Hanoi Travel Guide

About Hanoi

A captivating capital where ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and chaotic motorbike streets create unforgettable energy.

This guide covers the neighborhoods worth your time, when to actually go, how to get around, what to eat, what it costs, and the rookie mistakes most first-timers in Hanoi make. Built to be paired with Elvara — the AI trip planner app for iPhone — so you can turn it into a personalized itinerary in a tap.

When to visit Hanoi

Best months: October, November, March, April.

Subtropical with four seasons. Hot humid summers. Cool winters. Spring and autumn are ideal. Can be drizzly.

What to eat in Hanoi

Hanoi is a food lover's paradise. Pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee are legendary. Street food is the best and cheapest way to eat.

Must-try dishes

Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi, Egg Coffee, Bun Rieu, Cha Ca La Vong, Nem Ran (spring rolls), Che (sweet soup)

Street food tips

Old Quarter streets each specialize in different foods. Plastic stool restaurants are the best. Bun Cha on Hang Manh street.

Is Hanoi safe? What to watch for

Very safe in terms of violent crime. Traffic is the biggest danger - crossing streets requires confidence.

Common scams

Cyclo (rickshaw) overcharging. Shoe shine boys demanding high prices. Water puppet show ticket scalpers.

Emergency numbers

Emergency: 113, Fire: 114, Ambulance: 115

Customs, etiquette, and what to wear

Local customs

Remove shoes indoors. Cross streets slowly and steadily (don't run). Morning tai chi in parks. Coffee culture is strong.

Dress code

Casual and practical. Light breathable clothing. Cover up slightly at temples. Comfortable walking shoes.

Tipping

Not traditional but appreciated. 5-10% at tourist restaurants. Tip guides and drivers.

Do's and don'ts

Do: Try street food, walk the Old Quarter, take a cooking class. Don't: Jaywalk (cross steadily), disrespect Ho Chi Minh, bargain aggressively.

Practical info for travelers

Visa

e-Visa available for many nationalities. Visa-free for 15-30 days for some countries.

Health

Drink bottled water. Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh. Use insect repellent. Carry hand sanitizer.

Useful local phrases

Xin chào (Hello), Cảm ơn (Thank you), Xin lỗi (Sorry/Excuse me)

A short history of Hanoi

Over 1,000 years old. Capital of Vietnam. Survived French colonialism and the American War. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is central.

Plan your trip to Hanoi with Elvara

Once you have a sense of Hanoi, the next step is turning the inspiration into a real itinerary: dates, neighborhoods, restaurants, what to pack, and how to get around. That's exactly what Elvara is built for. Tell the app your travel style, dates, and budget, and it produces a personalized day-by-day plan, a packing list tuned to Hanoi's weather, and a chat that knows Hanoi's neighborhoods, customs, and quirks.