Hanoi, located on the banks of the Red River, is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, where travelers can find well preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, and unique museums within the city center. A great place to explore on foot, this French – colonial city is also known for its delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, silks and handicrafts as well as multi-cultural community that’s made up of Chinese, French and Russian influences.
Weather in Hanoi
Hanoi has a mild, tropical climate typical of northern Vietnam with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. The months of June through August are typically the hottest and wettest.
The best time to come to Hanoi is from September to November or from March to April, when the weather is mild. Temperatures during these months range from 18°C to 30°C and the days stay relatively dry. From November to March, there is less rain but it can get quite cold in the evening so bring a warm jacket if visiting during this time. Most homes in Hanoi do not have heating so be sure that there are extra blankets on hand for a comfortable sleep.
Seasons in Hanoi
Hanoi has two main seasons, the northeast monsoon months of November to April and the southwest monsoon months of May to October. The northeast monsoon season can be further divided into a winter season from November to February, which sees the coolest and driest days with average temperatures of 10-15°C and only 20mm of rain. Springtime runs from February to April, when warmer temperatures are accompanied by more rain, up to 80mm in April. The southwest monsoon summer months of May to September can get uncomfortably hot (temperatures into the mid-30s) and humid with heavy rains, especially in July and August when each month gets an average 320mm of rain. The autumn months of September to November are generally sunny and mild.
How to get there
Hanoi Airport is 45 kilometres north of the city centre. Officially called Noi Bai International Airport, it's the largest airport in Northern Vietnam. It serves domestic and international flights, including Vietnam Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, and Cathay Pacific.
And from Hanoi to fly directly almost famous destinations in Vietnam: Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Danang, Nha Trang, Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, Ho Chi Minh, Can tho, Phu Quoc….
10 best detinations you should visit when you arrive in Hanoi
1. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, is an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, many artefacts and items dating back to between the 6th and 20th centuries were excavated in 2004, including foundations of old palaces, ancient roads, ponds and wells.
2. Water Puppet Theatre
This tradition is unique to North Vietnam but has recently found fame on stages all over the world; so it’s a rare treat to see the puppets perform in their original location at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals. There are also authentic Vietnamese operatic songs telling the story that is being acted out by the puppets. Most of the shows recount Vietnamese folk tales and legends with topics including the celebration of the rice harvest depicted in a humorous fashion.
3. HoChiMinh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh has left an indelible mark on Vietnamese history and he is revered in Hanoi as the country’s greatest leader. Nicknamed ‘Uncle Ho’ by locals, his preserved body is now laid to rest in a glass case in the Ba Dinh area of Hanoi. This is more than a tourist attraction, it is a part of living history and a visit here stays long in the memory.
4. The perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pagoda is a dramatic temple complex believed to have been first built in the 15th century. This series of Buddhist temples are built into a mountain range in a maze of alleyways carved into the rock with rich forests and flowing streams all around. Located around 60km south of Hanoi in the Son Mountains the journey will bring the unforgettable experience
5. Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngọc Sơn temple
Hoan Kiem Lake (Turtle Lake) is a central feature of Hanoi and is a popular hangout spot throughout the day with locals and tourists. Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island in the centre of the lake and linked by a bridge, makes a beautiful background for a few photos. Around sunrise and sunset, this area becomes especially busy with joggers, couples enjoying the relaxing views across the lake, and the elderly practising Tai Chi and line dancing.
6. Dong xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is the largest of its kind in Hanoi. Housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building, this sprawling complex offers an extensive collection of fashion, apparel and souvenirs at some of the best prices in the city. Even if you’re not interested in printed T-shirts or cheap sunglasses, it is still fascinating to see the comings and goings of the local traders, and there is a wet market on the ground floor where the sights and smells of exotic produce assault the senses.
7. Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is a fascinating area of the city where visitors can enjoy many fine examples of colonial architecture packed along narrow streets. Endless packs of scooters, motorbikes, bicycles and cars weave around traders selling fruit and souvenirs and narrow shop houses sell delicious Vietnamese food for pennies. The Old Quarter brings to life what many people imagine Hanoi to be, and exploring this area on foot is highly recommended for all visitors to Vietnam’s capital city.
8. Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park, 58 kilometers west of Hanoi is a nature reserve of stunning beauty located around two hours (48km) from downtown Hanoi. Famous for its three-peaked mountain that juts steeply up into the sky and is often topped by cloud, Ba Vi National Park has dramatic scenery and a diverse range of jungle plants and animals. At the summit of the tallest mountain is an 11th century temple offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside and on the forest floor are natural hot springs.
9. Hanoi Opera house
Hanoi Opera House, set in the heart of the French Quarter, is arguably one of the most elegant buildings in all of Hanoi. Built in 1911 and modelled after the Paris Opera House, this historical landmark exudes Parisian charm from its ivory-toned columns, ornate balustrades and Gothic domes. At there, visitors can enjoy classical performances ranging from Vietnamese opera and dance performances to sketches and music concerts by world-renowned artists
10. Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a charming temple complex in the centre of Hanoi that was originally built to be a centre of learning dedicated to the Chinese sage and scholar Confucius. Over the proceeding 1000 years many more buildings have been added and beautified o that now this large area is filled with ornate pavilions, shrines, and a rich garden. It has become a rite of passage for graduating doctors to visit The Temple of Literature and the whole place is steeped in Vietnamese history
Source: Vietnam travel guide
