Settled since prehistoric times, Hanoi has been an important city throughout Vietnamese history, serving as the capital of a number of Vietnamese dynasties. Following the end of the Vietnam War, Hanoi became the capital of the country. Today, Hanoi provides a rich blend of new and old Vietnam, from the thousands of young workers on scooters streaking down the wide Parisian-style boulevards, to the chic fusion restaurants housed in former colonial buildings. Even as the city buzzes with heavy development and modernization, it retains its idyllic charm. Enjoy Hanoi’s tranquil parks and lakes, peruse galleries filled with emerging Vietnamese artists and fashion designers, and sample the city’s amazing cuisine and bustling street life.
Region
Ha Noi
language
Vietnamese
capital
Hanoi
population
6,448,837
area
3,358 km²
currency
Vietnamese Dong
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FIND YOUR
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
DEEP INTO HANOI’S FASHIONABLE EGG COFFEE CULTURE
Second only to Brazil, Vietnam is one of the world’s leading coffee growers. In Ho Chi Minh City, meet local coffee shop owners, baristas and coffee aficionados, learning the nuances of Vietnam’s bold local beans. Delve deeper into the city’s hip coffee culture with a hands-on preparation of a local caffeinated speciality and savour the taste of your special brew.
UNEARTH SECRET BEAUTY OF NINH BINH
Delve into preserved sections of the vast underground Cu Chi tunnels used by the Vietcong forces during the war in a sobering experience which illuminates what life was like for the Vietnamese during the conflict. Be led by a war veteran through this landmark site, learning how the war changed the lives of millions.
SEE HA LONG BAY BY SEAPLANE
Make the most of your time in northern Vietnam with an exciting seaplane ride from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Soaring through the sky above the towering limestone islands, clear waters, shimmering beaches and green rainforests is easily one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the UNESCO-listed landscape.
TASTE OF HANOI
Savour Hanoi specialties like banh cuon (steamed rice paper rolls), bun cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork broth) and more on an insider’s journey to discover the city’s best street eats and authentic restaurants that only the locals know about.
SEE THE HANOI COUNTRYSIDE BY BIKE
EXPLORE the fertile countryside surrounding Hanoi and its enduring agrarian way of life. Pedal a scenic route of local farms, markets and temples, passing rolling rice paddies as you cycle through the remote countryside, meeting welcoming local families along the way.
EXPLORE THE ENCHANTING LANDSCAPES OF HA LONG BAY
MARKED by towering limestone karsts, wave-eroded grottoes and over 3,000 forested islets, Vietnam’s hauntingly beautiful Ha Long Bay brims with hidden coves, secluded caves, captivating national parks and pristine beaches — all just waiting to be discovered.
SEE HANOI BY VINTAGE VESPA
Enjoy a night on the town and a culinary adventure as you explore Ho Chi Minh City from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Buzz through neon-lit streets en route to lively District 4, where you experience the local nightlife, cuisine and café culture rarely glimpsed by other travellers.
DISCOVER HANOI ON U.S MILITARY JEEP
Be guided by a local expert on an exploration of Hoi An’s boutiques, designer craft stores and social enterprises that are putting Vietnamese artisans in the spotlight. The streets are brimming with innovative locally-made products, from tailor-made fashion to handmade wood and leather crafts, fine silks spun in Vietnam’s central highlands and fair-trade tea from village plantations.
DISCOVER THE INSIDER’S HANOI
Obscured by the city’s neon flash, discover a secret world of hidden gems waiting to be explored on this unique exploration. Stop for coffee in a park where locals congregate to show off their prized pet birds, shop in a fragrant flower market and delve into the city’s wartime history as you uncover a secret weapons depot. No day is complete without a bowl of pho from a favourite local haunt.
When to go
In general, Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C. Although temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding. From May to November, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief from the heat. The heaviest rainfall tends to occur between July and August in the north; June to October in the south; and October to December in Central Vietnam.
