Hotels in Hanoi

Hanoi is a city of layers—of history, culture, and everyday life. Streets buzz with scooters and food carts, while temples, lakes, and colonial buildings offer moments of calm. Visitors are drawn here for many reasons: affordable hotels, flavorful street food, nearby nature escapes, and a compact layout that makes it easy to explore. Whether you're planning a cultural deep dive or just want to slow down and soak in the energy of the city, Hanoi makes it easy to do both.

Now, let’s look at how to get around and move between its neighborhoods with ease.

How to Get Around in Hanoi?

Hanoi’s transportation system may feel chaotic at first—but once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly flexible. The city doesn’t have a metro (yet), but with its buses, taxis, motorbikes, and rideshare options, getting from one district to another is affordable and manageable.

Airports and Key Transit Hubs in Hanoi

Hanoi is served by one main airport—Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)—located about 30 km north of the city center. It handles both international and domestic flights and is well-connected via private cars, shuttles, and taxis. For travelers seeking convenience, several hotels near Noi Bai International Airport or offering shuttle services, ensure a smooth transition to and from your flight.

Transport within Hanoi

Public Buses
The cheapest option, with fares from 7,000–10,000 VND. Routes cover most of Hanoi, but signage and schedules are mostly in Vietnamese.

Taxis
Widely available and reasonably priced. Use trusted companies like Vinasun or Taxi Group, or ask your hotel to call one. Starting fare is around 11,000 VND.

Xe Om (Motorbike Taxi)
A fast and local way to get around. Short trips start at around 10,000 VND—book using the Grab app for convenience and price transparency.

Cyclos (Pedicabs)
A traditional and slow-paced way to explore the Old Quarter—great for short scenic rides.

Private Transfers
For airport pickup or intercity travel, many travelers book private cars in advance. Reliable, comfortable, and especially useful for first-time visitors or those with luggage.

Where to Stay in Hanoi?

Hoan Kiem: The Heart of Hanoi

Centered around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, this area is bustling with energy—historic sites, boutique shops, street food stalls, and lively bars. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to be steps away from major attractions like the Old Quarter, Ngoc Son Temple, and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Best for: First-time visitors, foodies, and those who love walkable urban exploration.

Hai Ba Trung: Local Flair with Modern Energy

A blend of local markets, hip cafés, and up-and-coming restaurants, this district offers authenticity with fewer tourists. Close to the French Quarter and Truc Bach Lake.

Best for: Budget travelers, food adventurers, and those wanting a local experience.

Long Bien: Rustic Riverside & Old Hanoi Charm

A time-capsule district across the Red River, where crumbling French warehouses meet banana plantations and sunrise markets. Explore the predawn Long Bien wholesale market, cycle through farmland paths, or sip trà đá at gritty riverfront cafés with postcard views of the city.

Best for: Adventurer, photographers, and travelers seeking Hanoi’s raw, pre-tourism soul

What to Do in Hanoi?

Hanoi is a city of contrasts—temples next to trendy cafés, tranquil lakes near noisy markets. Whether you’re here for history, food, or just the feeling of the city, Hanoi offers a full range of must-see places and local experiences.

Hoan Kiem Lake: The Soul of the City

Explore narrow streets filled with vendors, scooters, and shops. Then escape to the calm of Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals do morning tai chi and couples stroll under the trees. Don’t miss Ngoc Son Temple, right in the middle of the lake.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel: A Walk Through Royal History

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former political center of Vietnam includes ancient gates, relics from different dynasties, and hidden wartime bunkers.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A Monument of Memory

A solemn and important stop, this is where the preserved body of Vietnam’s iconic leader rests. Visit early in the morning and pair it with a walk through Ba Dinh Square and the nearby Presidential Palace.

Cat Ba Island: Forests, Beaches, and Hidden Caves

For something quieter than Halong, Cat Ba offers nature trails, limestone cliffs, and the chance to kayak through tranquil coves. Reachable by bus + ferry from Hanoi.