Hanoi – The vintage and vibrant Capital of Vietnam
Hanoi Airport Directory (HAN)
Baggage Allowance
15Kg
7Kg
Situated on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. The city features ancient pagodas, unique museums, and colonial buildings. Take a foot tour to dive into the city's multicultural community with a Chinese, French, and Russian influence. The French Quarter and Old Quarter are the two prime neighbourhoods that divide this city, and these areas house some of the major tourist attractions. So, plan your trip to Hanoi to enjoy its delicious cuisine, vivacious nightlife and the must-see highlights of the city.
Best time to visit Hanoi:
The months of September through November and March-April are the best time to visit Hanoi. The weather is pleasant during this time, making it perfect for sightseeing. Let us take a look at the various seasons round the year to help you plan your trip better.
- Summer: Hanoi witnesses the Summer season from April to June, with temperature ranging between 28-35°C.
- Monsoons: The months of July through September are hot and humid, with chances of rainfall.
- Winter: In Winter, Hanoi is quite cold with the temperature falling below 10°C.
Spoken languages in Hanoi:
- Vietnamese
- English
How to reach Hanoi:
- By Air: The Noi Bai International Airport is the city's official international airport, situated at a distance of 30 km from the Hanoi City Centre. IndiGo operates non-stop Hanoi flights between Kolkata and Hanoi, along with seamless connection to other key destinations.
- Getting around: Moving around in Hanoi is easy and convenient. Taking a walking tour can help you explore the hidden spots of the city. If you don't prefer to walk, then hop on a tourist bus or rent a bike, bicycle or a scooter to explore the city.
- By Bus: Another mode of transportation in Hanoi is the bus, we suggest you book your tickets in advance to reserve a seat.
- By Train: Operated by Vietnam Railways, the railway system offers a relaxing and dependable way to get around.
- By Cyclo: Cyclo is a bicycle rickshaw commonly preferred for shorter distances and is best to explore the city.
Baggage Allowance
20Kg
7Kg
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Max
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Places to visit in Hanoi
- The Temple of Literature: Hanoi's ancient Temple of Literature exhibits the history and mythical tales of the city. Divided into five courtyards, this is an epitome of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The temple's bell is rung at auspicious occasions and is considered to be a symbol of fortune. You can take a stroll around the courtyard while observing the lined-up stone steles which have a turtle as foundation. The turtle symbolises good luck and rubbing the head of a turtle is considered auspicious before exams, touching the structure is however currently forbidden.
- The Hoan Kiem Lake: This serene lake is located in the centre of Hanoi's historic district. A visit to this peaceful place will give you a chance to know the history associated with Emperor Le Loi’s magical sword. You must also visit the Turtle Tower, situated in the middle of the lake.
- The Thang Long Imperial Citadel: The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a structure of historical and cultural importance in Hanoi. It features items dating back to the 6th century, some of its significant collection includes - bronze coins, pottery, and ceramics. You will find old palaces, ancient roads, ponds, and wells at the citadel. Take a stroll around the Hanoi Flag Tower, a 40-metre-tall stone fortress which offers a sprawling view of the Ba Dinh Square and Hanoi's city centre.
- The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: The Vietnam of Ethnology is a museum that exhibits tribal art, artefacts, and other objects. It displays a collection of traditional Vietnamese culture and lifestyle. The museum features a research centre, a library and an auditorium with over 15,000 artefacts. Some of its antiques include daily objects, such as pipes, baskets, and knives.
- The Hanoi Opera House: Built-in the year 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is an essence of neo-classical French architecture. It can accommodate around 600 individuals and has been home to musicians, actors, and dancers. The house's magnificent exterior is fascinating and a treat to watch. If you are looking for entertainment, then enter the opera house to enjoy traditional folk music, Vietnamese opera, ballets, and several other international concerts. You will be left speechless by the Gothic architecture of the Opera House.
Places to eat in Hanoi
Bun Cha Ta Hanoi
Head to Bun Cha Ta Hanoi to enjoy the best authentic Vietnamese street food in the city. The restaurant is famous for its grilled meat, noodles, and herbs with a side dipping sauce. This is a must visit place if you crave for some street food.
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The Marvel Restaurant
Based on the 9th floor of the JM Marvel Hotel, the Marvel Restaurant is a rooftop bar that is well-known for its Vietnamese and other Asian cuisine. The restaurant's unique attraction includes its magnificent design along with delicious items on the menu. If you love heights and want to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, then you must explore the Marvel Restaurant.
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Xoi Yen
Located in the Old Quarter, Xoi Yen is a restaurant for meat lovers. This three-story restaurant based on the famous Nguyen Huu Huan Street offers a variety of different dishes prepared using meat. One of its favourite delicacies include a bowl of xoi xeo which is a bowl of rice topped with delectable meats, shallots and shaved bean curd.
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The Gourmet Corner Restaurant
If you are looking for a combination of great food and a mesmerising view, then the Gourmet Corner restaurant is the perfect place to head to. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, this award-winning restaurant offers delectable cuisine prepared from experienced chefs. Enjoy your day relishing their European, Asian, and Vietnamese cuisine options.
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Shopping in Hanoi
Hanoi is famous for silk products, ceramics, traditional Vietnamese dress, and souvenirs made from bamboo. Here is a list of all the market places you can shop from.
