Hotels in Hanoi

Hanoi: Capital on the Red River

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital since 1010 AD, sits on the western bank of the Red River, roughly 1,760 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. The city's identity is anchored in the Old Quarter — 36 medieval guild streets where silk, lacquerware, and street food have traded for centuries. The Hoan Kiem Lake sits at its centre, framed by the red-painted The Huc Bridge and the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple. Further west, the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, remains one of Southeast Asia's oldest university sites.

Where to Stay

Most visitors base themselves in the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem district) for walkable access to street food, craft shops, and night markets. Ba Dinh district, 2 km west, suits those visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the West Lake shoreline. Tay Ho (West Lake) neighbourhood attracts longer-stay guests with quieter lakeside cafés and boutique hotels along Xuan Dieu Street.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: Ride-hailing apps (Grab) cover most routes; the city's first metro line (Cat Linh–Ha Dong, opened 2021) runs 13 km southwest.
• Climate: October–April brings cooler, drier weather; July–August sees frequent afternoon rain and high humidity.
• Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 35 km north; taxi transfers average 45–60 minutes.