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Hanoi

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Quick Facts

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Coordinates
  • Latitude: 21.0341
  • Longitude: 105.8372

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Introduction

strawberries in Hanoi

strawberries in Hanoi

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Sprawled along the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. Originally founded in 1010 by King Ly Thai To as Thang Long (city of ascending dragons), the city has since become a fascinating combination of East and West as strong Chinese and French influences have merged with the Vietnamese way. This is specifically reflected in the city's architecture which is now having to also make room for more modern developments alongside. Hanoi's past can be taken in at sites like Hoa Lo Prison and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Plenty of green areas, lakes and shady boulevards, as well as over 600 temples and pagodas, add to the appeal of Hanoi.

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Neighbourhoods

The city consists of three main areas:

  • The Ancient Citadel Area (11th century) was home to the Royal Family
  • The Old Quarter (Ancient Business Area) dates back to the 11th century and is considered the city's centre.
  • The French Quarter used to be home to French during their time in Hanoi.

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Sights and activities

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Opening hours: 08:00 - 11:00 A.M except for Monday and Friday. Admission free) - Visitors are to be respectful both in dress (long pants and sleeved-shirts) and in attitude. Electronic devices are to be deposited before entering the mausoleum.
  • The One-pillar Pagoda - One of the unofficial symbols of Hanoi, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The Pagoda symbolises a lotus blossom (representing purity) growing out of a sea of sorrow.
  • The Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam St., south of the Mausoleum. Opening hours: Daily 07:30 - 17:30. Admission 5,000 dong.) - Built in 1070 as a place to worship Confucius and his disciples, it became Vietnam's first university 6 years later. The original area was burned down and destroyed by the French colonialists.
  • History Museum (Tran Quang Khai Street, behind the Opera House. Opening hours: 07:30 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 16:30. Closed on Monday) - As its name suggests this museum is a showcase of Vietnam's history.
  • Army Museum (Dien Bien Phu Street, the Ancient Citadel Area. Opening hours: 07:30 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 16:30. Closed on Monday and Friday) - History of the country and of its military. Artifacts include wreckage of B52 bombers, F111 fighter aircrafts and different kinds of weapons from the war.
  • Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hoa Lo Street, between Ly Thuong Kiet Street and Hai Ba Trung Street. Opening hours: 07:30 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 16:30. Closed on Monday) - Home to US prisoners of war, the prison was often called the "Hanoi Hilton"
  • Women's Museum (Bao Tang Phu Nu, 36 Pho Ly Thuong Kiet, to the south of the Old Quarter. Opening hours: 08:00 - 16:00. Closed on Monday) - Includes tributes to women soldiers during the war as well as costumes worn by ethnic minority groups. There are often one-off exhibitions on the 3rd floor.

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Events and Festivals

The Hanoians love any reason to celebrate, so all of Vietnam's major festivals are celebrated here. The main event is Tet, celebrated at the end of January or early February depending on the moon.

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Weather

Hanoi has a warm tropical climate with generally two seasons. The hot and wet season lasts from May to September, while the cooler but drier season is from November to February. Temperatures can drop below 10 °C during this time, but generally you will have pleasantly warm weather. Most of the rain falls in July and August when hot and muggy weather prevails, with temperatures frequently hitting more than 30 °C. March and November are good months for a visit. Bear in mind that the months of September and October sometimes bring tropical storms, though these are not usually too severe.

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Getting There

By Plane

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is located about 40 minutes outside of Hanoi. There is a shuttle bus in front of the the Air Vietnam Offices just outside of the city center starting at 5 am and ending at 5 pm.
About 30 airlines serve Hanoi and some main destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Vladivostok, Moscow, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Paris, Beijing, Guangzhou, Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Singapore, Frankfurt, Kunming, Melboune, Danang, Nha Trang and Sydney.

By Train

The main Hanoi Train Station (Ga Hang Co, 120 Le Duan Street. Ticket office open from 07.30-11.30 and 13.30-19.30) serves trains heading south.

North bound trains depart from Tran Quy Cap Station behind the main station.

There are 2 trains a week between Hanoi (Vietnam) and Beijing. Trains from Hanoi leave on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.30pm, and arrive two days later at 1.30pm at the Beijing West train station. From Beijing trains depart on Sundays and Thursday around 4pm, arriving early in the morning at around 8 o'clock in Hanoi. The journeys requires a train switch at the border town of Dong Dang. Other intermediate stops include Nanning, Guilin and Zhengzhou, all in China.

