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Hanoi Travel Guide for Indian Tourists

Last Updated: May 13, 2026 | 15 min read

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📍 Top Attractions ℹ️ Quick Facts 🍜 Food Guide 📅 3-Day Itinerary 🚕 Getting Around 🏨 Where to Stay ✈️ Flights from India ❓ FAQs
3.5 hrs
To Ha Long Bay
1,000+
Years Old
Oct–Apr
Best Season
36 Streets
Old Quarter
4.9★
Sky Journey Rating
About Hanoi

Discover Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the world's great ancient capitals — a city that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years and wears its history with quiet pride. Unlike Ho Chi Minh City's frenetic energy, Hanoi moves at a more contemplative pace — tree-lined boulevards, ancient pagodas, French colonial architecture and the extraordinary 36 Streets Old Quarter where each street historically sold just one type of product.

Most Indian travelers use Hanoi as their gateway to Ha Long Bay (3.5 hours away) and spend 1-2 days exploring the city itself. Those who stay longer consistently say they wish they had more time — Hanoi reveals itself slowly, neighborhood by neighborhood.

  • LocationNorthern Vietnam — Capital City
  • From India5 hours direct flight
  • Best SeasonOctober to April
  • Ha Long Bay3.5 hours by road
  • CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Indian FoodSeveral options near Hoan Kiem Lake
Best Things to Do

Top Attractions in Hanoi

01

Hanoi Old Quarter

36 Streets, 1,000 Years of Commerce

🧭 Overview

The Old Quarter is the beating heart of Hanoi — 36 streets each historically specializing in one trade: silk, paper, tin, bamboo, herbal medicine. Today it is a fascinating mix of traditional commerce, street food and colonial architecture compressed into narrow lanes that have changed little in centuries.

🌲 What to Expect
36 Streets Walking Tour
Walk through Hang Gai (silk), Hang Dao (clothing), Hang Bac (silver), Hang Ma (paper) — each street has its own character and specialty.
Street Food Exploration
Bun Cha (grilled pork noodles), Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), Banh Mi and Cha Ca (turmeric fish) are the Old Quarter specialties. Prices ₹80-200 per dish.
Night Market
Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings: Dong Xuan Night Market fills the Old Quarter streets with local vendors, street food and live music.
Bia Hoi Corner
The intersection of Ta Hien and Hang Be Streets transforms every evening into an outdoor street bar where beer costs ₹20 per glass.
02

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

The Sacred Heart of Hanoi

🧭 Overview

Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) sits at the center of Hanoi and has been sacred to the city for centuries. The lake is beautiful at any time of day but especially magical at night when the red Huc Bridge and island temple are illuminated reflecting in the still water.

🌲 What to Expect
Ngoc Son Temple
Cross the red Huc Bridge to the small island temple — one of Hanoi's most visited sites. Entry ₹150. Dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao who repelled Mongol invasions.
Morning Tai Chi
Every morning at 6:00-7:00 AM local residents practice Tai Chi around the lake — a beautiful and peaceful scene.
Evening Walk
The lakeside promenade at night is Hanoi's most pleasant walk — locals, families and couples all enjoying the cool air and beautiful lights.
Turtle Legend
The legendary Golden Turtle God is said to inhabit the lake — connected to the sword that helped found the Vietnamese nation.
03

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

📍 View on Google Maps

Vietnam's Most Visited Historical Site

🧭 Overview

The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh — the founding father of modern Vietnam — is the most visited historical site in the country. The experience is solemn, moving and unlike anything in India. Visitors file past the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh in silence.

🌲 What to Expect
Visiting Hours
Tuesday- Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, 7:00-10:30 AM. Closed Monday and Friday. Also closed September-November for annual maintenance.
Dress Code
Strictly enforced — no shorts, no sleeveless tops, no hats. Dress respectfully.
One Pillar Pagoda
Immediately adjacent — a pagoda built on a single stone pillar over a lotus pond, originally built in 1049 AD.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Next door — fascinating exhibits on Ho Chi Minh's life and Vietnam's independence movement. Entry ₹60.
04

Temple of Literature

📍 View on Google Maps

Vietnam's First University - 1070 AD

🧭 Overview

Vietnam's first national university, built in 1070 AD to educate sons of mandarins and aristocracy. Beautiful Confucian temple complex with courtyards, pavilions and famous stone turtle steles.

