Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. 

When to visit Hanoi?

Vietnam enjoys three distinct climates in the north, center, and south. As such it can prove challenging to find a time that works for the entirety of the country. For example, while the south is warm and dry from December through February, the north can be quite cold at this time. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Vietnam and have good weather right across the country is during Spring, especially in March and April.

Best time to visit Hanoi:

Autumn (around September to November) and Spring (March and April) are two best seasons to visit Hanoi when the weather is pleasant with milder temperatures. In winter, Hanoi is quite cold when the temperatures can fall below 10ºC (50ºF) and getting hotter in the summer averaging around 28-35ºC (82º-95ºF).

Hotel Options:

• La Siesta Hotel – there is more than one La Siesta, I stayed in the one that’s in the old town, cute cosy rooms and a boutique hotel kind of hotel. I really also liked La Siesta Central (it has an amazing rooftop called Twilight Skybar!)
• Sofitel Hanoi
• Lotte Hotel Hanoi
• JW Marriott Hanoi

Things to do in Hanoi

Personally, I think 2-3 nights are more than enough for Hanoi. But yet again, it depends on your plan and the time of year you’re there. When the weather is really hot, it’s not a good idea to walk in the morning it gets too humid and too hot.

• Try the street food! Hanoi is famous for its street food such as Pho noodles soup, Banh Mi, Egg Coffee (Commercially famous), Hot Pot and crab spring rolls. fish sauce (Vietnamese eat fish sauce with everything). Don’t forget to try the food like the locals, seated in the small tiny tables and chairs in the streets! A good restaurant we tried (not street food though) is in Cosiana Hotel.
• Try the Durain Fruit. It’s know in Vietnam, particular in its taste but its an experience.
• I did not like Vietnamese Coffee on my second visit. I liked it on the first visit not sure how my taste bud changed over 3 years haha; but worth trying!

• Vespa City Tour; this was a fun tour to experience! You get to experience the scooter/motorcycle life in a stylish vespa! We stopped at the Opera House, the Long Bien Bridge, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and our tour included trying some street food! it was awesome. (Name of Vespa provider: Vietnam Vintage Vespa Tours)
• Checkout Hoàn Kiếm Lake
• Checkout Tran Quoc Pagoda
• Old Quarter Hanoi, and the Hanoi Street Train (bummer I missed this one! The train street is so photographable.)Checkout some speciality coffee spots like: KafeVille, The Caffinet, Tranquil Books & Coffee

Yeah!! I guess that’s my list for Must-dos in Hanoi! Let me know if you think there’s something else that’s important and I need to add 😀

Safe travels,

Fatima