Hanoi
Plan Hanoi with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step out of your hotel in Hanoi at dawn and the city is already moving. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, elderly residents practise tai chi beneath banyan trees, a vendor balances baskets of lotus flowers on a shoulder pole, and steam rises from a pavement pot of pho that has simmered all night. Narrow tube houses painted ochre and green lean over streets named after the goods once sold there: silk, silver, paper, herbs.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Widen your search or message us on WhatsApp.
Hanoi Day Tours
View all
Hanoi Attraction Tickets
View all
Hanoi Airport Transfers
View all
Hanoi Flight Tickets
View all
Hanoi Train Tickets
View all
Hanoi Ferry Tickets
View all
Hanoi at first sight
Hanoi has been Vietnam's capital, on and off, for a thousand years, and it carries that age with grace. Here are the country's oldest university, its most revered temples, French boulevards and opera house, and the solemn mausoleum of its founding president. More traditional and reserved than Saigon, Hanoi is the cultural heart of Vietnam and the natural gateway to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and the mountains of the north.
Why include Hanoi in your itinerary?
- A thousand years of history at walking pace. The Temple of Literature, the Imperial Citadel, the One Pillar Pagoda and the lakeside Ngoc Son Temple make Hanoi Vietnam's richest city for heritage, culture and the story of the nation.
- The birthplace of pho and egg coffee. Hanoi's street kitchens are legendary, from bun cha grilled over charcoal to crispy spring rolls and sticky rice, and the Old Quarter is one of Asia's great places simply to eat and watch.
- The gateway to northern wonders. Ha Long Bay's limestone islands, Ninh Binh's rivers and karst valleys, and the rice terraces of Sapa all begin in Hanoi, making it the perfect base for remarkable day trips.
Signature experiences in Hanoi
The Temple of Literature and Ba Dinh
Founded in 1070 to honour Confucius, the Temple of Literature became Vietnam's first university, and its tranquil courtyards, lotus ponds and stone steles carved with scholars' names still feel sacred. Nearby in Ba Dinh stand the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the tiny One Pillar Pagoda, rising from its lotus pond. Our guided day tours bring these landmarks together in the right order, with context, timing and respectful dress advice.
Street Food in the Old Quarter
To eat in Hanoi is to sit on a low stool beside the traffic. Begin with pho for breakfast, then explore the lanes on foot for bun cha with smoky grilled patties, crispy nem spring rolls, banh cuon rice rolls and fresh fruit, finishing with creamy egg coffee in a hidden upstairs café. Our team can recommend clean, trusted stalls and point you to halal meals near the Al-Noor Mosque on Hang Luoc Street.
The Old Quarter and the French Quarter
North of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter's tangled streets still carry the names of medieval guilds, packed with temples, merchant houses and craft shops. Cross the red The Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, catch a traditional water puppet show, then stroll south into the French Quarter, with its tree-lined boulevards, ochre villas and the grand Opera House. Our guided day tour of the city reveals the history behind every doorway and shrine.
Ha Long Bay Day Cruise
About two and a half hours from Hanoi by expressway, Ha Long Bay scatters nearly two thousand limestone islands across emerald water. A day cruise glides between the towering karsts, stops at a vast illuminated cave and offers kayaking among quiet lagoons, with a fresh seafood lunch on board. Our guided day tour handles the drive, boat and timing, and we issue ferry tickets for travellers continuing to Cat Ba Island.
Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay on Land
Two hours south, Ninh Binh is a dreamlike landscape of rivers, rice paddies and sheer karst towers. At Trang An or Tam Coc, local rowers paddle you through grottoes and past riverside temples, often with their feet. Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's tenth-century capital, and climb the steps of Mua Cave for a breathtaking view. Our guided day tour covers it all, and our team can arrange a private car with driver.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Hanoi
The Old Quarter
For atmosphere, nothing beats staying in the Old Quarter beside Hoan Kiem Lake. Boutique hotels hide in narrow buildings, street food is on every corner, and the lake, temples and water puppet theatre are steps away. It is lively and noisy by day and evening, with weekend walking streets around the lake. Safe and friendly, though traffic demands attention.
The French Quarter
South of the lake, the French Quarter offers broad tree-lined avenues, colonial villas, the Opera House and Hanoi's grandest heritage hotels. It is calmer and more spacious than the Old Quarter yet still within walking distance of its lanes. Ideal for families and travellers seeking elegance, comfort and quieter nights in a central, very safe location.
Tay Ho (West Lake)
Wrapped around the city's largest lake, Tay Ho is green, breezy and relaxed, with lakeside paths, international cafés, serviced apartments and the island pagoda of Tran Quoc, Hanoi's oldest. It suits longer stays and families wanting space away from the bustle, and the sunset over the water is beautiful. The centre is a short ride by car.
Ba Dinh
Hanoi's political heart is a district of wide boulevards, government buildings, embassies and green parks around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Imperial Citadel. It is orderly, quiet and very safe, with fewer hotels but easy access to the Temple of Literature and major landmarks. A good choice for travellers who prefer calm streets and a cultural focus.
How long to stay in Hanoi and how to pair it
Recommended stay
Plan three to four nights in Hanoi. Two days cover the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and Ba Dinh, plus an evening of street food. Add a day trip to Ninh Binh, and either a day cruise or, better still, an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay before returning to Hanoi or flying south.
How to pair it
Hanoi opens any Vietnam journey from the north. On a 7-day trip, combine three days in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay with three in Da Nang and Hoi An, linked by a short flight. For 10 days, add Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. With 14 days, include Ninh Binh, the train along the coast to Hue and Da Nang, then Hoi An and Saigon. We issue all domestic flight, train and ferry tickets.
