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Hanoi Travel Guide 2025: The Ultimate Local Guide to What to Do, Eat & See
Welcome to the only Hanoi Travel Guide you need for 2025! Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat visitor, this guide helps you unlock the best of Vietnam’s vibrant capital — from iconic sights and street food to hidden cultural gems, day trips, and practical travel tips. Explore the real Hanoi, beyond the clichés, with in-depth info and insider recommendations.
Why Visit Hanoi?
Hanoi blends ancient tradition with youthful energy: centuries-old temples and leafy boulevards, busy markets and peaceful lakes, rich coffee culture and unforgettable street food. Whether you love architecture, food, local crafts, or the outdoors, Hanoi offers something for every traveler and every season.
Read on for our cluster guides to plan a truly authentic trip!
Best Things to Do in Hanoi
See our full Best Things to Do in Hanoi guide →
Hanoi Street Food Guide
Explore our Hanoi Street Food Guide →
Hanoi 3-Day Itinerary
See the Hanoi 3-Day Itinerary →
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Find the best areas and accommodation for every style and budget: luxury hotels, boutique stays, cozy hostels, family-friendly and long-stay options. Includes pros, cons, and practical booking tips for 2025.
Where to Stay in Hanoi — Full Guide →
Hanoi Nightlife
Experience Hanoi after dark: lively beer corners, trendy rooftop bars, jazz clubs, night markets, and late-night eats. Get safety tips and local etiquette to enjoy the city like a local.
Discover Hanoi Nightlife →
Hanoi Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s living heritage: join water puppet shows, explore pagodas, attend craft workshops, or simply watch local life unfold in vibrant markets and peaceful temples. Hanoi’s culture shines in both the big sights and the smallest daily rituals.
Full guide: Hanoi Cultural Experiences →
Day Trips from Hanoi
Hanoi is the perfect base for exploring northern Vietnam. Within 1–3 hours you can reach lush mountains, ancient villages, dramatic karst landscapes, craft towns, and spiritual sites.
See the best day trips from Hanoi →
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Wondering when to go? Autumn (Sep–Nov) and spring (Mar–Apr) are the best times for pleasant weather and vibrant festivals, but each season has unique highlights. Find month-by-month weather, events, and pro tips for every type of traveler.
Read our Best Time to Visit Hanoi guide →
Essential Practical Tips for Hanoi Visitors
- Transport: Use Grab or Gojek apps for taxis and motorbikes. Walking is best in the Old Quarter, but traffic can be chaotic—always cross with locals!
- Money: VND cash is preferred for street food, markets, and small shops; cards accepted in hotels and some restaurants. ATMs are everywhere.
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi in most cafes/hotels. Consider a Vietnam eSIM for easy 4G access (see Vietnam mobile guide on Wikipedia).
- Apps: Install Google Maps, Google Translate, Grab, and a weather app. Download offline maps for backup.
- Safety: Hanoi is generally very safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and always check reviews before booking unknown accommodation.
- Health: Tap water is not drinkable—buy bottled or filtered water. Carry some tissues (many public toilets lack paper).
- Local etiquette: Dress modestly for temples, don’t point your feet at altars/Buddha images, and greet elders with a slight bow or nod.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 113 | Ambulance: 115 | Fire: 114.
Hanoi Travel Guide FAQ
Is Hanoi safe for solo travelers and families?
Yes! Hanoi is one of Asia’s safest cities, especially in tourist zones. Use basic precautions as you would in any major city.
How many days are enough in Hanoi?
3–4 days lets you experience top sights, local food, and one or two day trips. Stay longer to dive deeper into local culture and neighborhoods.
What is the best way to get around Hanoi?
Walk in the Old Quarter, use ride-hailing apps elsewhere, or book day trips for longer distances. Buses are cheap but challenging for first-timers.
How can I avoid tourist traps?
Eat where locals eat, avoid pushy street touts, check online reviews, and ask your hotel or a local guide for genuine recommendations.
Do I need to book tours and hotels in advance?
For peak season (autumn, spring, major festivals), yes. Otherwise, walk-ins are possible for many hotels and activities.
What are the top festivals in Hanoi?
Tet (Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, Perfume Pagoda Festival, and village celebrations. See our Vietnam Festival Calendar on Wikipedia.
Why Plan with Heera Travel?
Heera Travel is based in Hanoi with years of local expertise and a real passion for showing visitors the best of Vietnam.
- Custom itineraries and authentic experiences
- Reliable support in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese
- Up-to-date local info and honest, flexible booking
Contact Heera Travel for tailored advice or travel arrangements.