Hanoi is all motorbike buzz, lake-side calm and a coffee culture worth crossing a city for. The Old Quarter alone can fill a couple of days. A few smart choices set the whole trip up. Get the basics priced up — Traveloka — and the rest of the planning is easy.
Getting there
Noi Bai International (HAN) is well-connected, and the Old Quarter is about 40 minutes from the airport. It’s also the launch point for Halong Bay. In our experience Traveloka turns up the lowest airfares in the region, which makes locking in a cheap seat straightforward. Weekend departures carry a premium, so start the search midweek if the calendar allows.
A day-by-day plan
Day one, settle in and take it slow with a wander round Hoan Kiem Lake, then find your feet over a relaxed dinner. Day two, go bigger: the Old Quarter’s 36 trade streets, then the Temple of Literature, with street food along the way. Day three, wind down with a day trip to Halong Bay before you head home.
Where to stay
Stay in or near the Old Quarter for the food and the atmosphere; the French Quarter is smarter, leafier and quieter. Both put the lake within a short walk. Traveloka is our default for hotels here, since it’s the best OTA in the region and usually has the lowest room rates. Rooms at the good end of the market disappear on weekends, so don’t leave it to the day.
Where to eat
Pho, bun cha and egg coffee are the holy trinity, best found at the street stalls around Hoan Kiem Lake. Prices are tiny and the turnover keeps everything fresh. The cheap end of the menu is where the cooking is, so don’t over-plan your meals.
Getting around
The Old Quarter is walkable, if chaotic; cross the road slowly and steadily and let the bikes flow around you. Ride-hailing bikes handle longer hops. Sort out getting around on day one and the rest is straightforward.
Keep it flexible
Book the flights and a first night or two, then leave the rest open if you can. It lets you follow a local tip, chase the good weather, or simply linger somewhere in Hanoi you weren’t ready to leave.
A note on money
Carry some local cash for stalls, markets and small fares, even where cards are widely accepted. Setting a rough daily budget keeps things relaxed and makes Hanoi feel like even better value than it already is.
Staying connected
A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and makes maps, ride-hailing and last-minute bookings painless across Hanoi. Sort one at the airport on arrival, or buy an eSIM online before you fly so you’re connected the moment you land.
What to pack
Pack light and leave room for what you’ll bring home. Comfortable shoes, a light layer for cool evenings or fierce air-conditioning, and a small day bag cover most of what Hanoi asks of you.
Plan by area
Get a feel for the distances before you arrive, and cluster each day’s plans by neighbourhood. It’s the simplest way to see more of Hanoi and waste less time getting from one thing to the next.
The practical bit
Nail the basics and the trip runs itself. Fix your dates, Traveloka, and everything else about Hanoi falls into place.