Best time to visit Hanoi and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Hanoi is autumn, from September to November, with clear skies, comfortable warmth and golden light, and spring, from March to April, when flowers bloom and the air is mild. December to February is cool, grey and sometimes damp, perfect for cosy café days. Summer, from May to August, is hot and humid with heavy showers.
The daily rhythm
Hanoi rises early: exercise around the lake and pho on the pavement start before seven. Mornings are for temples and museums, and many places pause at lunchtime for a long meal and rest. Late afternoon brings coffee on tiny stools and a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Dinner is early, and by night the Old Quarter glows with lanterns and street stalls.
On-the-ground logistics in Hanoi
Arrival
Noi Bai International Airport lies about thirty kilometres north of the city, and the drive to the Old Quarter or French Quarter usually takes forty-five minutes to an hour, longer at rush hour. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name sign and takes you straight to your hotel, a real comfort given the narrow, busy lanes of central Hanoi.
Getting around
The Old Quarter and French Quarter are best explored on foot, though pavements are often used for parking and cooking, so expect to weave a little. Hanoi's metro lines serve some outer districts, ride-hailing apps for cars and motorbikes are cheap and reliable, and licensed taxis are easy to find. For temples, day trips or a full day of sightseeing, our team arranges a private car with driver.
Local etiquette tip
The custom visitors most often miss is the respect expected at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and other national sites. Shoulders and knees must be covered, hats removed, hands out of pockets, and silence kept as you file past; photography inside is strictly forbidden. Hanoians are reserved and dignified, so speaking softly and dressing modestly at sacred places earns genuine warmth in return.
Must-do things in Hanoi
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn and cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.
- Explore the courtyards and scholars' steles of the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature.
- Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visit the One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
- Eat pho, bun cha and nem spring rolls on low stools in the Old Quarter lanes.
- Sip creamy egg coffee in a hidden café overlooking the Old Quarter's rooftops.
- Watch a traditional water puppet show with live folk music near Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Cruise among the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay on a guided day tour.
- Row through the caves and rice fields of Trang An or Tam Coc in Ninh Binh.
- Admire the Opera House and colonial villas on a stroll through the French Quarter.
- Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake as the sun sets over the water.
Do’s and don’ts in Hanoi
Do
- Dress modestly for the Mausoleum, temples and pagodas.
- Carry small cash for street food, markets and tips.
- Pack layers for cool winter evenings from December to February.
- Book Ha Long Bay cruises early in peak season.
- Try pho for breakfast, as Hanoians do.
Don’t
- Don't photograph inside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Don't run or hesitate when crossing busy Old Quarter streets.
- Don't touch people's heads or point your feet at altars.
- Don't raise your voice or show anger in public.
- Don't attempt Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh in a single day.
Hanoi at a glance
Plan Hanoi with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
About Haqqi Tours: About us Contact us Legal NoticePrivacy PolicyCookies & Marketing PreferencesTerms & ConditionsBooking, Payment & Refunds
More services in Hanoi
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Hanoi.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Hanoi?
The Old Quarter beside Hoan Kiem Lake is the best base for a first visit to Hanoi, with street food, temples and the water puppet theatre on your doorstep. The French Quarter offers calmer, more elegant hotels within walking distance, while Tay Ho suits families wanting space by the lake. Our team can recommend hotels.
Can Hanoi be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Hanoi needs at least two or three nights. A single day barely covers Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, leaving no time for the Temple of Literature, Ba Dinh or the food scene. Staying longer also lets you join our day tours to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Hanoi?
Hanoi is more conservative than the south. Cover shoulders and knees at the Mausoleum, temples and pagodas, remove hats and keep silent where required. Remove shoes when entering homes and some shrines, hand items over with both hands, avoid public displays of anger and bargain politely at markets.
Is Hanoi tourist friendly?
Yes. Hanoi welcomes visitors warmly, with English widely spoken in hotels, cafés and tourist areas, and plenty of guides and services. The Old Quarter is easy to explore, ride-hailing apps simplify travel, and halal food is available near the Al-Noor Mosque. Families enjoy the lake, puppet shows and parks.
Is it safe to travel to Hanoi now?
Hanoi is a safe city with low violent crime, though traffic and occasional bag snatching call for care. Before travelling, check your own government's official travel advice, follow local guidance and keep our WhatsApp line handy, so our team can adjust day tours or transfers quickly if weather or other changes affect your plans.
What are the must-do things in Hanoi?
The essentials in Hanoi are Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda, street food in the Old Quarter lanes, egg coffee and a water puppet show. Beyond the city, join our day tours to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Three to four days is ideal for Hanoi. Two days cover the Old Quarter, French Quarter, Temple of Literature and Ba Dinh, while a third and fourth allow day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. Add an extra night if you choose an overnight cruise in the bay.
What can I book in Hanoi with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, attraction tickets, private airport transfers, flight tickets, train tickets and ferry tickets, including Silver Jewelry-Making Workshop Hanoi, Ha Long Bay 2-Day Overnight Cruise with Kayaking from Hanoi and Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Hanoi?
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 30 km north of Hanoi's Old Quarter, 40 to 60 minutes by road to the centre, roughly 2 hours to Ninh Binh and Hai Phong and 2 hours 30 to Ha Long Bay. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Hanoi?
A public express bus and minibuses link the airport with the Old Quarter for a small fee, but they are slow with luggage; taxis and ride-hailing cars take 40 to 60 minutes, and a private car is best for late flights, families and for going straight on to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh or Sa Pa. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Hanoi?
Among them: Silver Jewelry-Making Workshop Hanoi, Ha Long Bay 2-Day Overnight Cruise with Kayaking from Hanoi, Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Hanoi Military Jeep Tour City Highlights and Train Street and Army Jeep Food, Culture and Backstreets Tour Hanoi. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Hanoi?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.