Situated on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. With this Hanoi tourism guide, you can explore the city that features ancient pagodas, unique museums, and colonial buildings. Take a foot tour to dive into the city's multicultural community with a Chinese, French, and Russian influence. The French Quarter and Old Quarter are the two prime neighbourhoods that divide this city, and these areas house some of the major tourist attractions your Hanoi travel guide will take you to. So, plan your trip to Hanoi to enjoy its delicious cuisine, vivacious nightlife and the must-see highlights of the city.

How to reach Hanoi?

• By air: The Noi Bai International Airport is the city's official international airport, situated at a distance of 30 km from the Hanoi City Centre. IndiGo operates non-stop Hanoi flights between Kolkata and Hanoi, along with seamless connection to other key destinations.
• Getting around/local transport in Hanoi: Moving around in Hanoi is easy and convenient. Taking a walking tour can help you explore the hidden spots of the city. If you don't prefer to walk, then hop on a tourist bus or rent a bike, bicycle or a scooter to explore the city.
  • By bus: Another mode of transportation in Hanoi is the bus. We suggest you book your tickets in advance to reserve a seat.
  • By train: Operated by Vietnam Railways, the railway system offers a relaxing and dependable way to get around.
  • By cyclo: Cyclo is a bicycle rickshaw commonly preferred for shorter distances and is best for exploring the city.

Discover the culinary delights with a Hanoi travel guide and savour a diverse array of eateries offering traditional Vietnamese dishes and international cuisine options.

The best time to visit Hanoi is during the spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant, with less humidity and rainfall.

The most commonly spoken languages in Hanoi are Vietnamese and English, with Vietnamese being the predominant language used in daily communication and English widely understood, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations.

Hanoi tourism won’t fall short when it comes to shopping places. There are markets famous for silk products, ceramics, traditional Vietnamese dress, and souvenirs made from bamboo. Some of them are listed below.

• Hanoi Weekend Night Market: Check out this weekend night market that is organised every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on Hang Dao Street. This bustling gathering of stalls feature a range of offerings, such as fashion items, inexpensive t-shirts, souvenirs, handicrafts, sunglasses, shoes, and accessories. Along with shopping, you can also indulge in exotic food at the nearby stalls.
• Dong Xuan Market: One of the largest markets of Hanoi city is the Dong Xuan Market. This four-floored market features a variety of fabrics, printed t-shirts, school uniforms, and bags. Take a stroll around the market and enjoy its lively ambience.
• Lotte Center Hanoi: If you are looking to shop for branded products, then Lotte Center Hanoi shopping mall is the place for you. This one-stop shopping hub houses restaurants, a gym, a spa, a hypermarket, residential apartments, and the city's most exceptional observation deck. Located near to the Hoan Kiem Lake, the mall can be reached within 20 minutes. From watches, jewellery, shoes, handbags, and jeans, the mall offers everything you need under one roof.

Hanoi boasts a series of famous traditional festivals, each offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant cultural heritage. Some of the best ones are:

Here are some of the other places to explore in Hanoi on your trip.

• The West Lake: Located in the north-western centre of Hanoi, the West Lake is a freshwater lake that is spread over an area of 500 hectares. It is the largest lake with manicured gardens, hotels, and villas surrounding it. Popularly called Tay Ho Lake, it is a well-liked spot among the locals and tourists. A part of the lake is divided forming another lake, called Truc Bach Lake. As per legends, a Chinese buffalo mistook the ringing of the pagoda’s temple bell to be its mothers call, and ran ferociously into the hollow to form the lake.
• The Temple of the Jade Mountain: The Temple of the Jade Mountain is based on a small island, which is located in the Hoan Kiem Lake. Constructed in Vietnamese style, the temple is devoted to General Tran Hung Dao, who conquered the Mongols in the 13th century. The temple features prehistoric artefacts of a giant turtle weighing almost 250 kg. Visit this place to take a stroll into the city's ancient past.
• The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is the city's national museum which exhibits an extensive collection of religious sculptures, folk paintings, ceramics and artwork created by well-known artists. It displays artistic accomplishments and historical attractions. The museum's contents date back to prehistoric times.

If you're an Indian passport holder travelling to Hanoi, then you can either apply for a visa on arrival online or through the Vietnamese Embassy in India.

To apply for a visa on arrival, fill in the online form and submit the application form. The confirmation letter with the visa status is generally processed between 4-8 working hours or maximum in 3 business days. You will need the confirmation letter along with your passport, two passport-size photos and cash payment for the stamping fee to get your passport stamped with the Vietnamese visa at the airport.

If you wish to apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy in India, then you are required to download and complete a form and submit it along with the required documents at the embassy.

To ensure a hassle-free and seamless travel, here is a detailed information about the Vietnam visa – www.goindigo.in/information/visa-information/vietnam-vn-visa.html

• Top reasons to plan for a vacation in Vietnam’s Hanoi right now
• Where to travel based on your zodiac
• Here’s why Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam should be your next travel destination