Is Hanoi Worth Visiting? All You Need To Know
My Honest Thoughts On Hanoi
Is Hanoi worth visiting?
You’re staring at a map of Vietnam. Saigon’s got that energy everyone talks about. Central Vietnam has those beaches and ancient towns. Then there’s Hanoi. The capital. The chaotic one. The one where half the travel blogs say “skip it” and the other half won’t shut up about it.
I get it.
You’ve got limited time. Vietnam has a lot to see. Why spend days in a crazy, busy capital when you could be island hopping or exploring temples?
Here’s the thing. I spent four weeks in Hanoi. Not as a quick stopover. Four full weeks walking every street, eating at every corner stall, getting lost in every alley. And when I finally left to see more of Vietnam, I felt weird about it. Happy to move on, sure. But also? I’d started to really love life there.
Saigon hits you immediately. It’s loud and modern and you get it right away. Central Vietnam is beautiful in that postcard way. But Hanoi doesn’t work like that.
Hanoi makes you earn it.
The city doesn’t perform for tourists. It just exists. Loudly. Messily. Beautifully, once you figure out what you’re looking at.
So what is there actually to do? How much time do you need? Should you skip it entirely?
No. You shouldn’t skip it.
Not if you want to see a real Vietnamese city operating at full speed. Not if you care about food that’ll ruin every other version of pho you’ve ever had. Not if you want a capital that feels alive instead of manicured for Instagram.
Whether you’ve got three days or three weeks, Hanoi rewards the curious. The people who don’t need everything spelt out. The travellers who like cities with rough edges and real character.
This is everything you need to know about spending time in Hanoi. What to do, where to go, how long to stay, and why this chaotic capital deserves space on your Vietnam itinerary.
Read my 2 week Vietnam Itinerary to plan an amazing trip! I also have a 3 Day Hanoi Itinerary just for you!
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🇻🇳 Hanoi Quick Guide 🇻🇳
Best Time To Visit Hanoi: October to April for cooler weather and clearer skies.
Where To Stay:
The Cosy Inn Hanoi ***
Astoria Hotel – St Joseph Cathedral Hanoi ***
Hotel du Monde Classic ***
Getting Around Hanoi: Grab bikes, taxis, local buses, or walk around the Old Quarter since everything is close.
Day Trips To Consider: Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Perfume Pagoda, Ba Vi National Park.
Before You Go:
Check out my Things To Do In Hanoi post before you visit!
Food Tours To Experience Hanoi’s Authentic Food
Below I’ve listed some highly trusted and fun tours to do in Hanoi and experience some amazing things to eat in the city.
There’s a Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit, which is really popular since most travellers want to see Train Street at some point. You can grab a Vietnamese egg coffee as you go and make it truly authentic!
If you’re vegan like so many people nowadays, there are loads of options; the Hanoi Vegan Street Food & Train Street Tour includes only vegan dishes. You can try delicious vegetable rice pancakes and explore with your guide.
If you prefer to explore Hanoi by night, then consider the Night Foodie Motorbike Tour Led By Women. Your guide will be a local woman, and some people prefer it that way.
For a small group tour, you can book the one listed below for a great, affordable option.
Reasons To Visit Hanoi
Hanoi Has Amazing Places To Eat
One of the biggest draws of Hanoi for me was the number of things to eat.
And not just authentic Vietnamese food, which it has in abundance, but great Indian, Japanese, sushi and other cuisines found within Hanoi that make the city really worth your time.
While you can get tasty street food at Hanoi Weekend Night Market, I made a detailed list of the best restaurants in Hanoi so you can make a plan of action for your taste buds.
Some things you cannot miss in Hanoi are the Bun Cha, Pho (Hanoi has some of the best Pho in Vietnam), and Egg Coffee.
Additionally, Hanoi has numerous Michelin-star restaurants, and the prices are extremely affordable if you’re coming from North America, Europe, or Australia.