Trains also travel south towards Ho Chi Minh City and depart at 19.00 (SE1), 23.00 (SE3), 12.25 (SE5), 05.55 (SE7) and 10.05 (TN1) daily. The 10.05 is generally not recommended as there are only hard sleepers and hard seats available. Trains SE1-SE8 on the other hand, have air-con soft sleepers (4-berth), air-con hard sleepers (6-berth), air-con soft seats as well as an air-con restaurant car.

By Car

You can hire a car with driver or a motorcycle from most travel agencies in Vietnam. Road conditions are generally good around Hanoi and to the North East. Roads to the North West however, a little ropey. As an example a 6 day trip in a 4WD (including the car, driver and petrol) should cost around US$275 - US$550.

By Bus

Hanoi is the end or the beginning of the open bus ticket. Many different companies operate open bus tickets and remember to ask around before buying into one company for the journey all the way south to Ho Chi Minh City. For more information on the open bus ticket read the Ho Chi Minh City article.

By Boat

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Getting Around

By Car

A popular and probably the easiest way to see Hanoi is by taxi. Fare is normally approximately 11,000 dong to 17,000 dong for the first kilometre and then around 9,000 dong after that. Be aware of scams and try to stick to reliable companies such as Hanoi Taxi.

By Public Transport

Hanoi has no metro service, so the only way to get around by public transport is by bus. There are now over 60 public bus lines and these serve many areas of Hanoi as well as a few destinations on the outskirts. Generally, the buses are clean and comfortable, but can get very overcrowded during peak times. Most Guest Houses should be able to provide you with a bus map and/or timetable.

By Foot

Central Hanoi can easily be navigated on foot. Walking around this city is the only way to experience the sights, sounds (and smells) it has to offer. Walking around the city makes you part of the traffic - good or bad, it is the easiest way to have that true local experience. The Old Quarter in particular is best experienced on foot due it's narrow alleyways and small, crowded streets.

The New York Times has a well commentated walking tour of the old quarter here. It is a good start for a self guided walking tour of the old quarter.

Note: Try to study the map discretely and know your next turn before arriving at an intersection. If you ask for directions, motorbike taxi drivers will just implore you to hire them for a ride and even try to confuse you. Learn to look for distinct rooflines. Just a short time in the Old Quarter will have you distinguishing a Chinese temple or community house from a tube house or more French-influenced construction. Most streets will have signs giving the road name.

By Bike

Bicycles and motorcycles are also great ways to get around Hanoi, but are not for the faint-hearted! Many hotels and guest houses can rent you a bicycle for around US$1-US$2 a day.

Xe Om (or motorbike taxis) are readily available for longer distances and often work out cheaper than a taxi for single travellers. You'll no doubt be bombarded with offers as you walk down the streets of Hanoi.

Hiring a motorcycle yourself is a lot of fun, but should only really be attempted by confident driver. The traffic in Hanoi can be pretty crazy, especially during rush hour. If you can get the hang of it though, you'll feel like you've truly experienced Hanoi and seen more than the average traveller. Hotels and guest houses can rent you a motorbike or scooter for around US$6 a day. Scooters are strongly recommended for first-time Asian-city-drivers.

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Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

