As one of the two largest tourist centers of the country, Hanoi Capital plays an essential role in the development of tourism of the whole country in general and of the Northern region in particular. Different from the Southern region that only has 2 seasons, Hanoi has 4 separate seasons which can satisfy even the most picky individual. Coming to Hanoi, tourists can enjoy all 4 seasons of the year, and each one has its own characteristics that instill in the visitors’ deepest corners of their hearts different feelings about life. Some people fall in love with Hanoi in the autumn, some adore Hanoi in the spring when the flowers start to bloom. If Hanoi has won your heart, and you are in love with the trees and street corners here, then don’t be afraid to set off and explore the elegant beauty through each season of this 1,000 year of civilization capital.

1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi Vietnam is Autumn. During autumn, Hanoi seems more relaxed than at any time of the year. Everything is just so beautiful. Every scene is worth a postcard snapshot and it’s a sin not to bring a decent camera during your visit.

Autumn starts from August to November and then is the winter will be coming. This season is quite short, typically from the middle of September to the end of November.  With the average temperature is 25 degree, Hanoi’s autumn is charming with warm sunlight, and dry atmosphere, cool breeze. The weather in Hanoi is so pleasant, it makes anyone who wants to come here not want to leave. Thu Ha Noi moved people’s hearts with the high and clear blue sky, the clear sunshine splits “playing” on the golden autumn leaves, and the love of Hanoi in the autumn can also come from the wind. The cold pig will blow coldly through every row of trees and street corners.

2. Top tourist attractions for your Hanoi Full Day City Tour & Half-day Tour Hanoi?

1 – Thang Long – The Imperial Citadel

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an interesting sample of Vietnam’s great history, now registered as one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The multi-story citadel stands 40m high and the central flag tower is the most recognizable feature and is often used as a symbol of Hanoi. This was the center of ancient Hanoi and served as the political center and a notable place for emperors to receive dignitaries, for almost eight centuries. The imperial citadel of Thang Long is located in Ba Dinh district

2 – Water Puppet Show

The ancient art form of water puppetry show has a long association with Hanoi and especially with the northern region and there are several theatres in Hanoi’s Old Quarter where travelers can enjoy this uniquely Vietnamese cultural show. One of the best places to enjoy this show is at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre by Hoan Kiem Lake. Puppets dance and slide elegantly over the liquid stage, controlled by a whole troupe of puppet masters hiding behind a screen.

3 – Mausoleum of Uncle Ho – Ho Chi Minh Complex

Ho Chi Minh, the father of new Vietnam, has left an indelible mark on Vietnam’s contemporary status and he is revered in Hanoi as the country’s greatest leader. Nicknamed ‘Uncle Ho’ by most of the Vietnamese, his body is now laid to rest in a glass case in a mausoleum dedicated to him. This is now part of a complex with the adjoining former Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda located in Ba Dinh Square and close to the Temple of Literature.

4 – Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake is a central feature of Hanoi and is a popular hangout for both locals and tourists who are keen to meet and speak with Hanoian. The adjoining Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island in the lake and linked by a wooden bridge (Huc Bridge), which makes a beautiful background for photos.

5 – Hanoi Old Quarter

Centrally located and an ideal place to stay with a definite local atmosphere where old and modern Hanoi meet. The Old Quarter is a fascinating area consisting of 36 narrow, lined streets where travelers can enjoy many fine examples of colonial architecture packed along narrow streets. Shopping here is a must-do as well as checking out the bars and restaurants and even going on a food tour in a cyclo.

6 – Hanoi Opera House

One of the most elegant buildings in the capital city and located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Opera House was built in the early 20th century and is embellished with Parisian charm from its ivory-toned columns, ornate balustrades, and Gothic domes. The design of Hanoi Opera House was strongly influenced by the French architecture style from the 19th century with NeoClassical windows, crystal chandelier, T-shape white marble staircase centered with red carpet. Visiting Hanoi Opera house, you can watch many amazing performances ranging from opera to dance, drama and international artists from every corner of the world.

7 – Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a charming temple complex in the center of Hanoi that was originally built to be a center of learning to date back to over 1000 years ago. The best time to visit the temple is around the early morning and the late afternoon when it is quieter and more atmospheric.

3. Top delicious food/dished you must try during your Hanoi City Tour

4. How to get to Hanoi?

Getting to Hanoi by air 

There are no direct flights from Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, as well as most cities in East and Southeast Asia to Hanoi. The Noi Bai international airport is about 40km from the center. You can take around one hour by taxi or bus to the downtown area.

Getting to Hanoi by bus 

Hanoi is served by two main bus terminals- in the North and in the South, that receive and send a bus to almost any provinces in Vietnam. Open tour buses usually drive you to the downtown area without stopping at the terminals. Check out Giap Bat and My Dinh bus station.

Getting to Hanoi by train 

Hanoi train station is about 10 minutes by taxi from the city center. If you cross the border to Vietnam from China, it is likely that you will board the train in Laocai and arrive in Hanoi in the early morning. The North-South Express train connects from Hanoi to other major cities in the country on a daily basis.

5. Activities that you cannot miss?

A blend of tradition and modernity that delights all travellers. Many museums (Ethnologic, Literature, Women, War, etc.), pagodas and temples (Single Pillar, Ngoc Son, Tran Quoc, etc.), markets (silk, Dong Xuan, Ngoc Ha, Long Bien, neighbourhood markets, etc.), no time to get bored!

You can enjoy a day in Hanoi by a cyclo through all the street of the Old Quater – Capture the highlights of Hanoi’s 36 Iconic Streets, take a bike tour or very unique jeep tour to explore the whole city even the countryside of Hanoi. Then stop to try Vietnamese Egg Coffee – The 73-year-old Hanoi’s Specialty, and to go deeper with the cultre here, you can visit some museums, Temple of Literatue, Hoa Lo prison. A day ends with a beautiful sunset at the West Lake to start a night full of vibrant vibes: Enjoy tasty Hanoi Street Food, Drink Beer in Ta Hien Street!