Quick fact
Vietnamese name: Hà Nội
Location: North Vietnam
Area: 3,359 km2
Founded: 1010
Time Zone: ICT (UTC+07:00)
Population: 8.054 million (2019)
Area code: 24
Travel to Hanoi on the Air
There are many ways to get to Vietnam while from another countries in Southeast Asia. You can arrive by train, bus or other overland transportation from Cambodia, China, and even Laos, but the easiest and the most recommended way is by plane.
In order to enter Vietnam, your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival, and depending on your nationality you will probably have to apply for a visa before you arrive.
For how to get VISA, you could see our recommendation in this link VISA
Noi Bai International Airport is located just 40 minutes from city centre. Vietnam Airlines serves as the main carrier for both international and domestic flights that link Hanoi to all main cities throughout Vietnam. Popular routes are to Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Dien Bien Phu, and Da Lat with daily flights. Air Asia, Tiger Air, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air, THAI and Singapre Airline also offers frequent flights to and from Hanoi.
From the airport, you have many options to get into the center such as the airline’s minibus, local bus, taxi or private car.
Here is some important notes that we would love to share with you before you go:
1. Hanoi's Traffic is Hectic
The traffic seemed to have no real flow. Want to cross the street? The local’s advice is to just walk at a steady even pace and don’t hesitate. Yep, that’s right, just walk out in the middle of oncoming traffic. The crazy thing is that it actually works!
2. The Fruits and Vegetables are Beautiful
Despite the street food being questionable in some places, the fresh produce in Hanoi is beautiful!
3. Avoid Tap Water
This is one of the most known rules when traveling in Southeast Asia, but I had to say it anyways!
4. Bring your cash!
On the note of currencies, it’s a way better plan to use cash as versus a credit card in Vietnam as a whole. Unfortunately, card cloning is very prevalent in the country and especially in major cities. It’s better to be safe than sorry and just use cash.
5. Street Vendors are Everywhere
Everywhere you look in Hanoi, people are selling one thing or another! They line the streets and set up shop right on the sidewalks!
Other vendors sell goods right from their bicycles!
It’s amazing to see people balancing these massive baskets piled high with fruits and veggies!
6. Dress Appropriately
Vietnamese people typically dress very conservatively. When visiting Vietnam, keep that in mind. Typically in bigger cities like Hanoi its more relaxed, but it’s still important to be respectful.
Be especially considerate when visiting temples and religious places. You should ware trousers when you visit pagodas, temples or churches.
7. Spend Time Walking Around Hanoi's Old Quarter
It’s a beautiful part of town to walk around and explore and interesting to see all the French influence. Enjoy the night life with streetfood, night market and many entertainment at weekend!