Budget

PropertyAddressTypePopularity
A Dong Hotel46 Luong Ngoc Quyen Hoan KiemHotel-
AB Pacific Hostel30AB Cuanam Str, Hoan Kiem DistHostel-
Anise Hotel22 Quan Thanh St.Hotel-
APT EZ Holiday Hotel9A Tong Duy Tan strHotel73
APT Guesthouse32 Hang Vai strGuesthouse67
Binh Minh 2 Hotel31 Hang Mam street Hoan Kiem districtHotel37
Blue Pacific Hotel32-34 Cua nam Str, Hoan kiem DistHostel60
Blue Paradise Hotel34 Hang Tre Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi cityHotel77
Bodega Hotel133 Hangbong street HoankiemHostel80
Brothers Hotel72 Tran Nhat Duat Hoan KiemHotel97
Camellia Hanoi Hotel VI12C Chan Cam Street Old QuarterHotel97
Camellia Hotel 581 Thuoc BacHotel63
Central Stars Hotel8 dao duy tu lane, HoankiemHostel68
Classic 2 Hotel49 Luong Ngoc QuyenHostel87
Classic I Hotel22A Ta Hien Hoan Kiem Dist- HanoiHotel48
Cool Hotel16 Bui Thi Xuan Str Hai Ba Trung DistHotel-
Democracy Hotel64 Cau Go Street Hoan Kiem DistrHostel74
Duc Thai Hotel95B Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem.Hostel94
Especen Hotel28 Tho Xuong Hoan Kiem districtHotel72
Friendly Hotel68 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem 24C Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan KiemHotel-
Giathinh Hotel - Vietnam Sunshine Group19 Hang Bac StreetHotel100
Golden Sun Hotel23 Hang Hanh, Old quarter.Hostel93
Golden Sun Hotel 219 Hang Hanh Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel94
Goldenkey Hotel16B Ngo Tram, Hang Bong, Hanoi, VietnamHotel-
Hang My HotelNo 34 Lan Ong Street Hoam KiemHotel-
Hanoi -Thuy Lam - Hostel17 Hang Ga Street Hanoi Old QuarterHostel77
Hanoi Asia Hotel05 Cua Dong Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Hanoi Astoria Hotel151-Hang Bong StrHotel77
Hanoi Backpackers Hostel48 Ngo Huyen Hoan KiemHostel87
Hanoi Blue Sky Hotel2B Hang Ga Hoan KiemHotel90
Hanoi Boutique Hotel28 Bat Su Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel88
Hanoi Camellia Hotel31 Hang Dieu 21 Bat DanHotel89
Hanoi Capital HotelNo 4 Hang But Str Hoan KiemHotel-
Hanoi Centre One Hotel5 Luong Van Can str Hoan Kiem DistHotel59
Hanoi Charming Hotel15 Yen Thai Str VietNamHotel93
Hanoi Classic Hostel69 Hang LuocHostel78
Hanoi Cozy HotelNo 6 Cau Go str. Hoan Kiem DistHotel-
Hanoi Elegance hotel08 Hang Bac Hanoi-Hoan Kiem dist -VietnamHostel77
Hanoi Elegance Hotel 2 (Boutique In Hanoi)No 85 Ma May Str Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Hanoi Gecko Hotel11A Trung Yen Lane, Dinh Liet Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel93
Hanoi Golden Plaza Hotel22 Tho Xuong Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel94
Hanoi Grace Hotel15 Hang Can StreetHotel88
Hanoi Guesthouse14 Bat Su Street Old QuarterHostel91
Hanoi Holiday Hotel24 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha noi, VHotel80
Hanoi hostel85 Thuoc Bac str - Hanoi - Vietnam 21 Bat Dan str - Hanoi - VietnamHostel-
Hanoi Kangaroo Hotel71 Hang Luoc street- Hoan Kiem-HanoiHotel63
Hanoi Lake View Guest House60 Hang Trong,Hanoi,VietnamHostel-
Hanoi Lakeview Hotel57A Quang Trung Old QuarterHotel80
Hanoi Legend Hotel47 Luong Ngoc QuyenHostel97
Hanoi Lucky HotelNo.47 Ngo Huyen Street Hoan Kiem DistHostel83
Hanoi Lucky II HotelNo.11 Ngo Huyen Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Hanoi Lucky III HotelNo.56 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Hanoi Lucky Paradise Hotel18C Trung Yen Old QuarterHostel73
Hanoi Luxor Hotel59 Hang Cot strHotel83
Hanoi New Paradise96 hang bac stHotel-
Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel91 Hang Ma Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel73
Hanoi Old Quarters Hotel7 Thanh Ha Lane, Hoan Kiem DistHotel80
Hanoi Orchid Hotel49 Hang Be Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel60
Hanoi Palace Hotel61B Luong Ngoc Quyen StreetHotel-
Hanoi Phoenix 2 HotelNo.12 Dao Duy Tu alley Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel84
Hanoi Plaza Hotel26 Hang Non Street, Hoan kiem, HanoiHotel-
Hanoi Queen 2 HotelNo. 15 Hang Can Str, Hoan Kiem Dist HanoiHostel82
Hanoi Serenity Hotel1B Cua Dong St. Hoan Kiem DistHostel91
Hanoi Spirit Hostel50 Hang Be str Hoan KiemHostel-
Hanoi Sports Hotel96 Hang Bac Str Old QuarterHotel-
Hanoi Star Hotel II25 Hang Mam Hoan Kiem districtHotel92
Hanoi Street Hotel1A Cam Chi-Hoan Kiem-HanoiHotel-
Hanoi Youth Hotel33-Luong Van Can StreetHotel-
Hello Vietnam Hotel28 Thanh ha lane Hoan kiem distHostel74
Hoabinh Palace Hotel27 Hangbe Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Hoan Kiem Lake Hotel29 Hang Trong Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Hoang Thanh Plaza Hotel21 Hang Phen Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Holiday Guest House12 Yen Thai StreetHostel67
