Hanoi

The first thing you'll notice in Hanoi isn't a sight, but a sound: the constant, symphonic hum of millions of motorbikes. It's the city's heartbeat. Prepare for a whirlwind of sensory overload—the smell of grilling pork for Bún Chả, the sight of French colonial buildings painted in faded yellows, and the challenge of simply crossing the street. The vibe is electric, a place where ancient temples sit calmly next to buzzing cafes and life spills out onto the sidewalks. It feels like a city that is constantly in motion but never in a rush.

Hanoi is one of the most compelling cities in Southeast Asia. Firstly, its food scene is legendary and unbelievably affordable, though you'll need to seek out local spots to consistently hit the lowest prices. You can eat like a king for a few dollars, sitting on a tiny plastic stool on the sidewalk, and have one of the best meals of your life. Secondly, it's a living museum. History isn't just in buildings like the Hoa Lo Prison or the Temple of Literature; it's in the old ladies selling fruit from bamboo poles and the tangle of streets in the Old Quarter, each once dedicated to a specific craft. Lastly, it's the perfect launchpad for exploring Northern Vietnam's jaw-dropping landscapes, like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. The value for money here is incredible, making it an accessible destination for almost any budget.

Hanoians are a fascinating mix of reserved and incredibly direct. You won't find the same in-your-face friendliness here that you might in other parts of Southeast Asia, but there's a warmth beneath the surface. In commercial interactions, people can be quite to the point, which might feel brisk but is really just efficient. While Vietnamese is the official language, English proficiency has significantly increased, especially among the younger generation working in cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the main tourist districts. Don't be shy to say "Xin chào" (hello) and "Cảm ơn" (thank you); a little effort goes a long way.

The food in Hanoi is a primary reason to visit. It's fresh, flavorful, and incredibly cheap if you know where to look. You absolutely must try Phở Bò (beef noodle soup), the national dish. Bún Chả, a dish of grilled pork patties and noodles served with fresh herbs and a sweet and sour dipping sauce, is often a favorite. And you can't leave without trying a Bánh Mì, a Vietnamese sandwich in a crispy baguette. For a unique drink, hunt down an Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng), which is a dense, creamy, and surprisingly delicious concoction. A fantastic street food meal will only set you back $1-4 USD.

Let's be honest, Hanoi's infrastructure can be a bit of a shock, but it's part of the experience. Internet is surprisingly good; free Wi-Fi is available in almost every cafe, restaurant, and hotel, though speeds can vary. Mobile data via an e-SIM or local SIM is cheap and reliable. Power is stable in the central districts. Public transport is rapidly evolving; from September 2025, Hanoi is launching an integrated fare system for buses and metro. The metro system (currently Line 2A Cat Linh–Ha Dong and Line 3.1 Nhon–Hanoi Station) is clean and modern but still has limited utility for tourists hitting the main sights, though Line 2 (connecting Hoan Kiem) is planned to begin construction in late 2025. Buses are extensive but can be hard to figure out. The biggest infrastructure challenge is the sidewalks—they are not for walking. They're for parking motorbikes, setting up food stalls, and placing tiny plastic stools. You'll spend most of your time walking in the street, which takes some getting used to.

You'll almost certainly be flying into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is about a 45-60 minute drive from the city center depending on traffic. A reliable method for getting into the city is using a ride-hailing app like Grab, which functions like Southeast Asia's Uber. It's cheap, and the price is fixed upfront, so there's no haggling. A car will cost around 250,000-400,000 VND. Taxis are also available, but be sure to use reputable companies like Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) and insist on using the meter to avoid scams. For the super budget-conscious, the Express Bus 86 is a fantastic option, costing around 45,000 VND and taking you directly to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

In the core tourist areas like the Old Quarter, your own two feet are your best asset. It's the best way to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden alleyways. For longer distances, Grab is the undisputed champion. A Grab Bike (you ride on the back of a scooter) is an exhilarating, cheap, and quintessentially Hanoian way to get around for short hops. Regular Grab cars are also plentiful and affordable. The public bus system is extensive and cheap, with tickets generally ranging from 3,000-10,000 VND depending on distance and payment method, but figuring out the routes can be a challenge. From September 2025, Hanoi is introducing an integrated ticketing system for buses and metro. The metro is clean and modern, but its current lines are more useful for commuters than for tourists hitting the main sights, though new lines are under construction.

Hanoi is generally a very safe city. The biggest danger, without a doubt, is the traffic. Crossing the street is an art form that requires confidence (see the how-to guide!). Violent crime is rare, but petty crime like phone and bag snatching does happen, often by thieves on motorbikes, especially in crowded tourist areas like the Old Quarter. Be extra aware when using your phone near the curb—hold it with both hands or step away from the road. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Be wary of common scams: cyclo drivers quoting a price and then demanding more at the end, or shoe-shiners who grab your shoe, do a quick polish, and then demand an exorbitant fee. Always agree on a price for any service beforehand. Due to varying air quality, it's also wise to check the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) and consider carrying a quality mask, especially on poor air days.