Hanoi

Travel to Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples, including Bach Ma, honoring a legendary horse, plus Đồng Xuân Market, selling household goods and street food.

How to reach Hanoi?

By Air

Most of the tourist arrives at this city via the NoiBai international airport which is 35km from the city. The airport is relatively small but helps the tourist in navigating around the airport. Flights running to NoiBai would include Asiana airlines, China airlines, Dragon Air, Hong Kong airlines, Korean air, Qatar airways etc

When travelling from the neighbouring countries, as well as from the Ho Chi Minh City in south, the best way to reach Hanoi is by air. Hanoi is well connected with several cities from the neighbouring countries by a number of airlines like:

From Hong Kong: Vietnam Airlines fly daily from Hong Kong to Hanoi with a code sharing arrangement with the Cathay Pacific. The flying time is just over an hour.

From Bangkok, Thailand: Thai Airways operate daily flights from Bangkok to Hanoi. The flying time is approximately an hour and half. The budget airline Air Asia also operates daily flights from Don Mueang Airport to Hanoi.

From Kuala Lumpur: Air Asia operates direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi. Flying time is about 3 hours.

From Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Airlines operates a number of flights daily to Hanoi.

From India: Jet Airways fly from Delhi to Bangkok. Vietnam Airlines operates from Bangkok to Hanoi with a code sharing arrangement with Jet Airways.

By train

There are train services from the Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. However, it takes almost 3 days to reach Hanoi by train from HCMC and it is easier to travel by air in order to save time. Train services are also available from Kunming, China to Hanoi through Northwest Vietnam but a number of transfers are required.

By road

Bus services are available from a number of cities in Vietnam to Hanoi. Buses are cost effective when travelling inside Vietnam. Mini bus services are also offered by private companies between cities like Sapa, Lao Cai, Da Nang and Hi Phong.

Hanoi Travel Costs :

Hostel prices 

Beds start at 135,000 VND for a 6-10-bed dorm. You can also get a private single room starting from 475,000 VND per night or a double for 580,000 VND. Any less than that and you’re probably paying for a dump.

Most hostels in the city include free breakfast. Self-catering facilities aren’t available everywhere, so if you require a kitchen be sure to double-check your hostel (the food is so cheap here you likely don’t need a kitchen though).

Budget hotel prices 

Rooms at two-star hotels from 300,000 VND, and the price increases slightly depending on where you stay (like the Old Quarter or Ba Dinh) and the amenities you want. Free Wi-Fi is generally included, and many also offer free breakfast. For a hotel with a pool, expect to pay around 634,000 VND per night.

Food  

Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common, as are various soups such as the iconic pho (a beef noodle soup). Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread (known as bahn me, and grilled fish are just some of the popular dishes you’ll encounter. Standard ingredients include fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, lime, Thai basil, and mint.

Food in Hanoi, like elsewhere in the country, is delicious and extremely cheap — especially if you’re eating local at the street vendors (and there’s really nowhere else worth eating here). The street stalls around the city are an important part of the culture and serve the best food.

A good bowl of pho costs around 50,000-60,000 VND. For the best pho, head to Thanh Hop Restaurant. Their bun cha is to die for too