You’re talking anywhere between $1.50–$6.00 for a Michelin-star meal. How incredible is that?
When I visited, I couldn’t help but be impressed walking around the streets and seeing so many Michelin stars on the windows of these small family-run businesses.
There are many things to do in Hanoi at night, so please explore then, too!
Discover Where To Stay In Hanoi With My Full Guide
Loads of Museums To Explore
Busy Nightlife
Hanoi has it all.
Clubs, bars, music in the streets, whether authentic Vietnamese or live rock music, are another reason Hanoi is worth visiting.
You can visit the many sky bars or stay out dancing into the early hours of the morning. You can stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake at midnight and find groups of people exercising or singing on the side of the street.
This is Hanoi’s culture and lifestyle packed into one.
Incredible Markets
The markets are fun and active, and Hanoi comes alive, especially for the weekend night market.
Whenever I visited on my many weekends in the city, the traffic was not allowed on the road, and people filled the streets. You could pick up souvenirs or hats, or food. Anything you wanted felt possible.
Make sure you bring cash so you can get some fun little items for home.
Beautiful Lakes
Hoan Kiem Lake, Bay Mau Lake, and West Lake were beautiful.
Especially in the early morning or evening when the sun starts to do its work.
There was a fun little train track around Bay Mau Lake, and people ran through the park and played board games. Hoan Kiem is the most famous lake in the city, and you can find anything here: street food, dancing, people exercising, or live music on the streets.
Hanoi has so much going for it!
French Influence Can Still Be Seen Today
Walking through Hanoi, you can see remnants of France everywhere.
You’ll find countless coffee shops with designs reminiscent of France, complete with French music playing in the background.
There’s even a French Quarter, which is one of the best places to stay. I loved seeing St Joseph’s Cathedral and other sites that made Europe feel not so far away. The architecture, like the Opera House, is beautiful and worth visiting in my view.
Live Puppet Shows
If you want to see a live puppet show, visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
While I didn’t get to experience this on my last trip, it’s the best place for an authentic puppet show. You can get tickets for the puppet show before you go because when I walked in to get tickets, the line was out the door, and availability was hard to come by. That’s why I had to skip the show.
If you can book in advance, make sure you do, don’t make the same mistake as me!
What Should I Budget For Hanoi?
Budget / Backpacker light
Around $20–35 daily (roughly €19–34).
You’re looking at dorm beds or very basic guesthouses ($6–15 per night), street food and local spots for meals ($1–3 each), and getting around by public transport, motorbike, bus, bicycle, or on foot rather than taxis.
This means self-guided wandering, eating where locals eat, and skipping most organised tours or restaurant meals.
Works well if funds are tight or you want to see how people actually live without spending much.
Mid-range / Comfortable travel
Around $50–90 daily (roughly €45–85).
Private room in a decent 2–3 star hotel or guesthouse ($25–50 per night). A mix of local restaurants and nicer places, occasional Western or better Vietnamese meals. Taxis or ride-hailing apps for transport, maybe some domestic hops or organised boat trips or tours.
Budget for museum entries, guided visits, modest souvenirs, and casual drinks.
For context: on my first stay in Hanoi, I paid €273 for 21 nights at a 3-star hotel, which works out to about €13 per night. Perfectly comfortable base without breaking the budget.
Solid middle ground between keeping costs reasonable and travelling comfortably without overthinking every expense.
Luxury / Treat yourself
Around $150–300+ daily (roughly €140–280+).
High-end hotel or resort, 4–5 star or boutique property. Nicer restaurants, fine dining, fusion places, rooftop bars. Private transport and private tours when you want them, plus room in the budget for shows, day trips, spa sessions, and shopping.
More convenience and flexibility, less reliance on public transport, more emphasis on comfort and having options.
Is Hanoi Safe?
Hanoi is a relatively safe city, and in my experience, I never had any issues.
From my research, it’s clear that aggressive violence toward tourists is not common in Hanoi. I was very happy to see this, as you can imagine.
