Hanoi: 7 Questions Before Visiting Vietnam's Capital
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is a must-see when visiting the nation, particularly if you are coming from the North. Did you know that at the start of 2024, TripAdvisor recognized Hanoi in two categories? In addition to being voted the world’s top food destination, it came in at number four out of the top 25 places worldwide.
Immersed in the historical ambiance that has molded the country, the thousand-year-old capital provides a wide range of cultural, tourism, and culinary experiences. By presenting different facets of Hanoi from the perspective of locals, we hope to give you a better picture of the Vietnamese city and provide you with fantastic travel suggestions.
Where is Hanoi located?
Hanoi is situated in the northern part of Vietnam, along the Red River, which originates in the Yunnan Mountains of China. The city is approximately 3 hours east of Halong Bay, and the Halong Bay’s inland version is about 3.5 hours south of Hanoi. To the west and northeast, you’ll find stunning mountainous regions like Sapa, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang.
It takes about an hour by plane from Hanoi to Da Nang, the capital of Central Vietnam, and 2 hours to Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi is around a 3-hour flight from major cities in the region such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.
Quick tip:
Hanoi’s international airport is 28 km from the city center. It’s recommended to book transport in advance with your hotel, especially for night arrivals. Avoid airport taxis due to high fares. You can use Grab, Xanh SM, or Bee apps for transparent pricing. A Vietnamese SIM card, available at the airport, is needed for these apps.
How does Hanoi look?
Hanoi is an old city with a lot of history. It has been called many things over the years. It was named “Hanoi” in 1831, during the rule of King Minh Mang. The name means “city inside the river” because the city is between the Red River, the Nhue River, and the Day River.
There are important structures and buildings in the city that show how culturally valuable it is. Hanoi has always been an important city in Vietnam’s political, cultural, and economic life.
The old and the new live together in Hanoi, a city of opposites. In the Old Quarter, buildings from the colonial era and the baroque period mix in perfectly with newer buildings. The calm, historic feel of Hanoi comes from its unique mix of things, which is different from the busy feel of Ho Chi Minh City, the southern “capital.”
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