🌲 What to Expect
Stone Steles on Turtles
82 stone tablets mounted on turtle backs listing names of doctoral graduates from 1442-1779. UNESCO Memory of the World.
Five Courtyards
Walk through five traditional courtyards representing different stages of scholarly development.
Confucian Architecture
One of finest examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture with Chinese Confucian influences.
Practical Info
Entry ₹100. Open daily 8am-5pm. Allow 1-2 hours. Popular with Vietnamese students before exams for good luck.
05

One Pillar Pagoda

Vietnam's Most Unique Temple Architecture

🧭 Overview

One Pillar Pagoda is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples — built on a single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. Originally constructed in 1049 AD by Emperor Ly Thai Tong.

🌲 What to Expect
Unique Architecture
The pagoda sits on a single pillar in the middle of a lotus pond — one of the most photographed structures in Vietnam.
Historical Significance
Built nearly 1,000 years ago, destroyed by French in 1954, and rebuilt by Vietnamese government in same style.
Nearby Mausoleum
Located adjacent to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex — visit both in same morning.
Photography
Best photos from the pathway leading to the pagoda with lotus pond in foreground.
06

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology & Hoa Lo Prison

Cultural Heritage & War History

🧭 Overview

Two contrasting museums: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases 54 ethnic groups with traditional houses and artifacts. Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) is where French colonizers and later North Vietnam held prisoners including American POWs.

🌲 What to Expect
Ethnology Museum
Indoor and outdoor exhibits of traditional houses from all Vietnamese ethnic groups. Entry ₹150. Allow 2-3 hours.
Hoa Lo Prison
Former French colonial prison, later held American POWs during Vietnam War. Sobering historical site. Entry ₹100.
Best for History Lovers
Both museums offer deep insights into Vietnamese culture and 20th century history.
Location
Ethnology Museum: 15km from city center. Hoa Lo Prison: Near Hoan Kiem Lake in Old Quarter.
07

Water Puppet Show

Vietnam's Ancient Art Form

🧭 Overview

Water puppetry is a uniquely Vietnamese art form dating back 1,000 years to rice paddy fields of Red River Delta. Wooden puppets perform on water accompanied by traditional music and singing.

🌲 What to Expect
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Most famous venue near Hoan Kiem Lake. Shows run 50 minutes. Tickets ₹300-500. Book in advance.
Traditional Stories
Performances depict Vietnamese folklore, legends, and daily life through colorful puppet characters.
Live Music
Traditional Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the show with authentic instruments.
Evening Activity
Perfect evening activity after exploring Old Quarter. Shows at 4pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, and 8pm daily.

Hanoi Quick Facts

Essential information for planning your Hanoi trip

🌤️
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing
📅
Recommended Duration
3–4 Days
2 days for city, +1–2 for Halong Bay or Ninh Binh
✈️
Airport to City
45 min–1 hour
Bus 86: 35,000 VND | Grab: 250,000–350,000 VND
💰
Daily Budget
₹2,500–4,000
Mid-range: hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport
🍜
Vegetarian Food
Excellent
Buddhist restaurants, Indian options, vegan cafes
📱
SIM Card
150,000–300,000 VND
Airport or city, Viettel/Vinaphone, 15–30 days
🌡️
Weather
Four Seasons
Winter: 10–16°C | Summer: 30–38°C | Pack layers
🚖
Getting Around
Grab App
Cheap, safe, English interface. Walking works in Old Quarter

Food Guide for Indian Travelers

Vietnamese vegetarian food + Indian restaurant options

Must-Try Vietnamese Vegetarian Dishes

Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho)

40,000–60,000 VND (~₹145–215)

Rice noodle soup with vegetable broth, tofu, mushrooms. Order at Buddhist restaurants to ensure no fish sauce.

Banh Mi Chay (Veg Sandwich)

20,000–35,000 VND (~₹72–125)

Baguette with tofu, pickled vegetables, herbs, chili. Ask for no pâté. Street carts everywhere.

Bun Chay (Veg Vermicelli Bowl)

45,000–70,000 VND (~₹160–250)

Room-temp noodles, lettuce, herbs, fried tofu, peanuts. Request soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Goi Cuon Chay (Fresh Spring Rolls)

30,000–50,000 VND/2 pieces

Rice paper, vermicelli, lettuce, tofu, herbs. Hoisin-peanut dipping sauce usually vegetarian.

