Vietnam travel guide
What you need to know about traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam: a perfect travel guide and preparation steps
Hanoi, Vietnam is a fascinating tourist destination that combines the unique charm of modernity and traditional culture. That’s reason why you should traveling to Hanoi. Whether you are looking to explore historical sites, taste delicious food. Or immerse yourself in a rich cultural atmosphere, this city can satisfy you. This travel guide will provide you with one-stop information to help you plan a perfect trip to Hanoi.
Introduction to Hanoi, Vietnam, and the best time to travel
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and has a long history and rich cultural heritage. The city is famous for its charming French architecture, ancient temples, and exciting street life. Whether exploring the quaint 36 Line Streets or strolling along the lakeside trails, Hanoi offers you a different experience.
If you want to avoid the hot and humid summer, then November to April is an ideal time. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, which is the best time to visit the city. However, if you don’t mind the high temperature and humidity, summer is also a good choice because Hanoi will hold various exciting festivals at this time.
Necessary preparations before traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam
Being prepared in advance is the key to ensuring a smooth journey. Here are a few aspects you need to pay attention to:
- Vietnam visa: Citizens of most countries need to obtain a Vietnam visa to enter. There are two ways to apply online: e-visa and visa on arrival. An e-visa is the most convenient option, you can apply online and get approved within a few days. A visa on arrival is recommended for very urgent situations.
- Transportation: There are many options to get to the city from Hanoi’s major transportation hubs (such as the airport and train station), including taxis, Grab (similar to Uber), and buses. Walking, riding a bicycle, or taking a motorbike are the most common modes of transportation for tourists within the city. However, if you are not familiar with Hanoi’s traffic rules, we recommend that you choose a taxi or Grab service, which is safer.
- Hotels: Hanoi offers a wide range of hotel options in terms of price and style, from budget youth hostels to luxurious five-star hotels. We recommend that you book a hotel in advance according to your budget and needs. If you want to experience the traditional charm of Hanoi, you can consider staying in a small hotel located in the Old Town area.
- Money: The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Before heading to Hanoi, we recommend that you exchange some local currency for emergency use. However, most tourist attractions and restaurants also accept credit cards. Remember to bring enough cash with you for some small stalls or shops that only accept cash.
- Clothing to bring: Hanoi’s weather can change frequently, so we recommend that you bring some clothes that can be easily put on and taken off. In the hot and humid summer, it is recommended to wear light and breathable cotton clothing. In the winter, you will need to prepare some warm coats and trousers. In addition, don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Hanoi is a pedestrian-friendly city.
Vietnam Hanoi Tourist Visa: Application, Requirements and Procedures
Obtaining a legal Vietnam visa is crucial for a smooth entry. You can choose to apply for an e-visa or a visa on arrival.
(1) E-visa
E-visa is the most convenient option. You only need to submit an application online, which is usually approved within 4 working days, and you can apply for a visa for up to 3 months. The main requirements include:
- A passport with a validity period of more than 6 months and a recent photo (taken with a mobile phone is also OK)
- A color passport photo with a white background
- A valid credit card or PayPal account to pay the fee
- After obtaining an e-visa, you only need to show the e-visa confirmation letter and passport upon arrival to enter the country.
(2) Visa on Arrival
If you are in a very urgent situation and cannot apply for an e-visa in advance, you can also choose to apply for an emergency visa on arrival online. This requires you to apply for a visa on arrival after arriving at the airport, and then go through the border checkpoint to enter the country. The application materials required for a visa on arrival include:
- A passport with a validity period of more than 6 months
- Two color passport photos with a white background
- A completed entry registration form
- Sufficient cash to pay the visa fee
- The process of applying for a visa on arrival may be time-consuming, so please allow enough time.
Please click on the link to apply (optional e-visa or visa on arrival): https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/. We guarantee that the visa will be 100% successful and issued on time.
Regardless of which visa method you choose, please make sure you understand and meet all the requirements in advance to avoid any trouble at the time of entry.
Explore the city’s culture and history
Traveling to Hanoi has a rich cultural heritage and historical attractions that are worth your time to explore. Here are some attractions that you can’t miss:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake is a legendary attraction. It is said that a magic sword was once returned to a dragon here. There is a small island on the lakeside with an elegant tower on it. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
- Temple of Literature: The Temple of Literature is an ancient Confucian education center built in the 11th century. It was once the most prestigious institution of learning in Vietnam. The architectural style here is exquisite and elegant, and the garden layout is unique. It is a great place to understand the traditional culture of Vietnam.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was built to commemorate the Vietnamese national hero Ho Chi Minh. This solemn building was designed by a famous architect and combines modern and traditional elements. When visiting, you need to abide by certain clothing and behavioral norms to show respect for this great man.