Hong Ngoc Hotel I34 Hang Manh strHotel98
Hotel Mykinh I - CameliaCamelia at 81 Thuoc Bac St Hoan Kiem DistHotel-
Indochina II Hotel42 Lo Su Street. Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel73
Joy Hotel55 Bat Su StreetHotel92
Jysk Hotel29 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem, HanoiHostel73
Kim Hoang Gia24-26 Hang Hanh StreetHotel-
King Ly Hotel8 Ly Thai To StreetHotel98
Little Hanoi DX HotelNo1 Yen Thai Str Hoan KiemHotel-
Little Hanoi Hotel48 Hang Ga Hoan KiemHostel90
Love Planet 135B Quan ThanhHostel65
Lucky Hotel12 Hang Trong StreetHotel-
Lucky Star Hotel11 Bat Dan Street Hoan kiem DistrictHotel60
Maison D'Hanoi35-37 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District, HanoiHotel90
Manh Dung Guest houseNo. 2 - Tam Thuong Hanoi - VietnamGuesthouse80
Mikes Hotel1 Hang Phen Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel88
North Hotel No 115 Hang Ga StreetHostel-
North Hotel No 25B Tam Thuong StreetHostel73
Ocean Star Hotel43 Bat Su -Hanoi- VietnamHotel92
Ocean Stars 2 HotelNo.10 Dao Duy Tu lane Hang Buom -Hoan Kiem - HanoiHotel82
Old Street Hotel23 Ma May Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel91
Omega Hotel (Hanoi)32 Thuoc Bac Str Hoan Kiem DistHostel87
Open Tour Hotel44 Lo Su Str, HanoiHotel88
Pacific Hotel30 Cua Nam Str Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel79
Pacific Prince Hotel95 Hang Bong St. Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Pho Xua Hostel48 Hang GaHostel86
Phoenix Hotel (Hanoi)43 Bat Su, Hanoi Old Quarter.Hostel87
Phudo Hotel68 Hang Bo Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Quanghiep Hotel5 Dong Thai StreetHostel77
Queen of Heart Hotel65A Nguyen Huu Huan Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Queen Star Hotel23B Ma MayHostel87
Real Darling Cafe5 Thanh Ha lane, Hoan Kiem dist,Guesthouse40
Relax Hotel Hanoi10 Yen Thai street Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel67
Return Hotel19 Bat DanHotel57
Rex Hotel3B Thanh ha laneHotel57
Rising Dragon Hotel61 Hang Be Street, Hoan KiemHotel80
Rosaliza Hanoi Hotel15 Tran Quoc Toan Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Royal90 Cau Go Hoan KiemHotel40
Royal (Duc Huy)11 Hang ManhHotel97
Sakura Hotel (Hanoi)6c Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel76
Salute Hotel7 Hang Dau Street Ha NoiHotel-
Santa Hotel43 Trieu Viet VuongHotel-
Serenade Hotel58 Hang Dao StreetHotel-
Splendid Star Hotel8 Tho Xuong Lane, Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel94
Star View HotelNo 120 Quan Thanh Str Ba Dinh DistHotel-
Sunrise Hotel Hanoi09 Hangmam street-Hoankiem district-Hanoi cityHotel76
Sunshine 2 Hotel86 Ma May St. Hoan KiemHotel-
Tet Back Packer2A Ta Hien Street Hoan Kiem District, HanoiHostel93
The Drift Hostel Hanoi42 Truong Han Sieu Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel95
The Jasmine Hotel57 Lo Su Street Hanoi Old QuarterHotel93
The Ritz Hotel32 Le Thai To StreetHotel91
Thien Tan Hotel12 Cha Ca Street Hoan Kiem Dist.Hotel-
Tien Thuy hotel09 Hang Thung Hoan KiemHotel85
TinTin Hotel14 Hang Non Str, Hoan kiem districtHostel78
Travellers House Hotel12 Trung Yen - Dinh Liet Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel80
Venus Hotel10 Hang Can Street Old QuarterHotel63
Victory Queen Hostel11 Trung Yen Lane,Dinh Liet Street. Hoan Kiem DistrictHostel89
Viet Anh HotelNo 11 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel72
Viet Anh II Hotel33 Ngo Huyen Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel80
Viet Fun 3 Hotel1 Ngo Huyen Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel-
Viet Fun Hotel48 Ma May Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel90
Viet Hotel61 hang than str-badinh dist-hanoi-vietnamHotel-
Viet Thang Hotel73 Hang LuocHotel-
Wild Lotus HotelNo2 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street Hoan Kiem DistrictHotel70

Mid-Range

Upscale

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Work

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Keep Connected

Internet

With online dance and battle games popular amongst Vietnamese youth, there is no shortage of high speed internet cafés around Hanoi. Rates can be as low as 3000 dong per hour and some of the better internet cafés that can be found in the Old Quarter carry popular software like Skype.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

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This is version 35. Last edited at 18:40 on Nov 11, 09 by Utrecht (+976). 19 articles link to this page.

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