When to visit: Hanoi is located by the Red River in the northern part of Vietnam. While it experiences the four seasons, winters are never truly cold (minimum 10 degrees celcius). Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit, i.e. March and April, or September to November.  

Duration of stay: While most of the major sight-seeing spots in Hanoi can be covered in two to three days, you may want to take a day tour out of Hanoi to visit Ha Long Bay. Thus, it will be good to buffer in an additional day or two.   

Currency and exchange rate: The unit of currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The best places to exchange money in Hanoi are at banks and jewellery shops. (Refer to this list of recommended money changers.)

Getting around: If you are new to Hanoi, crossing its busy streets can be a daunting experience. It is best to observe what the locals do, as the local Hanoians have it down to a tee. Just start walking into the traffic slowly and avoid making any sudden starts or stops. (Refer to this video for more tips.)

Public transport such as taxis, motorcycle taxis, buses, and cyclos is readily available in Hanoi. You may also consider taking a train or hiring a private car and driver for day trips out to the surrounding areas.

One of the best ways to get acquainted with any city is on foot, so go ahead and start your Hanoi adventure with a half-day walking tour. These tours, usually guided by a local student, will take you to some of the best sights of the city. Check out Hanoikids and Hanoi Free Walking Tours. Along the way, you can take some photos of the locals in action—just be sure that you do not hold back the group!

While such tours are usually free, you can leave a tip or donation for your guide to show your appreciation.

Located at Ngo 224 Le Duan, the Instagram-famous railway makes only two daily appearances—at around 3:30pm and 7:30pm. If you are out to capture photographic keepsakes of the train street, do be cautious as there are no safety barriers or warning bells. In fact, the government was so concerned about over-enthusiastic tourists that they recently shut down the cafes along the track.

After your perilous train-spotting experience, do make time for some crisp Banh Mi with melt-in-your-mouth fillings. Banh My P does it perfectly, with thinly-sliced grilled beef seasoned with lemongrass. The sandwiches are also affordably priced, and would go down perfectly with a glass (or two) of freshly brewed beer. 

After lunch, pop into The Note Coffee. This Instagram hotspot is the epitome of eccentricity, with colourful post-it notes lining its walls from floor-to-ceiling. It also offers great views of the street below. 

After sunset, take a stroll down Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword). It is a great place to purchase souvenirs for friends, with locally made products like hand-sewn bags, silk pouches, lacquered egg shell bowls, and paintings on sale. Do remember to bargain, especially if you are buying multiple items.

While you are here, do not miss out on photographing the iconic vermillion red "Cau The Huc" (The Huc Bridge)⁠—an iconic Hanoi landmark that has become a mecca for photographers. It is well-lit at night, making it particularly captivating to shoot.

Tip: The best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake is after 7pm on weekends.  

For more tips on the best photography spots in Hanoi, read this guide.

The hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s city streets can be exhausting. Unwind and recharge from your adventures at The Summit, a relaxing rooftop bar at Pan Pacific Hanoi, that overlooks West Lake. Here you can get a good overview of the city, and catch some beautiful night shots while you are chilling out.

Ready to hop on to your Hanoi trip? Get in touch with the Pan Pacific Hanoi team today to enquire about our latest offers for rooms and suites.