Best time to visit the city
If you’re looking for the best time to visit Hanoi, you should aim for February to April or October to November. These months offer the most pleasant weather, with warm and sunny days, low humidity, and beautiful flowers everywhere.
The fresh air of Hanoi in November
But if you don’t mind the heat and the rain, you can also visit Hanoi during the low season, which is from May to September. This is when you can enjoy the city without the crowds, find cheaper accommodations, and score some great deals. Just make sure you pack an umbrella and some sunscreen, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Avoid crowded time when visiting popular sites
If you want to have a full culture experience, you should avoid the rush hour when you visit the popular attractions. You can have a more peaceful and enjoyable time if you go before 9 am or after 4 pm. These are the times when you can find fewer tourists and take some stunning photos.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Ride Cyclo like a true Hanoian
One of the most unique and fun Hanoi travel tips is to take a cyclo tour around the city. You can easily spot the cyclo-riders around the corners. They are friendly, polite, and can speak some basic English to foreigners.
Take a cyclo around Hanoi
A cyclo tour usually lasts for an hour and costs between 100,000 VND (around 5 USD) and 150,000 VND (around 5.5 USD) per cyclo. The price depends on the route and your bargaining skills. A cyclo can fit one adult or maybe two if you are slim. You can marvel at the historic and cultural attractions of the Old Quarter, such as Hang Trong, Hang Bai, Hang Gai, and Hang Thiec streets, or visit some of the landmarks of Hanoi, such as the Hanoi Opera House, Dong Xuan market, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Use Grab and Other Ride-Hailing Apps
If you need a quick and easy way to get around Hanoi, you should try Grab, a popular and convenient transportation service app. You can find a Grab driver on any major road in the city. With Grab, you can book a cheap and transparent ride with a friendly and professional private driver. Besides Grab, there are also other useful ride-hailing apps that you can try, such as Be, Gojek, and Xanh SM.
Quick and easy way to get around Hanoi
Take a bus to save on transportation expenses
One of the smart ways to save money on transportation when you travel is to use public buses instead of taxis. Buses are much cheaper than taxis, and they can take you to many places in Hanoi. Hanoi has a good bus network that covers most of the city and its surroundings. You can find bus routes, schedules, and fares on this app to plan your trip.
Bus in Hanoi is quite convenience
Cross the road like a local
Crossing the street in Hanoi can be a challenge, as the traffic is very busy and chaotic. You need to be careful and alert at all times. Look both ways before you cross, and walk at a steady pace. Don’t make any sudden moves or stop in the middle of the road. If you feel nervous, you can follow the locals or wait for a green light. They know how to deal with the traffic better than anyone. In a funny way, Hanoi is a paradise for jaywalkers!
Don’t be afraid when crossing the road in Hanoi
To gain more insights, navigate to our post about Vietnam travel guide!
You can’t always walk on the sidewalk
Don’t expect to escape the crazy traffic by walking on the sidewalk in Hanoi. You’ll find that the sidewalks are not for pedestrians, but for motorbikes and people’s daily activities. You’ll see motorbikes parked or driving on the sidewalks, as well as people cooking, eating, selling, or relaxing. You’ll have no choice but to walk on the road, along with the chaotic traffic. It’s part of the charm of Hanoi, so just go with the flow.
It’s okay to walk on the road
Try the street foods
One of the hanoi travel tips that you should not miss is to try the street food in Hanoi. You can sit on plastic tables and chairs, and enjoy your meal in a plastic bowl, just like the locals do. Dishes you need to try are Pho, Bun cha, or the infamous Banh mi, etc.
Bun cha Hanoi in a small valley
Beer paradise!
One of the hanoi travel tips that you should not miss is to try Bia Hoi, a traditional light beer that is brewed and delivered fresh every day. You can find Bia Hoi at small shops on the corners, where you can drink it on the sidewalk, sitting on plastic stools with the locals. Bia Hoi is very cheap, only 10,000 VND (50 cents) a glass, and very refreshing. It is a great way to experience Hanoi’s lively atmosphere and socialize with the people. Bia Hoi is not very strong, only 2 or 3% alcohol, so you can drink a lot of it without getting too drunk. But even if you do, you won’t spend much money on it!
Drink beer like a true Hanoian
Be aware of your belongings
Hanoi is a vibrant and lively city, but it also has its share of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft. You should be careful and alert when you are walking on the streets, especially in crowded areas, such as the Old Quarter, markets, or tourist attractions.
Explore Hanoi’s beauty at every corners
Hanoi can be a bit of a shock for first time visitors. If you want to enjoy your stay, you need to relax and adapt to the local rhythm for a few days. Don’t stress over the chaos and the noise, just embrace it and have fun. You’ll discover many quirky and funny things that will make you smile and laugh.
I hope you noted all the Hanoi travel tips I share with you. If you need more information or consider booking a Vietnam package tour, please contact New Asia Tours!
