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Hanoi travel guide

Updated on: 09/04/2026

Hanoi is one of the best attraction to travel in Vietnam, Davidtrantravel will provide visitors with the most useful information about transportation, attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Hanoi, helping you get the most comprehensive and detailed overview before arriving in Hanoi...

Contents: Hanoi travel tips

1. What are popular food tour opions in Hanoi?

2. What are transportation options from Hanoi airport to the Old quarter?

3. What are the highlights of Hanoi's train street?

4. What are the best accommodations in Hanoi's Old Quarter?

5. What are the transportation options from Hanoi airport to Sapa?

6. What are the currency exchange options in Hanoi?

7. What are the best cruise options for Halong bay from Hanoi?

8. What are the visa requirements for Hanoi?

9. Where should I stay in Hanoi?

10. What are the best places to eat in Hanoi?

11. What is Hanoi Known for?

12. What is there to do in Hanoi?

1. What are popular food tour opions in Hanoi?

Food Tour Recommendations

Several travelers recommend various food tours in Hanoi. One popular option is the Hanoi Kids tour, which is led by local university students and offers a personalized experience tailored to participants' preferences. Although they are not professional food guides, it provides a unique cultural exchange and insight into local student life. Participants are expected to cover the food costs and provide a donation to the organization at the end.

Price Considerations

While some tours like the one offered by David Tran Travel include additional experiences like a coffee stop at Hanoi's train street, prices can be a concern, with some travelers considering $70 for a 4-hour tour to be expensive. Therefore, cost and value are significant considerations for many when choosing a tour.

2. What are transportation options from Hanoi airport to the Old quarter?

Bus Transportation

Some travelers recommended bus No. 86 as a convenient and economical option from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter, with a ticket price of 35,000 VND and a frequency of every 25-30 minutes. The bus operates from early morning till late evening, making it accessible for most flight schedules.

Private Transfer Options

According to forum posts, private car transfers can be booked through services like KLOOK, offering rates as low as USD $10 for arrival transfers. These services include a personal pickup at the airport and direct transport to the hotel in the Old Quarter.

Taxi Service

Travelers have also mentioned taxis as a reliable option, with fares typically ranging from $15 to $20. Some posts suggested arranging a taxi through a hotel for a fixed price to avoid variability in cost and ensure reliability.

Alternative Bus Services

For those preferring a less crowded option, the Viet Thanh Bus (Vietjet Bus) was mentioned, costing 40,000 VND per person, potentially providing a seat for every passenger unlike bus No. 86, where standing might be necessary during busy times.

3. What are the highlights of Hanoi's train street?

Train Street Experience

Some travelers have shared that visiting Train Street in Hanoi offers a unique experience where cafes line the tracks, and visitors can watch trains pass closely while enjoying a drink. Despite some areas being officially closed to tourists, local cafe owners sometimes allow access through side entrances.

Train Schedule and Cafe Tips

According to forum posts, the train times vary, and it's advisable to contact cafes directly to confirm the schedule. Travelers have mentioned that while some find the drinks overpriced, others feel the prices are reasonable and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The experience is often described as fun and memorable, especially when planned around train timings.

Safety and Regulations

Travelers have noted that parts of Train Street are restricted due to safety concerns. Local authorities sometimes discourage tourist visits, but the actual enforcement can be inconsistent. Despite the official stance, many still visit, often with the help of locals guiding them to safe spots for viewing the trains.

4. What are the best accommodations in Hanoi's Old Quarter?

Popular Choices

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying in Hanoi's Old Quarter due to its central location and proximity to local attractions. Popular hotel options in this area include Hanoi Eliana hotels & Aira boutique hotel, all praised for their quality services and strategic locations within the Old Quarter.

Price Range

Travelers have mentioned that rooms in some hotels in the Old Quarter can be found for less than $60 without a city view, suggesting a range of budget-friendly options. The Especen Hotel near St. Joseph's Cathedral offers rooms starting from $15, providing good value with amenities such as air conditioning and hot showers.

Additional Recommendations

For travelers looking for different experiences, the Hanoi Eliana Signature Hotel Aira Boutique hotel are also highly recommended. These hotels are appreciated for their quiet environments despite being close to the bustling areas, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

5. What are the transportation options from Hanoi airport to Sapa?

Private Transport Options

Some travelers have opted for privately arranged cars for direct transport from Hanoi Airport to Sapa, citing it as the fastest option, though concerns about safety and comfort during night travel were mentioned. Additionally, private limousine services are available, which some users preferred due to flexibility in case of flight delays.

Public Transport Options

According to forum posts, the sleeper train is a popular choice, with the nearest train station accessible by taxi from the airport. The train journey requires a transfer at Lao Cai to reach Sapa. Travelers have called out that buses directly to Sapa can be caught from the airport, with multiple departures including options for day and night travel.

Shared Transport Options

For those looking for a more economical option, shared limousine services and buses were discussed. These services can be booked in advance and some can accommodate changes in case of flight delays, offering a balance between cost and convenience.

Considerations

Travelers have noted the importance of considering the time of arrival at Hanoi Airport when choosing transportation. Night arrivals may limit immediate transfer options to Sapa, suggesting either an overnight stay in Hanoi or waiting for early morning departures.

6. What are the currency exchange options in Hanoi?

Exchange Locations

According to forum posts, travelers have several options for exchanging currency in Hanoi. Gold shops on Ha Trung Street are frequently recommended for their competitive exchange rates. Additionally, banks and some hotels also offer currency exchange services.

Exchange Rates

For many users, gold shops seem to offer better rates compared to other locations. Websites like xe.com and tygiadola.net are suggested for checking current rates before making an exchange. The rates at gold shops are often very close to or even better than the market rates quoted online.

Airport Exchange

Some travelers said that exchanging a small amount of money at Hanoi Airport upon arrival is convenient, though the rates might be slightly less favorable. For larger sums, they recommend visiting gold shops in the city for better deals.

7. What are the best cruise options for Halong bay from Hanoi?

Transport Options

Some travelers recommended using cruise line-provided bus or van services as a reliable transport option from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. These services often include pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi, with prices around $25 USD both ways per person if picked up from the Old Quarter.

Cruise Recommendations

According to forum posts, many users have suggested opting for overnight cruises to fully experience Ha Long Bay. The Larrisa Cruise was specifically recommended for its luxury services. For those preferring less crowded options, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay were highlighted as quieter alternatives to Ha Long Bay. These areas are considered by some travelers to offer a more relaxed and scenic cruising experience.

Day Cruise Insights

For travelers constrained by time, day cruises are also a viable option. Companies like David Tran Tran Travel was mentioned for providing the longest time on the water among day cruises, which can be an important factor for those wanting to maximize their bay experience in a limited timeframe.

8. What are the visa requirements for Hanoi?

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

According to forum posts, UK citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa. This exemption applies per entry, as confirmed by the Vietnamese embassy.

Visa Requirements for Transit

For travelers transiting through Hanoi, some travelers mentioned that no visa is required if the onward journey is on the same ticket and the transit does not exceed the airport's international zone.

Extended Stay and Multiple Entries

If staying longer than the visa-exempt period or planning multiple entries, travelers have discussed obtaining an e-visa or a multi-entry visa. The official website for e-visa applications is often recommended by experienced users for its reliability.