←Vietnam travel guide
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi
A thousand-year-old capital where pagodas meet street food.
ArchitectureCultureFood & DrinkHistory & Heritage
Hanoi spreads around the still surface of Hoan Kiem Lake, its old quarter a dense grid of craft streets unchanged in spirit since the 15th century. Temple incense, motorbike horns, and the smell of pho from pavement kitchens fill the air at every turn.
Check Vietnam visa requirements →
Best time to visit
October to April
Region
Hanoi
Main airport
Hanoi HAN (HAN)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Hanoi
UNESCO World HeritageNature
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 1,553 km² of emerald water studded with nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands carved by millennia of erosion. Overnight cruises drift between cave-riddled cliffs, floating fishing villages, and hidden lagoons. It is consistently rated among the most spectacular seascapes in Southeast Asia.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Vietnam. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Vietnam.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Hanoi
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vietnam
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Vietnam page at Yoogo.
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND). Cash is important for most daily transactions, street food, markets, and smaller businesses. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist destinations. Cards are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping centres. Keep small denominations for everyday purchases.
Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime. Petty theft, bag snatching, and scams targeting tourists occur in busy areas such as Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 and Hanoi's Old Quarter. Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps (Grab is the most reliable). Traffic is a genuine hazard: roads are busy with motorbikes and crossing the street requires patience.
Vietnam is a long country, and domestic flights are the most time-efficient way to travel between north and south. The Reunification Express train is a scenic and comfortable option for the full length of the country. Sleeper buses cover many routes affordably. In cities, Grab (ride-hailing) is reliable and well-priced. Motorbike hire is popular but requires experience and appropriate insurance.
Vietnam's north and south have different climate patterns. Hanoi and the north are best from October to April, avoiding summer heat and rain. The central coast and Hoi An are best from February to May. Ho Chi Minh City in the south is most comfortable from November to April. In practice, Vietnam is visited year-round as different seasons suit different regions.
Vietnamese is the official language. It is a tonal language with six tones, making spoken communication challenging for newcomers. English is widely spoken in hotels, tour agencies, and tourist areas in the major cities, and among younger people. Outside tourist areas, communication can be more difficult; a translation app is helpful.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are commonly recommended. Japanese encephalitis is a consideration for travellers spending extended time in rural areas. Dengue fever is present. Consult a travel health clinic before your trip.
Tipping is not a deeply embedded local tradition but is increasingly expected in tourist settings. At upscale restaurants, 5–10% is appropriate. Tour guides and drivers typically expect tips; USD 2–5 per person per day for guides is common. Small tips at street food stalls are not expected.