- Thirty-six Ancient Streets: Thirty-six Ancient Streets is one of the oldest and most distinctive neighborhoods in Hanoi. It used to be the center of handicraft trade and has now become a vibrant tourist attraction. Strolling through these narrow streets, you can appreciate the charm of traditional architecture and buy various handicrafts and souvenirs.
This is just a small part of the many attractions in Hanoi. Whether you love history, culture, or natural scenery, Hanoi can satisfy your needs. We recommend that you set aside enough time to slowly explore the charm of this city.
Food Guide: Taste the local food characteristics
Hanoi not only has a rich cultural heritage, but its food is also worth a try. Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its fresh ingredients, unique seasonings, and rich flavors. Here are some foods you can’t miss:
- Pho (Rice Noodles): Pho is one of Vietnam’s most famous delicacies. It is a rice noodle dish that is usually served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. There are many types of noodles in Hanoi, from classic meat noodles to seafood noodles. Don’t miss the famous Pho Village, where there are many traditional noodle shops serving authentic Hanoi noodles.
- Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread): Due to the influence of French colonial rule, French bread became popular in Hanoi and later became the most unique Vietnamese bread in Vietnam. This bread is usually crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an excellent taste. You can buy freshly baked bread at street stalls, paired with a cup of coffee or egg and milk drinks, it is a perfect breakfast or afternoon tea choice.
- Coconut coffee: Vietnamese coffee is famous for its rich taste, and coconut coffee is a major feature of Hanoi. This coffee is a perfect blend of espresso and fresh coconut milk, with a rich, smooth taste and unique flavor. Don’t miss Hanoi’s famous cafes, which serve coconut coffee in various flavors.
- Spring rolls: Spring rolls are another famous Vietnamese delicacy. They roll fresh vegetables, meat and spices into thin rice paper, and have a refreshing and delicious taste. There are many types of spring rolls in Hanoi, from traditional shrimp spring rolls to vegetarian spring rolls. Don’t miss the small shops recommended by locals, which serve authentic Hanoi spring rolls.
Traveling to Hanoi: How to Move in the City
Although Hanoi’s transportation system is busy, there are also many options for you to travel around the city. Here are some common modes of transportation:
- Walking: Hanoi is a pedestrian-friendly city, with many attractions and business districts concentrated in a relatively small area. If you have enough time and energy, walking is undoubtedly the best way to truly immerse yourself in Hanoi’s street life. However, please pay attention to traffic rules and be careful of motorcycles on sidewalks and zebra crossings.
- Motorcycle: Motorcycles are one of the most popular means of transportation in Hanoi. If you are brave, you can try to rent a motorcycle and experience the lifestyle of the locals. However, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with Hanoi’s traffic rules and driving habits first, and make sure you have enough driving skills to ensure safety.
- Taxis and Grab: Taxis and Grab (similar to Uber) are the most convenient options for travelers who are not very familiar with Hanoi’s traffic conditions. Both modes of transportation are relatively safe and reliable, and the prices are relatively reasonable. However, please be sure to choose a legitimate taxi company and make sure to start the meter to avoid being ripped off at the pier.
- Bus: Hanoi’s bus network covers most areas of the city and is an economical mode of transportation. However, since the signboards and station information are mostly in Vietnamese, it may be a little difficult for tourists who are not familiar with the local language. If you choose to take the bus, we recommend that you prepare in advance and understand the route and station information.
Keep a Safe Journey
Traveling to Hanoi is a relatively safe tourist destination, but like any other city. You still need to take some precautions to ensure that your journey is smooth and worry-free. Here are some safety tips:
- Keep your belongings safe: No matter where you are, always be careful to keep your belongings safe. Try not to carry too much cash or valuables, and keep important items in the hotel safe or in a safe place on your body. In crowded places, be extra careful to avoid being targeted by pickpockets.
- Pay attention to traffic safety: Hanoi’s traffic conditions may be a bit surprising to some tourists. Whether you are walking, cycling, or taking public transportation, always stay alert and obey traffic rules. When crossing the road, please observe the surrounding traffic conditions first, and cross the road only when you are sure it is safe.
- Stay away from illegal activities: Although Hanoi is a relatively safe city, there are still some illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, fraud, etc. Please stay away from these activities and do not easily believe the promises or suggestions of strangers. If you encounter any suspicious situation, please seek help immediately.
- Respect local customs: As tourists, we have the responsibility to respect local customs and culture. When visiting religious places, please follow the dress code and remain silent. In addition, respect the lifestyle of locals and do not judge their behavior or habits.
- Stay alert: No matter where you are, you should remain vigilant. Do not leave valuables in conspicuous places, and do not easily accept invitations or suggestions from strangers in unfamiliar environments. If you feel unsafe, leave the scene immediately and seek help.