When I was there, I spoke to many families who told me about their experiences. They had no issues either. While I realise travellers do have problems, whether physical attacks, theft, or other issues, it can happen anywhere in the world.
Pickpocketing is said to be the biggest issue, so if you’re watching your stuff and don’t leave your wallet hanging out in the open, you should be okay.
You can read how safe Hanoi is for solo female travellers here for a different experience from mine.
I’d have no problem telling others that Hanoi is a great place to go and is safe for any type of traveller.
Is Hanoi Worth Visiting in June/July?
I flew into Hanoi at the end of June and stayed for most of July.
To be honest, I was expecting much more rain since it was the hot and wet season. I did experience some big downpours, but nothing like what’s happening in more recent times with the floods and cyclones.
It was very hot in June and July. Highs hit 35 degrees, and it was humid. While I could have been more comfortable, I knew I’d have far fewer crowds than if I’d gone between November and February.
I was willing to make that trade-off, and after some time, I was glad I did.
Find Out How To Get From Hanoi Airport To The City Centre With My Full Guide
Is Hanoi Expensive Or Affordable?
Here’s what I paid for my first three weeks in Hanoi: $300 for accommodation within a few minutes’ walk of the Old Quarter.
This included breakfast too.
For me, that’s very affordable, but it depends on the person.
Each day I could spend between 50,000 and 150,000 Vietnamese dong (€2.31/£1.96/$2.66–€4.95/£4.35/$5.70), so I think most travellers would find this affordable compared to Europe or the States.
Every time I used Grab, I was shocked at how cheap it was. I took a Grab from my hotel to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which is about 6 kilometres away, and it wasn’t over a couple of euros.
Most days when I went to a coffee shop to work, I paid less than €1.00.
Your bank balance will last in Hanoi, from my own experience.
Where To Stay In Hanoi?
Hanoi is a huge city with loads of places to stay.
I made a dedicated post outlining where to stay in Hanoi. I recommend staying close to the Old Quarter, which is exactly what I did.
I stayed at Old Town Palace Guest House, a three-star hotel minutes’ walk from the centre of the Old Quarter. Every day I could easily walk in, get a massage, try amazing street food and walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
West Lake is nice too, but it’s further from the action. The French Quarter is a great place to stay as well, so make sure you check out the hotels located there.
You can choose some great options below on the map.
Hanoi Has Some Amazing Rooftop Bars With Great Drinks And Views Of The City
What To Do In Hanoi
I made an entire post about the best things to do in Hanoi, so check that out for some inspiration.
However, some notable highlights include St Joseph’s Cathedral, which I loved seeing inside and out. The Vietnam National Museum of History was a deep dive into the country’s long history.
I found the Vietnamese Women’s Museum to be insightful, too, and worth the time.
The Vietnam Military History Museum was an incredible place to see such weaponry and armour up close, scary but interesting.
The list could go on and on. Hanoi is totally worth visiting for the museums alone.
Additionally, I need to mention the Temple of Literature. I found it incredibly peaceful, even with the crowds of tourists.
Then there’s the food. Hanoi has incredible coffee shops and restaurants. You’ll find fantastic vegan options, amazing egg coffee, and some of Vietnam’s best bun cha.
All things considered, Hanoi is really worth a visit, don’t you think?
Read My In-Depth Guide About Hanoi Train Street
Day Trips From Hanoi You Need To Consider
When I arrived at my Hanoi Hotel, they had loads of leaflets about day trips from Hanoi.
The options included Cat Ba Island, Ba Vi National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park, Tam Coc/Ninh Binh, and many more lesser-known areas.
I did, however, get to see Tam Coc/Ninh Binh, Cat Ba, and, of course, Ha Long Bay after leaving Hanoi. They’re only a few hours by bus or taxi. Well worth checking these out, you know they’re trustworthy because of the reviews.
