its bustling streets are teeming with motorbikes and street vendors, while its many museums and historic landmarks offer glimpses into the city’s fascinating past.
Despite its modernity, Hanoi remains deeply connected to its history and traditions, making it a truly unique destination for visitors from all around the world.
Discover Hanoi | Getting There and Around
First of all, Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, which is located about 30 kilometers from the city center.
Taxis are readily available, and the ride takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
One of the most common modes of transport in Hanoi is the motorbike, which you’ll see everywhere on the city’s roads.
However, navigating the city on a motorbike can be quite challenging for those who are not familiar with the local traffic patterns and driving habits.
Taxis can be hailed from the street or booked in advance, and prices are typically negotiated before the ride begins.
Ride-hailing services like Grab offer a cashless option and a fixed fare, which can be more convenient for some travellers.
For those looking for a more traditional way to explore the city, cyclos and xe om (motorbike taxis) are also popular options.
These forms of transport can be found throughout the city and offer a unique perspective on Hanoi’s bustling streets and vibrant neighbourhoods.
In addition to these more common modes of transport, Hanoi also has an extensive public transport network, including buses and the Hanoi Metro system, whose first line opened in 2021.
While the public transport system can be a bit confusing for newcomers, it is generally safe and reliable, and can be a great way to explore the city and its many attractions.
Discover Hanoi | Where to Stay
Hanoi has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, consider staying in the Old Quarter.
This area is known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and bustling street life.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quieter and more upscale experience, consider staying in the French Quarter or West Lake.
Are you considering studying Vietnamese in Hanoi?
As a LTL Student you’ll have the opportunity to live with a homestay family, meaning you will be able to immerse yourself completely into the culture.
On top of that, you’ll also get to practice at home what you learned in class, and there is no better way to progress.
Discover Hanoi | What to Eat
Hanoi is famous for its street food, with countless food stalls and small restaurants serving up delicious and affordable dishes.
Some of the must-try dishes include pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich).
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Hanoi has plenty of options to choose from.
The city is known for its French-inspired cuisine, with many restaurants serving dishes like steak frites and bouillabaisse.
Here are five local restaurants in Hanoi that are highly recommended for their authentic Vietnamese dishes:
#1 Quan An Ngon || This popular restaurant offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, from pho and banh mi to grilled meats and seafood. The restaurant also has a beautiful courtyard and a lively atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
📍 Check their address and reviews
#2 Bun Cha Nem Cua Be Dac Kim || This small restaurant is famous for its bun cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce. The restaurant is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
📍 Check their address and reviews
#3 Pho Thin || This humble restaurant is famous for its pho, a classic Vietnamese noodle soup dish that is a staple of the country’s cuisine. Pho Thin is located in the Old Quarter and has been in operation for over 30 years. The restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike.
📍 Check their address and reviews
#4 Xoi Yen || This casual eatery specialises in xoi, a popular Vietnamese dish made from sticky rice and various toppings such as chicken, pork, or egg. Xoi Yen is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and is a favourite among locals for its tasty and affordable dishes.
📍 Check their address and reviews
#5 Nha Hang Ngon || This stylish restaurant is located in a beautiful colonial building and offers a wide range of Vietnamese dishes, from pho and spring rolls to grilled meats and seafood.
📍 Check their address and reviews
Discover Hanoi | What to See and Do
Hanoi has a rich history and culture, with many attractions to explore.
Here are a few of the must-see sights in the city:
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the midst of the bustling city.
According to the legend, a golden turtle god surfaced from the lake to ask Emperor Le Loi for his magic sword, which he had used to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty.
The emperor returned the sword, and the turtle god took it back to the depths of the lake, giving it its name, which translates to “Lake of the Returned Sword.”
👉 Interested in Chinese history? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Chinese History here!
The most iconic feature of the lake is the red-painted Huc Bridge, which leads to the Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the middle of the lake.
Todya, Hoan Kiem Lake is also a popular spot for cultural events and celebrations, especially during the Lunar New Year holiday when it becomes the center of the city’s festivities.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a Confucian temple that was built in 1070 as a center of learning and education during the reign of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông.
The temple is dedicated to Confucius and his disciples, and it’s also home to Vietnam’s first national university.
Over the centuries, the Temple of Literature has undergone many renovations and expansions, and today it is a complex of five courtyards, each with its own unique features and architectural style.
Today, the Temple of Literature is also a popular spot for local students, who come to pray for academic success before important exams.
The temple is especially busy during the Lunar New Year holiday, when thousands of visitors flock to the temple to seek blessings for the new year.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most significant landmarks in Hanoi and a popular destination for tourists visiting the city.
It is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father and former president of Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved in a glass case and is open to visitors for a limited time each day.
The mausoleum constructed in the 1970s is located in Ba Dinh Square, which is also home to the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda.
The interior of the Mausoleum is a solemn and impressive space, where visitors are required to follow strict rules of decorum, including dressing appropriately and maintaining absolute silence.
Hanoi is a city that’s full of surprises, with something new to discover around every corner!
As a newcomer, it can be overwhelming at first, but with a little bit of preparation and an open mind, you’ll be able to enjoy this city and spend a memorable stay in Vietnam.
Would you like to visit Ho Chi Minh City as well? We’ve got a full guide to visiting HCMC, also called Saigon.
Travelling to a new country always has a few challenges, the language barrier being one of them.
Which is exactly why we always suggest future travellers to take a few online Vietnamese classes beforehand.
Just so you can arrive at peace, and know that’ll you’ll be able to manage any kind of situation during your stay.
If you are in Hanoi already and would like to start, or keep studying the language with professional teachers, have a look at our individual and group classes here.
Discover Hanoi | FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Hanoi?
The best time to visit Hanoi is between October and April, when the weather is mild and dry.
May to September is the rainy season, and it can be hot and humid during this time.
Is Hanoi a safe city for tourists?
Hanoi is generally a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate.
However, visitors should take precautions against pickpocketing and theft, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
What are some must-see attractions in Hanoi?
Some of the must-see attractions in Hanoi include Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
What is the transportation system like in Hanoi?
The transportation system in Hanoi includes buses, taxis, and motorbike taxis.
The city also has a recently built metro system, the first line opened to service on 6 November 2021.
Road traffic can be heavy and chaotic, so walking or cycling may be a better option for short distances.
What are some traditional dishes to try in Hanoi?
Some traditional dishes to try in Hanoi include pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken), bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and cha ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill).
There are also many street food vendors offering a variety of delicious snacks and treats.
What is Vietnam’s currency?
The official currency of Vietnam is the dong (đồng), abbreviated VND.
Here are some conversions that you might find useful:
€10 = đồng 252,237
$10 = đồng 235,899
£10 = đồng 284,309
It is best to exchange your currency at a bank or exchange office, as street vendors may not give you a fair exchange rate.
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