Vietnam · Asia
Hanoi
Street-food heaven, lakes and old-quarter chaos
Trip length
3–4 days
Best time
October–April (cooler and drier)
Mid-range budget
$50–90 / day
Overview
Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital is a joyful tangle of scooters, lakes and legendary street food. The Old Quarter's narrow guild streets spill over with pho, bun cha and egg coffee, while French-colonial boulevards and tranquil lakes give you room to breathe. It's also the gateway to the limestone seascape of Halong Bay.
Where to stay & explore
Old Quarter
36 ancient guild streets of food stalls, shops and buzzing chaos — the atmospheric place to stay.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The city's serene green heart; a weekend walking street and the pretty Ngoc Son Temple.
French Quarter
Wide boulevards, the Opera House and colonial-era cafés — elegant and calmer.
Tay Ho (West Lake)
Lakeside cafés, expat restaurants and sunset views — a relaxed base away from the honking.
Top attractions
- A street-food crawl (pho, bun cha, egg coffee)
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
- The Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex
- Overnight cruise to Halong Bay
Sample itinerary
Old Quarter
Graze the food streets, walk Hoan Kiem Lake, and catch a water-puppet show in the evening.
History & coffee
Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh complex, and egg coffee in a hidden French-quarter café.
Halong Bay
Full-day or overnight cruise among the limestone karsts and hidden caves.
Budget guide
Budget
$20–35 / day
Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-range
$50–90 / day
Boutique stays, restaurants, some tours
Luxury
$180+ / day
Top hotels, fine dining, private guides
Approximate spend per person, per day, excluding flights.
Practical travel tips
- 1Crossing the road: walk slowly and steadily — the scooters flow around you.
- 2Grab (ride-hailing) is cheap and avoids fare haggling; motorbike taxis are fastest in traffic.
- 3Sit on tiny plastic stools at busy stalls for the best, safest street food.
- 4Book Halong Bay cruises through a reputable operator and check the boat's reviews.
Plan your own Hanoi trip
Turn this guide into a personalised 3–4 days itinerary — with hotels, restaurants and hidden gems matched to your exact budget, in seconds.