Vietnam · Asia
Guide to Hanoi
Old Quarter, street food, and the rhythm of the northern city
Overview
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, packed with the Old Quarter, a scenic lake, and legendary street food. It’s a great base before Halong Bay or the train south.
Highlights
Old Quarter walk
36 streets — motorbikes everywhere, stay alert.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Early mornings are quiet for a peaceful stroll.
Train street
Arrive on time for the train; keep a safe distance.
Temple of Literature
A peaceful ancient campus.
Halong / Ninh Binh day
Day trip or overnight cruise.
Food
Phở & bún chả
Queue at local eateries during the day.
Egg coffee
Hanoi’s signature dessert-drink.
Bia hơi
Cheap beer on plastic stools—pure local vibes.
Getting around
Grab bike
Fast way through traffic jams.
Old Quarter on foot
Small blocks but packed with action.
Night train south
Head to Hue/Da Nang if continuing your Vietnam tour.
Frequently asked questions
How do I cross the street in Hanoi without panicking?
Walk slowly and steadily—don’t stop suddenly or run. Motorbike riders judge your speed and adjust, so predictable movement is safest. Raise a hand to stay visible, and if unsure, cross with locals. Never use your phone while crossing near the Old Quarter.
Should I do a Halong Bay day trip or overnight?
If time allows, take a two-day, one-night cruise to catch sunrise and quieter areas. A day trip means roughly seven hours total on the road for just a few hours on the water. Many now opt for Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long for more peace. Choose a licensed operator and check recent reviews.
Grab or taxi in Hanoi?
Grab is usually the smoother choice—fares are locked in the app—and GrabBike is cheap for short distances if you’re comfortable on a motorbike. For conventional taxis, stick to reputable firms like Mai Linh and ensure the meter is running. At Noi Bai Airport, use the official counter or an app; don’t accept rides from touts at the exit.
Is tap water and ice safe in Hanoi?
Tap water isn’t safe to drink—buy sealed bottled water. Ice in busy cafés and restaurants is typically factory-made and relatively safe, but be cautious at very basic street stalls. Rule of thumb: pick spots with high customer turnover, food cooked hot, and carry antidiarrheal meds just in case.
How many days in Hanoi, and where next?
Two to three days covers the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Temple of Literature, and a food crawl. Use the rest as a base: Halong or Lan Ha for two days, Sapa via overnight bus or train, Ninh Binh for a day trip to Trang An. For Hue and Da Nang, domestic flights save far more time than trains.
Is halal food available in Hanoi?
Yes, but options are limited. A few halal restaurants cluster around the Old Quarter and near Al Noor Mosque on Hang Luoc, mostly serving Indian, Malaysian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Vietnamese dishes often use pork broth or fish sauce, so always ask about ingredients. Halal pho bo exists, but it’s best to research spots in advance.