If you love buzzing streets, delicious food, and a little bit of chaos, Hanoi is the place for you! It’s got history, motorbikes everywhere, and some of the best street food on the planet. Whether you’re slurping up Pho, dodging scooters, or sipping a 50p beer on a plastic stool, Hanoi is an adventure from start to finish. Let’s dive in!
Getting There:
The best option is to fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Flights to Hanoi with Malaysia Airlines.
From there, you’ve got options:
Grab (Best Choice) – Cheap and reliable, book via the app.
Taxi – Costs around 350,000-400,000 VND (£11-£13) to the Old Quarter.
Public Bus – The cheapest way (less than £1), but not great if you have lots of luggage!
Hotel Transfer – If you want an easy ride, ask your hotel to pick you up.
Hanoi traffic is madness, so expect the journey to take 30-60 minutes depending on when you arrive.
Where To Stay:
Holidays to Hanoi with Malaysia Airlines
Top Hotel Picks:
JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi – Experience unparalleled luxury at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, featuring contemporary design, world-class amenities, and stunning lake views in the heart of the Central Business District.
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel – Sheraton Hanoi Hotel offers a tranquil lakeside retreat with modern comforts, exceptional dining and easy access to Hanoi’s vibrant attractions.
Fraser Suites Hanoi – Fraser Suites Hanoi provides spacious serviced apartments with premium facilities, ideal for both short and extended stays in the city’s bustling centre.
Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake – Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake boasts opulent accommodations adorned with gold accents, rooftop infinity pool, and exquisite dining experiences for a lavish stay.
Things To Do:
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Take a relaxing stroll around the lake and visit the temple in the middle. It’s a peaceful escape from Hanoi’s madness!
Train Street: A train squeezes through a narrow alleyway, brushing past cafes while tourists sip coffee inches away. It’s been on and off with restrictions and it is difficult to catch the correct timings, so check before you go!
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Visit the resting place of Uncle Ho himself. Just a heads-up—it’s a serious place, so no pictures and no loud chatting (yes, they will tell you off).
Street Food Tour: Hanoi’s street food is legendary. Join a guided tour to eat Bun Cha (grilled pork & noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and Egg Coffee (it sounds weird, but trust me, it’s good). Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit, GetYourGuide
Water Puppet Show: A traditional Vietnamese show with puppets dancing on water. Sounds odd, but it’s surprisingly entertaining, and there’s live music too! Water Puppet Show Tickets, GetYourGuide
Old Quarter Markets: If you love shopping (or haggling like your life depends on it), Hanoi’s Old Quarter is full of souvenirs, fake designer bags and clothes.
Temple of Literature: This ancient university is dedicated to Confucius and is one of the most peaceful spots in Hanoi. Plus, the turtles here are said to bring good luck!
Bia Hoi Corner: Sit on a tiny plastic stool and enjoy Vietnam’s freshest (and cheapest) beer for less than a pound. You’ll probably leave with new friends—or at least a good story.
Ban Gioc & Angel Mountain: Discover stunning Angel Mountain, explore the mystical Tiger Cave, and marvel at the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall. Enjoy breathtaking views, delicious local food, and peaceful temples on this unforgettable two-day adventure from Hanoi! Ban Gioc Waterfall & Angel Mountain 2-Day Tour, GetYourGuide
Day Trip to Ninh Binh: Take a boat ride through stunning limestone cliffs, visit ancient temples, and enjoy the countryside. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Ninh Binh Tour, GetYourGuide
Ha Long Bay Cruise: One of the most famous trips from Hanoi! Sail past incredible limestone islands, kayak in hidden lagoons and end the day with a sunset party. Full-Day Halong Bay Cruise, GetYourGuide. Why not do a 2 day 5 star luxury cruise along Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha (its cheap as chips!) 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony, GetYourGuide
Ha Giang Loop Jeep Tour: Explore Ha Giang’s breathtaking landscapes on this epic three-day adventure! Visit Nui Cam Mountain, Heaven’s Gate, the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass, and the iconic Lung Cu flagpole. Experience vibrant villages, winding roads, and jaw-dropping mountain views along the legendary Ha Giang Loop. Ha Giang Loop Jeep Tour 3 Days 2 Nights, GetYourGuide
Practical Tips for Visiting Hanoi:
Cash is King – Vietnam mainly uses cash. The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Some places take cards, but don’t rely on it.
Travel Adapter – Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F plugs. If you’re from the UK, bring an adapter!
Get a SIM Card – Buy one at the airport for cheap data. Vietnam has great WiFi, but it’s nice to have 4G for maps and Grab taxis.
Use Grab, Not Taxis – Hanoi taxis can overcharge tourists. Grab (like Uber) is cheap, safe, and easy.
Tipping Culture – Not expected, but always appreciated! In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 10%.
Crossing the Road – Traffic NEVER stops. Walk slowly and confidently—scooters will swerve around you (hopefully).
Beware of Scams – Watch out for dodgy taxis, overpriced tours, and friendly ladies who want to “show you their shop.”
Emergency Numbers – Police: 113, Ambulance: 115, Fire: 114. (Let’s hope you never need them!)
Air Pollution – Hanoi can be smoggy. If you have asthma, bring a mask or avoid heavy traffic areas.
Book Ha Long Bay in Advance – Good cruises sell out fast! Book in advance, check out GetYourGuide for great deals. 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise with Balcony, GetYourGuide
Hanoi is a wild mix of culture, chaos and incredible food. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, dodging scooters, or eating your body weight in Pho, it’s a city that never gets boring. Embrace the madness, try everything, and don’t be scared to cross the road—just walk slowly and pray!
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