Duong Lam Ancient Village – visit a traditional village one and a half hours from Hanoi. Totally worth it to see local life and history all in one.
Bai Tu Long Bay – just beyond the world-famous Ha Long Bay, you can have a similar experience with far fewer tourists.
Ha Long Bay – it doesn’t get much better than this. Ha Long Bay is an incredible three-hour drive from Hanoi. I met loads of people in my hotel while taking day trips there. Loved it!
Ninh Binh/Tam Coc – Used interchangeably by many travellers, Tam Coc is an epic place to explore, known as Ha Long Bay on land. When I visited, this really resonated.
Cat Ba Island – Loved every second on Cat Ba Island. Similar to Ha Long Bay but on a smaller scale. Don’t miss Cai Beo Fishing Village.
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Is Hanoi Worth Visiting For Couples?
Yes, I think so.
While I travelled solo to Hanoi, I spent loads of months in Asia travelling as a couple, and it’s just another great city to explore single or with somebody.
There are loads of fun rooftop bars, amazing restaurants, and museums to see if that’s your thing.
It can be romantic too.
Hoan Kiem Lake is beautiful, especially at night, so you can walk around together and grab a drink overlooking the city at night. I recommend The Luxe Bar, which overlooks Hoan Kiem Lake, and the skyline is incredible.
If you’re travelling as a couple and only have a few days for Hanoi, I recommend spending two to three days and hitting your favourite sites, which you’ll likely enjoy the most.
How To Get Around In Hanoi?
You basically have a couple of options.
If you’re brave, rent a scooter and see how it goes. I don’t ride scooters at home, so for me it’s never an option in Hanoi. In case you didn’t know, the streets are pure madness.
It feels like you may have an accident on pretty much every journey, but the magic of Vietnam’s streets makes it usually a safe trip in the end.
I use Grab, and it works brilliantly.
Download the app for free and enter your card details, and off you go. Just book a bike or a car, and you can choose your destination. I wouldn’t recommend a car except for long distances, as you’ll end up sitting in traffic and taking much longer than a bike.
If you have a bike, sometimes the helmets don’t work, so you can cancel your trip if you don’t feel safe and try another driver.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion – Hanoi IS Worth Visiting!
I feel Hanoi deserves a place on your Vietnam itinerary, if not for four weeks, then at least a few days.
There are clearly loads to see in the capital. From the incredible museums to the beautiful coffee shops and the amazing food options, you can have loads of fun in Hanoi.
While I understand people want to go to Sapa, Ha Long Bay or the Ha Giang Loop, and Hanoi may not be as aesthetically beautiful as these places, you can include it as your first stop when you fly into northern Vietnam.
Make sure you pack correctly for the trip and read my Southeast Asia packing list.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
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FAQs
Is It Better To Stay In Hanoi Or Ho Chi Minh?
Hanoi is in northern Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is in the south. While you can fly easily between cities, both are worth visiting. I loved seeing Ho Chi Minh and exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta from the city. From Hanoi, I saw Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island, all incredible places to visit. You can decide which region to explore first and then choose which is worth visiting.
How Many Days In Hanoi Is Enough?
To see why Hanoi is worth visiting, I recommend you spend at least three days in the city. You can pack in loads during that time, the Hanoi Flag Tower, Train Street, St Joseph’s Cathedral, and many more epic sites. While I spent four weeks in Hanoi as a digital nomad, you can easily spend a few days there and come away satisfied, not regretting the time allocated to Hanoi.
Is It Okay To Skip Hanoi?
Sure, you can skip Hanoi. While I believe it’s worth visiting, Vietnam has countless other incredible destinations. Sapa, Tam Coc/Ninh Binh, Hue, and Da Nang are all popular for good reason. However, for the egg coffee, amazing food, and epic Old Quarter, Hanoi is a great place to start exploring northern Vietnam. After a few days, you’ll see why it’s worth visiting, and then you can make your way to other parts via train or sleeper bus.