Hanoi Weekend Night Market
Check out this weekend night market that is organised every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on the Hang Dao Street. This bustling gathering of stalls feature a range of offerings, such as fashion items, inexpensive t-shirts, souvenirs, handicrafts, sunglasses, shoes, and accessories. Along with shopping, you can also indulge in exotic food at the nearby stalls.
Dong Xuan Market
One of the largest markets of Hanoi city is the Dong Xuan Market. This four-floored market features a variety of fabrics, printed t-shirts, school uniforms, and bags. Take a stroll around the market and enjoy its lively ambience.
Lotte Center Hanoi
If you are looking to shop for branded products, then Lotte Center Hanoi shopping mall is the place for you. This one-stop shopping hub houses restaurants, a gym, a spa, a hypermarket, residential apartments, and the city's most exceptional observation deck. Located near to the Hoan Kiem Lake, the mall can be reached within 20 minutes. From watches, jewellery, shoes, handbags, and jeans, the mall offers everything you need under one roof.
Nightlife in Hanoi
Nightlife in Hanoi is no less exciting than any other capital in Southeast Asia. From nightclubs to the theatre, the city has a mix of everything you are looking for. Plan your night from a choice of best bars, clubs and live music joints available in the city.
The Bia Hoi Junction
Your visit to the city is incomplete without spending a few hours soaking up in the city's lively atmosphere. Grab the best spot outside this restaurant with your choice of beer along with a variety of exotic snacks, such as steamed peanuts, beef jerk, etc.
The Water Puppet Theatre
A must-visit place in Hanoi is the Water Puppet Theatre. The theatre is known to organise the ancient form of water puppetry. Its puppet dance show depicts stories based on ancient myths and is performed over water. The puppet show is the major attraction among the for foreign guests and hence booking tickets is highly recommended.
The Minh's Jazz Club
If you are looking for live entertainment options, then the Minh's Jazz Club won't disappoint you. The club's dark interior along with a performance by the finest jazz musicians, will leave you awe-struck. Owned by the best Vietnamese jazz artist Minh, the crowd may at times get a chance to witness his performance. Though the drinks are not that cheap but being here is all worth it.
Where to stay in Hanoi
The Hanoi La Storia Hotel Situated in the Hoan Kiem district, the Hanoi La Storia Hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, a kettle, and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel is at a walking distance from the Hoan Kiem Lake and is the first choice for individuals looking for street food and shopping options.
The Hanoi Cristina Hotel & Travel The Hanoi Cristina Hotel & Travel is a property that is located at a distance of less than 1 km from the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. The hotel's in-house restaurant offers Argentinian cuisine along with food options for vegans. The hotel also gives you the chance to explore the city through its bicycle rental service.
La Nueva Boutique Hotel Hanoi Situated at a walking distance from the Hoan Kiem Lake, the La Nueva Boutique Hotel is a pet-friendly property. Its air-conditioned rooms are equipped with all modern facilities offering you a luxurious stay.
The Hanoi Golden Holiday Hotel Situated at a distance of 20 km from the airport, the Hanoi Golden Holiday Hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms for your lavish vacation. The property is well-equipped with air-conditioner, fitted flat-screen TV, mini-bar, hairdryer, and an electric kettle. Its 24-hour front desk service offers assistance with luggage storage, tour arrangements, and currency exchange.
More reasons to visit Hanoi
Here are some of the other places to explore in Hanoi on your trip.
The West Lake
Located in the north-western centre of Hanoi, the West Lake is a freshwater lake that is spread over an area of 500 hectares. It is the largest lake with manicured gardens, hotels, and villas surrounding it. Popularly called as the Tay Ho Lake, it is a well-liked spot among the locals and tourists. A part of the lake is divided forming another lake, called as the Truc Bach Lake. As per legends, a Chinese buffalo mistook the ringing of the pagoda’s temple bell to be its mothers call, and ran ferociously into the hollow to form the lake.
The Temple of the Jade Mountain
The Temple of the Jade Mountain is based on a small island, which is located in the Hoan Kiem Lake. Constructed in Vietnamese style, the temple is devoted to General Tran Hung Dao, who conquered the Mongols in the 13th century. The temple features prehistoric artefacts of a giant turtle weighing almost 250 kg. Visit this place to take a stroll into the city's ancient past.
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is the city's national museum which exhibits an extensive collection of religious sculptures, folk paintings, ceramics and artwork created by well-known artists. It displays the artistic accomplishments and historical attractions. The museum's contents date back to the prehistoric times.
Visa and Immigration
If you're an Indian passport holder travelling to Hanoi, then you can either apply for a visa on arrival online or through the Vietnamese Embassy in India.
To apply for a visa on arrival, fill in the online form and submit the application form. The confirmation letter with the visa status is generally processed between 4-8 working hours or maximum in 3 business days. You will need the confirmation letter along with your passport, two passport-size photos and cash payment for the stamping fee to get your passport stamped with the Vietnamese visa at the airport.
If you wish to apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy in India, then you are required to download and complete a form and submit it along with the required documents at the embassy.
To ensure a hassle-free and seamless travel, here is a detailed information about the Vietnam visa – www.goindigo.in/information/visa-information/vietnam-vn-visa.html
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