Facts checked against live data · 5 Sept 2026

Vietnam · Region

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, a city where centuries-old temples, French colonial boulevards, and the tangled lanes of the Old Quarter sit alongside a fast-modernizing skyline. Motorbike traffic, sidewalk street-food stalls, and shaded lakes give it an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Getting thereMost travellers arrive via Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located roughly 25–30 km north of the city centre. From there, the reliable options into town are metered taxis/ride-hailing apps or public and shuttle buses, with the journey typically taking ~45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
How long to stayPlan on ~2-3 days to cover the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the main historic and cultural sites at a comfortable pace.

Top-rated things to do in Hanoi

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Frequently asked questions about Hanoi

How do I get to Hanoi?

Most travellers arrive via Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located roughly 25–30 km north of the city centre. From there, the reliable options into town are metered taxis/ride-hailing apps or public and shuttle buses, with the journey typically taking ~45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

How many days should I spend in Hanoi?

Plan on ~2-3 days to cover the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the main historic and cultural sites at a comfortable pace.

What is Hanoi known for?

Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, a city where centuries-old temples, French colonial boulevards, and the tangled lanes of the Old Quarter sit alongside a fast-modernizing skyline. Motorbike traffic, sidewalk street-food stalls, and shaded lakes give it an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

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