- CountryVietnam
- Best forStreet food, history, day trips
- Best timeFebruary to April and August to October
- CurrencyVietnamese dong
Hanoi is the capital and second-most populous centrally-governed city of Vietnam. It covers an area of 3,358.6 km2, and as of 2026 has a population of 8.7 million. Hanoi had the second-highest gross regional domestic product of all Vietnamese provinces and centrally-governed cities at US$48 billion in 2023, behind Ho Chi Minh City.Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay in Hanoi: hotel tips
Choosing the right neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself. These are the best areas to base yourself in Hanoi:
1
Old Quarter
Atmospheric, central and full of street food
2
Hoan Kiem Lake / French Quarter
Grand colonial hotels and wide boulevards
3
Tay Ho (West Lake)
Calmer, expat cafés and lake views
Hotel booking tips
- Book central stays near public transport to save time and taxi fares.
- Choose free-cancellation rates during February to April and August to October, the busiest season.
- Check recent reviews for noise, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Top landmarks in Hanoi
Map of Hanoi and around
LandmarkCityClick a pin for details
Getting around
Combine walking, public transport and ride-hailing apps for city sightseeing. For day trips and onward travel, compare trains, buses and ferries, or hire a car where roads are quiet.
