Like all other cities in Vietnam, Hanoi’s roads are ruled by motorbikes. It seems like everyone is in a hurry and they are fiercely determined to get there on time. Crossing a road in Hanoi can feel like a round of Russian roulette; however, we have some information for travellers which may be useful.

When you venture across take each step slowly and make eye contact with the oncoming drivers. The traffic is aware of you and will manoeuvre around you as long as you maintain a steady pace. Once you are on the road keep going and never turn back as this could be suicidal.

Like all cities, Hanoi has its fair share of crime; however, by exercising common sense and a dash of caution, travellers in Hanoi face little danger. There have been incidents of bags being snatched from pedestrians by motorbike thieves, so carrying your bag on your side facing away from the road is advised.

When walking around markets travellers should be aware that pickpockets are in operation. Visitors should conceal all valuables and only carry what is necessary. Keeping the bulk of your money or cheques either in a hotel safe or in a concealed pocket is the best bet.

Travellers in Hanoi should book train tickets and tours through a reputable agent, as sometimes small scale travel shops have scams in operation. Staff in legitimate hotels can usually be trusted, so if possible book tickets from your hotel’s travel agency.

Hoan Kiem Lake literally means ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’, and this stunning body of water is located in the heart of Hanoi. The lake is a focal point of the city, and one of the region’s most scenic locations.

The Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island, known as Jade Island, close to the north shore of the lake. This structure was erected in the 18th century and is in commemoration of the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao. A red painted bridge connects Jade Island to the shore.

Thap Rua is the small stupa resting on the small island in the centre of the lake. Despite being built quite recently in the late 1800s, Hanoians have utmost respect for the structure. Recent plans to paint the mossy structure were met with much disapproval from Hanoi residents.

The lake is the city’s favourite strolling ground, as well as serving as ‘lover’s lane’ after dark. Many locals use the lake area for exercise in the mornings and again just before sunset.

The lake is useful when navigating the city, as people often give directions in relation to it. The lake is also adjacent to the warren of streets housing hundreds of traditional handicraft shops, providing a peaceful sanctuary for exhausted shoppers.

Whether it’s for an afternoon stroll, an ice cream or morning aerobics, the lake is a welcome oasis in the urban jungle of Hanoi.

With travellers becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprints, large numbers of conscientious visitors to Hanoi are taking to the streets on two wheels, and we don’t mean motorbikes.

You might think cycling in Hanoi is an impossibility when you first experience the road chaos of this city of Honda Dreams as a pedestrian, but things get considerably easier once you are in the traffic flow. Hiring a bike for a day can be a great way to see the sights and save money, or rather save getting ripped off by the local cabbies, not to mention you will avoid getting pestered by cyclo drivers.

But perhaps the biggest appeal to cycling in Hanoi is the independence it gives you. You can wind your way through the different districts of the Old Quarter, with each one specialising in a different product—whether it be mobile phones, metal ware or shoes—or head to tourist-free areas left uncovered by guidebooks.

Once you travel beyond the capital you will soon miss the freedom Hanoi cycling gives you in a country that tries its best to restrict independent travel by foreigners. Orangised tours—including cycle tours—and tourist buses are hard to avoid here so those who don’t like being processed as part of a herd of camera-toting sightseers might consider hanging on to their bicycles a little longer.

Historic Hanoi

Experience one of Asia’s oldest capitals, wrapped around 1000 years of legend from the mystical Hoan Kiem Lake. Dodge swarms of motorcycles, marvel at the ancient pagodas or shop in the ancient Hang districts. Hanoi is Vietnam’s proud, living museum of a capital, draped in Communist sensibility but brimming with life.

This blog will soon become a full travel guide to Hanoi, to help you get the most out of your visit to North Vietnam. It’s written by a well travelled Southeast Asian expert and produced by guide experts, to soon include hundreds of pages and dozens of pictures of Hanoi at its best and busiest.

Use this site to plan your trip, whether you plan to cruise beautiful Halong Bay, disappear into the intriguing mountains of the Perfume Pagoda, or go trekking amoung the montagnards of the Sapa highlands. Find out what a Com Pho is, how to pronounce Ao Dai (in the North) and why Ho Chi Minh is the saviour of the city. It’s all found here.

Day trips: there’s some fantastic day trips or overnight excursions from Hanoi, such as Halong Bay and the Perfume Pagoda, but you’ll need a hire car and driver to get there (Note! rental cars in Vietnam come with drivers since tourists are not supposed to drive). You can arrange this before hand with online car hire companies.

About Hanoi
All the basic facts for tourists visiting the city plus top tips for the interpid traveller… more

What to see
All the top attractions listed in detail including tours and highlights for those short on time… more

What to do
Whether you want to shopping for gifts, indulge in some pampering, play sport or see the sights… more

Hospitality
Everything from cheap rooms in hostels to the best luxury hotels in town plus spa, restaurant and nightlife tips… more

Shopping
Whether you need to pick up a few essentials or a seeking out that perfect wedding present, we’ve got the inside scoop… more

North Vietnam
Guide to areas of the countries which are an easy leap away from Hanoi for when the city gets too much… more

Vietnamese Culture
This diverse and oft-misunderstood land is begging to be discovered by cultured visitors… more

Living here
Complete guide to everthing an expat is every going to need for long-term stays in Hanoi… more

Getting here
All your transport needs taken care of in one simple section including plane, train or taxi… more