Hanoi Travel Guide 2026

Hanoi, Vietnam’s ancient capital, is a city of contradictions – century-old temples next to French colonial architecture, motorbike chaos giving way to serene lake walks, and pho so good you will plan a return trip before you finish the bowl. This 2026 guide covers everything you need for a perfect visit to Hanoi, starting with the new entry requirements at Noi Bai Airport.

Getting to Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport and Pre-Arrival Form

Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located 35km north of the city centre. As of 2026, the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form is being rolled out to Noi Bai as part of the national digital arrival system. Complete your declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn 2-3 days before your flight – it is free and takes 3-5 minutes. Full guide: Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form 2026 Guide.

From the airport to the city centre, options include:

• Grab (app-based taxi): Most reliable – around 250,000-350,000 VND (~$10-14)
• Airport taxi: Use metered taxis from the official taxi rank (avoid touts)
• Airport bus (86 or 17): Budget option – around 45 minutes, 45,000 VND

Top Attractions in Hanoi

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: The spiritual heart of the city. Walk the lake at dawn or dusk for a tranquil experience amid the urban bustle
• Old Quarter (36 Streets): A maze of narrow streets, each historically dedicated to a specific trade. Best explored on foot or by cyclo
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Complex: Imposing monument to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. Includes his stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda
• Temple of Literature (Van Mieu): Vietnam’s first university (1070 AD) – beautifully preserved courtyards and traditional architecture
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Outstanding museum covering Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups
• Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton): Sobering history of French colonial imprisonment and the Vietnam War

Hanoi Street Food Guide

Hanoi is one of Asia’s great food cities. Key dishes to seek out:

• Pho bo/ga: The canonical beef or chicken noodle soup – order at any street side shop from 6am
• Bun cha: Grilled pork patties in broth with rice noodles – a Hanoi specialty. Try Bun Cha Huong Lien (the Obama bun cha spot)
• Banh mi: Best at Banh Mi 25 in the Old Quarter
• Cha ca: Turmeric-marinated fish with dill and peanuts – a Hanoi institution
• Egg coffee (ca phe trung): Unique Hanoi creation – rich, creamy egg yolk whipped over strong Vietnamese coffee
• Bun rieu: Crab and tomato noodle soup – a lighter alternative to pho

The night market around Hang Dao Street in the Old Quarter (Friday-Sunday) is excellent for street food and atmosphere.

Getting Around Hanoi

• Walking: Best for the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Grab: App-based motorcycle (xe om) or car. Download before arriving – far cheaper and safer than hailing random taxis
• Cyclo: Three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw – tourist-oriented but great for Old Quarter sightseeing
• Bus: Cheap but complex – best for those staying longer

Traffic in Hanoi is intense. Cross roads slowly and steadily – make your intentions clear and let motorbikes flow around you.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Hanoi

• Old Quarter: Best for first-timers – central, vibrant, excellent food and access to everything
• Hoan Kiem: Slightly calmer than the Old Quarter but still central
• Tay Ho (West Lake): Expat-popular area with cafes, restaurants, and a more relaxed pace – 20 minutes from Old Quarter
• Ba Dinh: Near the Ho Chi Minh complex – quieter, good for history-focused visitors

Day Trips from Hanoi

• Ha Long Bay: 3-4 hour drive – book an overnight cruise for the best experience. UNESCO World Heritage site
• Ninh Binh (3 hours): Ha Long Bay on land – river cruises through limestone karsts, Trang An caves, Bai Dinh Pagoda
• Sapa (5 hours by train or bus): Hill tribe villages, terraced rice fields, Fansipan – Vietnam’s highest mountain
• Perfume Pagoda (2 hours): Major pilgrimage site with scenic river and mountain approach

Frequently Asked Questions