Home
Vietnam
PLAN MY VISIT
Vietnam Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Vietnam
  3. Destinations
  4. The North

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is one of those cities with a personality so rich and multi-layered, it seems more like a person than a place. Founded in 1010, Vietnam’s capital city has more than a thousand years of history. Inevitably, it’s the birthplace of heroes, artists, kings, and legends. Travelers will find themselves easily taken in by Hanoi’s treasures, and there’s so much to see.

HOTELS
Similar places: Airport  City  Colonial  Culinary  Historic  Nightlife  Top Destinations 
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi Vietnam
←→

For many years the area that is now Hoan Kiem District — the Old Quarter, the center of the city’s commercial area — was considered Hanoi itself. Hoan Kiem Lake has a pretty red bridge and photogenic pagoda. This French-modeled district also has its fair share of leafy sidewalks and elegant villas. Today, however, Hanoi has expanded its sights. The city has 12 urban districts, luxurious residential zones, enormous shopping malls, and a slew of skyscrapers. Step outside the bounds of Hoan Kiem District and into the chaotic, sprawling streets all around, and Hanoi’s rush into the future can’t be denied. Many visitors choose to absorb the best of both sides of the capital — breakfasting at plastic tables in mildewed alleys in the morning, and ascending to rooftop bars for cocktails in the evening.

In a city that can trace its lineage back through the centuries, there’s no shortage of places to get lost in time. The Temple of Literature, the Hanoi Citadel, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum all speak to a different chapter of Hanoi’s long history. For those hoping to round out their perspective of Vietnam and its capital, Hanoi offers several excellent museums, including the Women’s Museum, the Museum of Ethnology and the Fine Arts Museum.

In 1801, Emperor Ming Mang gave the city on the bank of the Red River the name Hanoi, meaning ‘inside the river.’ Though the river doesn’t play a large role in daily life, Hanoi’s lakes do. Every morning, locals gather around Hoan Kiem and West Lake to exercise, fish, and cycle. Every evening, the lakes again draw crowds. Elderly men play chess, young couples walk hand-in-hand, and groups of women practice fan dances by the water’s edge.

Like in Ho Chi Minh City, the most appealing areas of Hanoi can easily be explored on foot. One morning’s walk will lead through parks, past colonial hotels, down ancient alleys and hopefully into one of Hanoi’s many delightful coffee shops. Beneath the veneer of sleek office buildings and brash consumerism, Hanoi cultivates a whole ecosystem of time-honored art and tradition, as well as some very good food.

Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, has its roots in Hanoi. Bun cha, a mix of cold rice noodles, smoky grilled pork and herbs drizzled in fish sauce, is a lunchtime classic. And cha ca, fish marinated in turmeric and dill and sautéed in butter, is a perfect example of one of Hanoi’s closely guarded culinary secrets. Foodies can look forward to endless rewarding expeditions, whether within a five-star hotel or a hole-in-the-wall eatery. After all, it’s the collision of old and new that makes Hanoi so beguiling.

Hanoi Personalized Trips

C'Mon My Love, We're Headed North!, Vietnam
Vietnam
C'Mon My Love, We're Headed North!

Expert Choice Northern Vietnam offers incredible landscapes towards the border of China, and a variety of awesome adventures. Sample the cuisine and the culture on this Signature Trip.

8 days $$$View Trip
 Action & Relaxin’ in Vietnam, Vietnam
Vietnam
Action & Relaxin’ in Vietnam

Expert Choice Explore Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vung Tau. Tour the Mekong, learn about Ho Chi Minh City’s French ties; then, relax on a sun soaked beach. #PerfectVacation

8 days $$$View Trip
3 Cities in Vietnam, and My Love, Vietnam
Vietnam
3 Cities in Vietnam, and My Love

Expert Choice Explore the cuisines and cultures of Vietnam’s most influential cities on this whirlwind tour of North, Central, and South Vietnam. Enjoy exciting activities and stunning scenery.

8 days $$$View Trip
Our Ultimate Vietnamese Adventure, Vietnam
Vietnam
Our Ultimate Vietnamese Adventure

Expert Choice Return home as an expert of Vietnam after taking your family on this incredible journey, exploring all of the nation’s highlights. Don't worry, you'll still have time to relax!

17 days $$$View Trip
We MUST See...Vietnam Together, Vietnam
Vietnam
We MUST See...Vietnam Together

Expert Choice From Halong Bay by seaplane to Saigon at night by Vespa, you’re going on a grand tour of Northern Vietnam. Share great meals and great times with your favorite travel companion.