Banh Xeo Chay (Veg Pancake)

50,000–80,000 VND

Crispy rice flour pancake, bean sprouts, mushrooms, tofu. Wrap in lettuce leaves.

Com Chay (Vegetarian Rice Meal)

40,000–70,000 VND

Rice with 2–4 vegetable/tofu sides. Buddhist buffets offer unlimited versions for ~140,000 VND.

Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)

30,000–45,000 VND

Strong Vietnamese coffee with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk foam. Unique Hanoi specialty.

Che (Sweet Soup Dessert)

20,000–40,000 VND

Coconut milk-based with beans, jellies, fruits. Served warm or cold. Almost always vegetarian.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants

Restaurant Type Price Range Location
Huong Thien Buffet Buddhist buffet ₹500/person 261 Xa Dan St (100+ dishes)
Veggie Castle Buddhist quick service ₹145–290 7 Yen Ninh St (near Mausoleum)
Jalus Vegan Kitchen Modern vegan ₹215–430 45 Hang Buom, Old Quarter
Uu Dam Chay Upscale Vietnamese ₹360–720 35 Hang Bong (French house setting)

Indian Restaurants

Restaurant Specialty Price Range Notes
Namaste Hanoi North & South Indian ₹540–900 Pure veg options, Jain meals on request
Dalcheeni Upscale Indian ₹900–1,440 Best quality, West Lake area
Tadka Casual North Indian ₹430–720 Budget-friendly, good portions
Foodshop 45 South Indian ₹290–540 Dosa, idli, sambar. Closed Mondays

Important Notes:

  • Fish sauce alert: Most Vietnamese food contains fish sauce. Say "Không nước mắm" (no fish sauce) at Buddhist restaurants
  • Jain food: No dedicated Jain restaurants. Call Indian places ahead or visit Buddhist spots that avoid onion/garlic (ask: "Khong hanh, khong toi?")
  • Safe phrases: "Tôi ăn chay" (I'm vegetarian) | "Không thịt, không cá" (No meat, no fish)
  • Street food: Avoid unless from designated "Chay" (vegetarian) vendors—cross-contamination common

Old Quarter vs West Lake: Where to Stay?

Choose your base depending on travel style and preferences

Feature Old Quarter West Lake
Best For First-timers, backpackers, street food lovers Couples, families, expats, relaxation seekers
Atmosphere Chaotic, noisy, bustling 24/7, authentic Quiet, spacious, residential, peaceful
Location City center, walking distance to major sights 4–6 km from center, requires taxi/Grab
Accommodation Budget hostels to mid-range hotels, ₹800–3,500/night Boutique hotels to luxury resorts, ₹2,500–15,000/night
Food Scene Street food paradise, local eateries, cheap eats Upscale restaurants, international cuisine, brunch cafes
Transport Walk everywhere, weekend pedestrian streets Need Grab/taxi for sightseeing, good for cycling
Nightlife Ta Hien beer street, night markets, backpacker bars Rooftop bars, lakeside cafes, quieter evenings

Choose Old Quarter If:

  • First time in Hanoi and want to be in the action
  • Traveling on a budget (₹1,500–3,000/day)
  • Want authentic street food and local experiences
  • Plan to explore on foot without taxis
  • Don't mind noise and motorbike traffic
  • Enjoy social atmosphere and meeting travelers

Choose West Lake If:

  • Want peace and quiet after sightseeing
  • Traveling with family or as a couple
  • Budget allows mid-range to luxury (₹4,000+/day)
  • Prefer international restaurants and cafes
  • Like morning runs/cycling around the lake
  • Need hotel pools and spa facilities
Insider Tip: Most travelers stay in Old Quarter for 2 nights, then move to West Lake for 1 night if they want variety. French Quarter (near Opera House) is a good middle ground—central but quieter than Old Quarter.

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary

Efficient route covering major sights without rushing

01
DAY 1

Old Quarter & French Quarter

▼
Morning (7:00 AM–12:00 PM)
  • Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (6:00 AM if you want to see tai chi)
  • Breakfast: Pho or banh mi from street vendors (30,000–50,000 VND)
  • Visit Ngoc Son Temple (30,000 VND, 30 minutes)
  • Wander Old Quarter streets—Hang Ma, Hang Gai, Dong Xuan Market
  • Egg coffee at Giang Cafe (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street)
Afternoon (1:00 PM–5:00 PM)
  • Lunch at Buddhist vegetarian restaurant or Indian spot (60,000–150,000 VND)
  • Visit Hoa Lo Prison (30,000 VND, 1 hour) OR Temple of Literature (30,000 VND, 1.5 hours)
  • Explore French Quarter: Opera House, St. Joseph's Cathedral
  • Coffee break at cafe with cathedral view
Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
  • Water Puppet Show (100,000–200,000 VND, 7 PM or 8 PM show)
  • Dinner: Bun cha or street food tour
  • Ta Hien beer street experience OR weekend night market (Fri–Sun)
02
DAY 2

Cultural Sites & Train Street

▼
Option A: Halong Bay Day Cruise
  • Full day tour (8 AM–8 PM, $40–60 USD)
  • Includes: cruise, kayaking, Sung Sot Cave, lunch, hotel pickup
  • Book through hotel or GetYourGuide
Option B: Ninh Binh Day Trip
  • Full day tour (7 AM–7 PM, $45–55 USD)
  • Includes: Trang An boat ride, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu, lunch, transport
  • More relaxed than Halong, better for families
Option C: Shopping & Relaxation in Hanoi
  • Morning: Explore Hang Gai (silk street) and Hang Bac (silver jewelry)
  • Visit Hom Market for fabrics (good for Indian sari materials)
  • Lunch at upscale Vietnamese vegetarian (Uu Dam Chay or The Veg)
  • Afternoon: Spa treatment or cooking class
  • Late afternoon: Long Bien Bridge photography or West Lake sunset
  • Farewell dinner at Dalcheeni (Indian) or local favorite
03
DAY 3

Day Trip OR Shopping & Leisure

▼
Morning (7:30 AM–12:00 PM)
  • Early start: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (arrive 7:30 AM, free, viewing 8–11 AM)
  • Walk through complex: stilt house (40,000 VND), One Pillar Pagoda, Presidential Palace grounds
  • Nearby: Temple of Literature if skipped Day 1 (30,000 VND, 1.5 hours)
  • Lunch at Veggie Castle (Ba Dinh area, 50,000–80,000 VND)
Afternoon (1:30 PM–6:00 PM)
  • Option A: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (40,000 VND, 2–3 hours, Grab 60,000–80,000 VND)
  • Option B: West Lake cycle loop (bike rental 50,000–100,000 VND, 2–3 hours) + Tran Quoc Pagoda
  • Return to Old Quarter
Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
  • Train Street visit (check train schedule ~7 PM or 8:30 PM, free with drink purchase)
  • Dinner: Indian restaurant if craving home food (150,000–250,000 VND) or Vietnamese vegetarian
  • Rooftop bar drinks OR foot massage (100,000–200,000 VND/hour)
Note: If you have 4–5 days, do Halong Bay as 2-day/1-night cruise (better experience) and add Ninh Binh as separate day trip. Skip Day 3 Option C shopping unless genuinely interested.

Getting Around Hanoi

Airport to City Center

Method Cost Duration Best For
Bus 86 35,000 VND (~₹125) 60–90 min Budget travelers, daytime arrivals
Grab Car 250,000–350,000 VND (~₹900–1,260) 45–60 min Families, late arrivals, convenience
Airport Taxi 350,000–450,000 VND (~₹1,260–1,620) 45–60 min Pre-booked, no app needed
Private Transfer $15–25 USD (pre-booked) 45 min Groups, hotel arranged

Bus 86 Details:

Departs every 20–30 minutes (5:30 AM–11:00 PM). Stops: Kim Ma, Daewoo Hotel, Hoan Kiem Lake area. Buy ticket from conductor. Luggage space limited during peak hours.

Within Hanoi

Method Cost Notes
Walking Free Old Quarter fully walkable. Hoan Kiem to Temple of Literature: 40 min walk
Grab Bike 15,000–40,000 VND Cheapest. Motorbike taxi via app. Helmets provided. Traffic is chaotic but safe
Grab Car 30,000–80,000 VND Recommended for families, longer distances, comfort. English interface
Traditional Taxi Similar to Grab Use Mai Linh or Taxi Group only. Others run meters fast. Grab is safer
Bicycle Rental 50,000–100,000 VND/day Good for West Lake loop. Chaotic for Old Quarter. Hotels arrange rentals

Grab App Setup:

Download before arriving. Works with international phone numbers. Add credit card or pay cash. Essential app for Vietnam. Alternative: Be app (local competitor, same pricing).

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Old Quarter

Best for first-timers, backpackers, walking to attractions, street food access

Budget: Hanoi Backpackers Hostel

₹600–1,200/night (dorms and privates)

Social atmosphere, rooftop bar, free breakfast, excellent location. Can be noisy.

Mid-Range: Essence Hanoi Hotel

₹2,000–3,500/night

Ma May Street, boutique style, rooftop restaurant, family rooms available, helpful staff.

Luxury: Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi

₹7,000–12,000/night

French colonial building near Opera House, spa, fine dining, quieter edge of Old Quarter.

West Lake

Best for couples, families, peace and quiet, lakeside activities, expat restaurants

Mid-Range: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

₹2,500–4,500/night

Near West Lake, rooftop pool, spa, free minibar, Indian-friendly breakfast options.

Luxury: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

₹12,000–25,000/night

Overwater villas on West Lake, infinity pool, Sunset Bar, family-friendly, stunning views.

Luxury: Pan Pacific Hanoi

₹8,000–15,000/night

Lakeside, multiple pools, kids club, spa, Western and Asian restaurants, spacious rooms.

French Quarter

Best for those wanting central location but quieter than Old Quarter, colonial charm

Mid-Range: La Siesta Premium Hang Be

₹2,800–4,000/night

Walking distance to Hoan Kiem, free minibar, rooftop bar, excellent service.

Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole

₹15,000–35,000/night

Iconic 1901 hotel, where Graham Greene stayed. Pool, spa, Le Club Bar, historic wing vs modern wing.

Booking Tips:

  • Book 2–4 weeks ahead for best rates (October–April peak season)
  • Request upper floors in Old Quarter (less street noise)
  • Check if breakfast included—saves ₹200–400/person daily
  • Many hotels offer free airport pickup if booking direct (3+ nights)
  • Family rooms usually cheaper than two separate rooms

Flights from India to Hanoi

Direct and connecting flight options from major Indian cities

🇮🇳 DELHI (DEL) → HANOI (HAN)
FLIGHT TIME
~5 hours
Non-stop direct
DIRECT AIRLINES
Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, IndiGo
CONNECTING AIRLINES
Air India, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways
PRICE (RETURN)
₹13,000 - ₹25,000
Budget season
₹30,000 - ₹55,000
Peak season
FREQUENCY
Daily flights
🇮🇳 MUMBAI (BOM) → HANOI (HAN)
FLIGHT TIME
~5 hrs 10 mins
Direct flight
8-14 hrs via connection
DIRECT AIRLINES
Vietnam Airlines
CONNECTING AIRLINES
IndiGo, Air India, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways
PRICE (RETURN)
₹18,000 - ₹30,000
Budget season
₹35,000 - ₹65,000
Peak season
COMMON LAYOVERS
Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur
🇮🇳 BANGALORE / CHENNAI / KOLKATA
OPTIONS
Connecting only
Via Bangkok, Singapore, KL
TOTAL TRAVEL TIME
8-14 hours
Depending on layover
AIRLINES
IndiGo, Air India, Vietjet, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways
PRICE (RETURN)
₹20,000 - ₹45,000
Season dependent

💡 Tip: Kolkata has shortest travel time — often cheapest from east India

Flight Booking Tips

  • ✓ Book 2-3 months in advance for direct flights (₹13,000-18,000 from Delhi)
  • ✓ Cheapest months: May-June and September (monsoon season in Vietnam)
  • ✓ Expensive months: December-February (peak season) + Tet holiday (Jan-Feb)
  • ✓ Direct vs Connecting: Direct flights save 3-5 hours, worth paying extra ₹2,000-5,000
  • ✓ Compare on: Skyscanner, Google Flights, MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip
  • ✓ Tuesday/Wednesday departures often ₹2,000-4,000 cheaper than weekends

Pro Tip: Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet offer direct Delhi-Hanoi flights. IndiGo recently started direct service. Book directly on airline websites for best cancellation policies.