Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital, blends centuries-old architecture with rich culture and bustling street life. History lovers and foodies will adore its lively markets, ancient temples, and flavorful street food.
When to go
Best months are October to December for cooler, drier weather and fewer crowds. Avoid heavy rains and heat from May to September. Spring is warm with moderate rain and lively festivals.
Jan
21° · 61 mm rain
cool and dry
Feb
22° · 55 mm rain
pleasant and dry
Mar
26° · 79 mm rain
warm with some rain
Apr
29° · 101 mm rain
hot and rainy
May
32° · 213 mm rain
hot, heavy rain
Jun
33° · 270 mm rain
Not ideal
Jul
33° · 310 mm rain
hot, very wet
Aug
32° · 411 mm rain
hot, wettest month
Sep
31° · 349 mm rain
hot, heavy rain
Oct
28° · 205 mm rain
cooler, less rain
Nov
26° · 60 mm rain
pleasant, dry
Dec
22° · 32 mm rain
cool, dry, festive
Best timeGoodQuieterNot ideal
Average daily high and monthly rain over the last ten years, from weather records by Open-Meteo
Top things to do
Old Quarter
Explore narrow streets, shops, and street food; best early morning.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Scenic city center lake with Ngoc Son Temple; great for walks.
Temple of Literature
Historic Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first university.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Learn about Vietnam’s history and war era.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Traditional puppet show; book tickets in advance.
West Lake
Largest lake with cafes and temples; ideal for sunset views.
Food to try
Pho
Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, best at street stalls.
Bun Cha
Grilled pork with noodles, a Hanoi specialty.
Cha Ca
Turmeric fish dish, unique to Hanoi.
Dong Xuan Market
Bustling market with diverse street food options.
Where to stay
- Old Quarter: Historic, lively, perfect for first-time visitors.
- French Quarter: Elegant colonial buildings, quieter, good for culture lovers.
- Tay Ho (West Lake): Upscale, lakeside area, great for expats and families.
Getting around
From Noi Bai Airport, take a taxi (~$15) or shuttle bus (~$2). Use cyclos, motorbike taxis, or Grab app for cheap city travel.
Good to know
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Beware of overcharging taxi drivers.
- Carry cash; small bills preferred for markets.
Emergency numbers
Reading about Hanoi
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Plan a trip to HanoiWritten with AI on October 7, 2026 and refreshed every month. Check opening times, prices and entry rules before you go.