8 days $$$View Trip
See More Trips


Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
Above & Beyond in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, & Laos
Thank you to the entire team that made this trip so memorable for us. We appreciate your warmth and going above and beyo...
Jun 20, 2022
– Sapna
Trustpilot Rating
First fully enjoyable SE Asia vacation!
We were so impressed with the service provided and the hospitality of all the people that we met.  All the credit for th...
May 08, 2022
– Sarita an.
Trustpilot Rating
Unforgetable 2 weeks in SE Asia
We were 100% satisfied and loved all moments we spent in this beautiful country! I will definitely recommend you to my ...
Apr 10, 2022
– Tamas
Trustpilot Rating
Thank you for helpful assistance
Despite all our requests for help, information, and changes, you never once got tired of us. You made our trip to Vietn...
Mar 06, 2022
– John
Trustpilot Rating
Exceptional Support
Thank you so so much for all of your exceptional support, you went above and beyond for me many times. I will be sure to...
Mar 02, 2022
– Melisa
Trustpilot Rating
Amazing holidays, the most helpful team of people!
Amazing travel company to work with. We have had two incredible family trips with to Costa Rica and Vietnam, travelling ...
Jan 06, 2020
– Caroline .
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
Great company
Great company! They’re more than helpful and they make your trip a time to remember. The customer service is in a class ...
Apr 26, 2019
– Johnny
Trustpilot Rating
Exceeded our expectations
Exceeded our expectations! The entire trip went smoothly, no worries! Every tour was exceptional! Every accommodation be...
Apr 11, 2019
– Judy
Trustpilot Rating
The trip was a once in a lifetime…
The trip was a once in a lifetime experience. Anywhere.com did an exceptional job of planning this trip. It couldn't h...
Mar 30, 2019
– Vickie B.
Trustpilot Rating
This service is outstanding
This service is outstanding. We had changes to be made, and they were done so with ease. All of the excursions and dri...
Mar 23, 2019
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
awesome company to deal with
awesome company to deal with. Everything they planned, including hotels and sightseeing tours, was wonderful. Every ve...
Mar 06, 2019
– Happy tra.
Trustpilot Rating
I would recommend anywhere to anyone…
I would recommend anywhere to anyone traveling anywhere. I was treated exceptionally well with professionalism and kindn...
Feb 14, 2019
– Steven
Trustpilot Rating
This is our second vacation with…
This is our second vacation with Anywhere. As the first time, the use experience of the website was easy, our travel pla...
Feb 07, 2019
– Rosemary
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com is the best.
I would recommend Anywhere.com to anyone who is looking to travel to the destinations that they coordinate. I have been ...
Dec 17, 2018
– Robert
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Vietnam Vacations
  • 3 Vibrant Cities in Vietnam
  • Week of Vietnam Highlights
  • Let’s Hangout in Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Let’s Explore Northern Vietnam
  • Ultimate Family Journey in Vietnam
  • Perfect Family Getaway in Vietnam
  • An Active Family Getaway in Vietnam
  • This Trip is Going to Be Legendary
  • Scooter in Hanoi & Beach Relaxation
  • Solo Excitement in Vietnam
  • A Solo Journey in Vietnam
  • Thiland & Vietnam 2 Weeks
  • Thailand & Vietnam Family & Friends
  • Cambodia & Vietnam Highlights
  • North Vietnam to Laos
  • Best of Vietnam & Laos
  • 2 Weeks Exploring Vietnam & Laos
  • Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
  • 6 Vietnam Highlights + Cambodia
  • Saigon, Mekong, Siem Reap + Cambodia
  • Saigon, Mekong Cruise to Cambodia
  • Saigon & Mekong Cruise to Cambodia
Highlights
  • Mekong Delta, Vietnam
  • Phong Nha Ke Bang, Vietnam
  • Phi Phi Island, Thailand
  • Chicken Island, Thailand
  • Railay Beach & Caves, Thailand
  • Phousi Hill, Laos
  • Wat Xieng Thong, Laos
  • Royal Temple Museum, Laos
  • Angkor Wat, Cambodia
  • Mekong Delta, Cambodia
  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia
  • Siem Reap, Cambodia
PLACES TO GO
  • Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Sapa, Vietnam
  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Hoi An, Vietnam
  • Ninh Binh, Vietnam
  • Halong Bay, Vietnam
  • Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Da Nang, Vietnam
  • Hue, Vietnam
  • Chang Mai, Thailand
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Phuket, Thailand
  • Hua Hin, Thailand
  • Krabi, Thailand
  • Chiang Rai, Thailand
  • Vientiane, Laos
  • Luang Prabang, Laos
THINGS TO DO
  • Temples
  • Elephants
  • Beaches
  • Islands
  • Caves
  • River Cruises
  • Cultural Interactions
  • Cooking Classes
  • Biking / Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Cooking Classes
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy