Travel Guide Hanoi
Between the Red River and Hô Tây Lake, Hanoi invites you to enjoy the good life. In the heart of the old city, on the banks of the romantic Hoan Kiem Lake, we take the pulse of the old city and the time to enjoy the special atmosphere of the capital of Vietnam. On the program: walk in the alleys of typical architecture combining South Asian, Chinese and French influences, folklore of an intense traffic of two-wheelers, parade of the locals who make their jogging and their qi gong on the banks. Here is a store selling antique furniture and giant Buddha heads, further on a shop selling lacquered boxes and jewelry, and a succession of small restaurants and street stalls where you can enjoy the delicious Vietnamese cuisine. In the evening, it's a puppet show on water or a cock fight in a secret courtyard. Among the many small temples, look for the Bach Ma temple in honor of a legendary horse. Stroll between the stalls of the fruit, vegetable, fish or spice markets that occupy several streets. You must go to Ba Dinh district to see the museum and the mausoleum of Uncle Hô (Hô Chin Minh). Then, discover by boat the mythical Along Bay where women sell beautiful embroidered tablecloths (impossible to refuse!). It will take you a little more time to reach the maritime Along Bay, another jewel, to be sailed on board a junk. And it is on a junk-restaurant anchored in the bay that you will have dinner. As a bonus, go see the incredible wooden cathedral of Phat Diem.
What to visit Hanoi?
Suggested addresses Hanoi
When to go to Hanoi?
During the high season (July, August and September), prices tend to increase, however some establishments offer summer promotions.
During Tet, it is sometimes difficult to find an interesting flight to Vietnam, as the destination is crowded with Vietnamese. It is advisable to anticipate. Hanoi and Along Bay can be visited all year round. However, be careful, between August and November, the typhoon season can disrupt navigation in Along Bay. Planning a stay during the Tet festival (Lunar New Year) is a good option offering the opportunity to attend many traditional events in Hanoi and in the surrounding villages. The days before and after Tet are non-working days. Tourist services are disrupted. And it is the cool period when the drizzle dominates (from February to April). But what memories!
Weather at the moment
The climate of Hanoi and Along Bay is humid subtropical, with two main seasons. From November to April, the weather is quite cool: average of 19° C in December-January (minimum of 6-7° C) but persistent drizzle in February and March. From May to October, the weather is hot and humid: average of 30° C, heavy rains are frequent until September. Then, the season becomes beautiful, with a kind of Indian summer that lasts until November. Rare typhoons in summer.
The national currency is Vietnamese Dông (VND). Even if the law stipulates that all expenses must be made in dungs, many tourist sites advertise prices in US dollars and it is possible to pay with this currency. The euro is sometimes accepted. To avoid unpleasant surprises, ask for prices when they are not indicated. The Vietnamese price/tourist price system remains in force even if it is becoming less and less justified. We can negotiate.
A visa is required to stay in Hanoi. The expiration date of the French passport must not be less than 6 months before the end of the validity of the visa or the stay in Vietnam.
Vietnam does not recognize foreign or international driving licenses. Therefore, the foreigner who wants to drive in Vietnam must make a formality of validation of his driving license. Please note that driving is on the right side of the road.
The country has very competent doctors, but medical infrastructure is still lacking, at least in rural areas. Hanoi is provided with private medical centres of international standard. Their rates are high and it is essential to be insured in advance. You can also use traditional medicine. No vaccine is required, but vaccines against hepatitis A and B, and typhoid fever are recommended. In rural areas, several health risks must be taken into account: malaria, avian influenza, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Hanoi? Our advice & tips
This destination is very popular and widely proposed by travel agencies. A stay in Hanoi - usually one week - includes most of the time the discovery of the land Along Bay, sometimes also the sea Along Bay. Choosing the formula of an organized trip for this destination will make your life easier, but will not be more advantageous financially than a solo trip.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationNo problem to go alone to Hanoi. There are many flights from major European cities. On the spot, you can easily find a small hotel in the old quarter and every day food at low prices, in the street or in restaurants. Hanoi is a safe city. It is easy to find your way around. Buses and boats connect the surrounding tourist sites. Rent a car for a specific trip and coax your driver to go off the "official" routes.
If you want to do as the locals do, you'll get around on two wheels. By scooter or by bike (rent through your hotel). In rickshaws and moto-taxis it's even more fun! From one district to another, take the minibuses. And buses to go to the land or sea bay of Along. For a specific trip, rent a car (always with driver).
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