Hanoi is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating cities, where centuries-old temples, buzzing street markets, and some of Vietnam's best food come together in a way that feels both chaotic and unforgettable.
From where to stay and what to eat to getting around the city and planning day trips, this Hanoi travel guide brings together the practical tips and firsthand recommendations that helped me make the most of my time in Vietnam's capital.
Hanoi also remains one of the best-value cities in Asia for budget-conscious travelers.
Table of Contents
Where To Stay in Hanoi
The range of accommodation options in Hanoi is nearly limitless. Many people choose to stay somewhere in the Old Quarter of the city, close to many famous sites and jammed with traffic, people, and street food.
There is no shortage of hotels, guest houses, and hostels in the Old Quarter. As with much of Asia, guest houses are usually arranged in double rooms, making it most affordable to room up with a partner.
The cheapest room with two beds in Hanoi costs about $6-$10 per night. Dorm beds can be found for around $5 per night.
If you step the budget up a bit, you can find very decent rooms with air conditioning (for the summer) for around $12-$15 per night for two.
One more baby step up the budget ladder, and you're staying in near-luxury hotels for $20 per night. Check out this guide to travel costs in Vietnam for more insights.
Where To Eat in Hanoi
Those who derive infinite excitement from food (like me) will be thrilled by the variety and affordability of Hanoi street food.
Most street stall meals average 15,000-40,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND) ($1- $2) per dish, though portions aren't overly large.
If you are a big eater, you might need 2 or 3 street meals to start filling up, but that might still only cost $2-$3.
For Vietnamese sit-down restaurants (off the street side), expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $8 per person.
One night in Hanoi, I dined at one of the fancier, popular Italian restaurants in town and spent a total of 150,000 VND ($8 or so).
One of the pleasures of visiting Vietnam is enjoying its incredible coffee. A standard cup of coffee at any normal Hanoi coffee shop costs much less than $1 and is traditionally served with a pot of tea as well!
A large bottle of water costs about 10,000 VND ($0.48).
Nightlife and Bars in Hanoi
Those who enjoy beer will rejoice in Vietnam for several reasons. The price for a single bottle/can of beer is about 12,000 - 20,000 VND ($0.50 - $1)
Draft beer by the cup is super cheap - possibly 2,000 - 4,000 VND ($0.10 - $0.20) per cup.
Locals enjoy drinking on the side of the streets of Hanoi and will frequently invite you for a few drinks with them, free of charge.
Drinking at bars/clubs may cost anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 for a drink. Some clubs charge a cover on certain nights.
Getting Around Hanoi
Taxis in Hanoi are notorious for ripping customers off and making threats in an effort to get more money; everyone seems to have a story. When I was in Hanoi, I actually totally avoided taxis.
Buses are extremely affordable at 3000 VND ($0.14) per ride, and they run throughout the city.
For those who choose to join Hanoi's motorcycle madness, motorbikes can be rented for about $5 per day, and some travelers even choose to buy a motorbike in Hanoi and ride across Vietnam.
When traveling throughout Vietnam, buses usually cost about $1.50 per hour, depending on where you are headed.
Examples: 10-hour bus ride = $15. It's a popular way to travel in Vietnam. The trip from Hanoi to Hue (Central Vietnam) costs around 450,000 VND ($22).
Best Things To See in Hanoi
- Famous Water Puppet Show - 60,000 VND ($2.87)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Free
- Ho Chi Minh Museum - 15,000 VND ($0.72)
- Temple of Literature - 10,000 VND ($0.48)
- Ngoc Son Temple - 10,000 VND ($0.48)
- Museum of Fine Art - 20,000 VND ($0.96)
- Long Bien Market - Free
Side Trip to Halong Bay
It will seem like everyone in Hanoi is trying to sell you a Halong Bay tour. There are so many tour agencies, and I don't think anyone knows exactly how the complex outsourcing system really works.
It's often easiest to see what your hotel/guest house offers and pay a tiny commission for them to book it for you.
The most popular Halong Bay trip is all-inclusive for 2 days, 1 night, and usually costs around $30-$40 per person; however, there are all sorts of price ranges.
From a traveler's standpoint, spending some time in Hanoi or the rest of Vietnam is quite affordable.
After visiting a few of the attractions the city has to offer, be sure to relax and enjoy the bustle of the city by sitting on the street and sipping coffee and tea (or beer) like the locals!