Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the centre of the north. Founded in 1010, its name changed several times across the centuries, and the core of today's fabric is Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter around it. In this district, known for its thirty six streets, the lanes were historically named after the crafts practised on them: silk street, tin street, bamboo street. The Turtle Tower stands in the middle of the lake, and Ngoc Son Temple at its northern end is joined to the shore by a red wooden bridge. The city is cooler than Ho Chi Minh City and has four distinct seasons.
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See flights to Hanoi →When to visit Hanoi
October to December is the best window, dry and between 20C and 25C. March to May is also favourable. June to August is hot and wet. January and February are cool and drizzly, and temperatures can fall below 15C.
Things to do in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
The lake in the middle of the city draws the line between the Old Quarter and the French era. Ngoc Son Temple at its northern end is reached over the red wooden Huc Bridge, and the surrounding roads close to traffic at weekends.
Temple of Literature
Founded in 1070, the temple is also remembered as Vietnam's first university. In its courtyards, stelae raised on stone tortoises carry the names of successful examination candidates carved over centuries.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The granite structure on Ba Dinh Square stands where Vietnam's independence was declared in 1945. Visiting hours are limited and a dress code applies at the entrance.
One Pillar Pagoda
This small wooden temple, commissioned in the eleventh century, rises on a single stone pillar and represents a lotus opening on water. It stands just beside the mausoleum complex.
Hanoi Train Street
At the edge of the Old Quarter a narrow railway runs between the houses, with a train passing a few times a day. Access is restricted from time to time for safety, so it is worth asking whether it is open before going.
Ha Long Bay
The bay about 170 kilometres east of Hanoi, with thousands of limestone islands rising from the water, was inscribed by UNESCO in 1994. It is visited on day trips or on cruises with a night aboard.
Flights from Turkey to Hanoi
The flight from Istanbul to Hanoi is about 10 hours on the great circle route, operated by Turkish Airlines. Noi Bai Airport lies north of the city and connects to the centre by a motorway across the river.
Hanoi FAQ
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two days cover the Old Quarter, the lake and the temples. Adding a night on Ha Long Bay makes four days a balanced programme.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Noi Bai International Airport is about 30 kilometres from the centre. By taxi or airport bus the journey takes between 40 minutes and an hour.
How do you travel between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
There are frequent domestic flights between the two cities and the trip takes about two hours. The railway running north to south is a journey of roughly thirty five hours.
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