December to March is a pleasant time to visit the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, although temperatures in Hanoi and northern regions tend to be cooler during those months. In the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero. The best time to visit the north is between September and December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity, while March to September is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and attractions of Central Vietnam. Beach destinations in the south such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phu Quoc (June to September) and Con Dao (November to January).
Destination Indochina DMC has been delivering rare opportunities to engage with beautiful Vietnam and her people. Our dedicated team of travel professionals have their finger on the pulse of what is new and trending in the region and our transformational journeys inspire travellers of all walks of life. Connect with specialists in culture, food, art, religion and history and get the best advice on where to eat, shop and unwind.
OUR PREFERRED
Accommodation
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is an iconic award-winning luxury Hanoi old quarter hotel. Blending a heritage colonial style with neo-classical luxury and a dash of modernity, elegance. Located only 35km away from Hanoi Noibai airport, and mere steps from the Opera House in Hanoi’s culturally rich French Quarter, one of Hanoi’s prime locations for…
Accommodation
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is an iconic award-winning luxury Hanoi old quarter hotel. Blending a heritage colonial style with neo-classical luxury and a dash of modernity, elegance. Located only 35km away from Hanoi Noibai airport, and mere steps from the Opera House in Hanoi’s culturally rich French Quarter, one of Hanoi’s prime locations for…
FEATURED
Hanoi Journeys
Hanoi Journeys
- 8
- 1
- Long Tan, Vung Tau
Discover Long Tan Battlefield, Nui Dat Base & Vung Tau
Escape the bustling city noises with the honking sound, travel to the peaceful & quiet rural areas of Ba Ria. Sightsee the old battlefield relics from 1960s and learn history lessons while visiting the Nui Dat base (SAS Hill), Luscombe airfield, Horse-shoe Fire Base, Long Tan Memorial Cross & Long Phuoc tunnels. Experience the countryside…
- Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi City Tour By Jeep
Experience the irresistible allure of Hanoi on this journey. Delve into the surprises of sophisticated French-colonial cities and quaint heritage towns, tasting true Vietnam at every turn. Venture through small streets with its own style. And encounter the people, culture and cuisine that together make this country so vibrant.
- Hanoi, Vietnam
Discover Duong Lam Ancient Village & Countryside
Discover the ancient village of Duong Lam, its people, culture and tradtitions on a quick escape by private jeep to the rural peaceful countryside of Hanoi. Sightsee 400 year old laterite brick ancient houses with unique architecture. Visit the communal house, a worshipping place of the tutelary god – founder of the village, also considered…
- 6
- 1
- Saigon Port
Private Cooking Class with Pedicab Ride
Experience the art of Vietnamese cooking with a local renown Chef’s escort to a local wet market. Learn the ingredients & local spices, vegetables applied in a healthy cooking style from basis to advanced level. Sightsee the city landmarks, daily life of Saigon people on a local pedicab ride from the hotel to market and…
- 2
- 1
- Saigon Port
Saigon Through The Lens Of A Local
Experience the Saigon local culture, lifestyle, culinary art and learn history lessons. Visit “must see” historic colonial landmarks and ride on local pedicab “xich lo” in China town. Refresh at the famous Roof Top garden “The Five O’Clock Follies” in town with view over iconic tower and walking street. Lunch at a famous contemporary Vietnamese…
- 10
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- Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Street Eats & Pub Crawl
Deep in the culture of Vietnamese’s culinary with destination specialists’ hand-picked restaurants. Learn the art of local street eats and immerse in the local culture. Enjoy the night from ground to sky, and end by the underground bar.
- 3 hours, from US$95pp
Saigon Alleys Through The Eyes Of A Local (Scooter Tour)
Zip through the narrow alleys of Saigon on the back of a vintage scooter and gain a greater understanding of why locals love this mode of transportation. In essence, scooters allow them to easily zig-zag through areas that cars simply can’t negotiate.
