Hanoi: A Thousand Years of History Among Lakes & Alleys
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, combines more than a thousand years of history with a vibrant street life. Its Old Quarter is a maze of alleys filled with shops, cafés, and food stalls; around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, temples, French colonial architecture, and parks where locals exercise at dawn all blend together. It is also the base for excursions to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Bình.
💡 Fun Facts & History
- 💡Hanoi was founded in the year 1010 under the name Thăng Long ("ascending dragon") and is one of the oldest capitals in Southeast Asia.
- 💡The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, in the heart of the city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
- 💡According to legend, Hoàn Kiếm Lake ("lake of the returned sword") is where a golden turtle reclaimed Emperor Lê Lợi's magic sword. Turtle Tower stands on a small island in the lake.
- 💡The Old Quarter is traditionally known as the "36 streets": many are named after the trade once concentrated there, such as silk, silver, or tin.
- 💡Egg coffee (cà phê trứng) was born in Hanoi in the mid-1940s, when milk was scarce. It is made by whisking egg yolk with sugar and coffee.
- 💡The Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, hosted what is considered Vietnam's first university.
🌍 What You Should Know
- Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND). Carry cash for food stalls and local transport, and use apps like Grab for motorbike or car rides with an agreed price.
- Motorbike traffic is constant. To cross the street, walk at a steady, predictable pace: riders will steer around you. Avoid running or stopping suddenly.
- To visit temples, dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered). From December to February it can be cool and overcast, so bring a light jacket.
Need a visa? Entry requirements for Vietnam vary by nationality and can change. Contact our advisor team to confirm the current requirements before you travel.
📅 Best Time to Visit
October-December (autumn) and March-April offer the most pleasant weather. May to September is hot, humid, and rainy, with typhoon season roughly from June to October, which can affect excursions such as Ha Long Bay. December to February is cool, with gray skies and some drizzle.
Ready for your trip to Hanoi?
Our concierge team will design the perfect itinerary for you. Flights, hotels, experiences, and transfers — all included.
Contact Us & Book