Introduction
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It is located in the North of the country, it borders the course of the Red River (Sông Hồng) which flows into the Gulf of Tonkin. Its name means “the city beyond the river” which is explained by its geographical position. Hanoi is the second largest city in Vietnam, after Ho Chi Minh City. The population density is high with about 6.5 million inhabitants.
The city of Hanoi is all in contrast, on the one hand the incessant effervescence expressed by a dense and twirling traffic, on the other an apparent calm with well preserved ancestral traditions.
Hanoi is a unique city that leaves most travelers amazed and touched by their time here. It is such a wonderful mixture of smells, colors, disorderly constructions, superimposed stories that no one remains indifferent. Vietnamese people believe that Hanoi was born to represent Vietnam!
General Information Hanoi
- Area: 3328.9 km2 – Hanoi is one of the largest city in Vietnam.
- Population: 5,067,000 inhabitants (according to the recent in 2022)
- Density: 2,455 people/km² (according to the recent in 2020)
- The president of the city:
- What time is it in Hanoi, Vietnam?
Located 9210 km from Paris, there is a 6 hour time difference in winter, and 5 hours in summer compared to France
Best time to visit
- Best travel time: Fall (around September to November) and spring (March and April) are the two best seasons. Then the weather is pleasant with milder temperatures.
- Winter: During this period (December to February) it is quite cold in Hanoi when temperatures can drop below 10 degrees.
- Summer: It is very hot in Hanoi from May to August, with July as the hottest month. A lot of rain can fall.
How to go to Hanoi?
Hanoi International Airport
Behind Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi Airport is the second largest terminal in Vietnam. It is located in the district of Soc Son, 45km north of the center of Hanoi.
It offers domestic lines with all major cities of Hanoi and international flights to major Asian cities such as: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Tokyo….
From Europe, there are many connections with European cities such as Paris (several weekly flights), Amsterdam (three weekly flights), Copenhagen (every Thursday), Madrid (every Monday, Friday)…
Once at the airport, you can take a bus (40,000 DONGS, approx. 1 hour) to reach the center. The bus numbers that you should remember are 07 and 17. The 07 bus will cross from Thang Long Bridge to Cau Giay. And the 17 bus go to the Old Quarter via Chuong Duong Bridge.They run every 20 minutes between 4:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. You can also take a taxi to go to the center of the city but we wouldn’t recommend cause it’s not cheap (approx. 370,000- 470,000 DONGS about $17 – $20). The price will change depending on the 4 seaters or 7 seaters taxi.
Practical information
Recommended days to stay
If you want to experience all the best things to do in Hanoi, you need to spend 3 to 4 days. But if you don’t have much time in Vietnam, it is recommended to go for 2 full days. Do not linger for too long, because there is so much more to see and do around the city, such as stunning countryside, mountains and islands.
ATM’s & money exchange
Hanoi has many ATM’s. Currency exchange is often the cheapest in gold and jewellery stores. The rates in these stores are often surprisingly fair, without extra costs.
Local events and holidays
- Tet: Lunar New Year is the mega festival of Vietnam to celebrate with family members and to commemorate the dear deceased. The holiday lasts up to a week when many stores are closed.
- Full Moon Festival: This festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, starts on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, usually mid-September or early October. You will see things like singing and dragon dance.
- Hanoi Pride: The annual Hanoi Pride festival is a colorful week full of parties, film screenings, lectures and a bicycle rally. It is held for a week between July and September.
- Vietnam’s National Day: celebrated with a rally and fireworks in front of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. There are also boat races on Lake Hoan Kiem.
- Quang Trung Festival: Wrestling competitions, lion dances and human chess take place on the 5th day of the first lunar month.
