Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city where ancient traditions meet modern energy — a cultural and political heartland that encapsulates the essence of the Vietnamese spirit. With more than a thousand years of history, Hanoi blends the charm of the Old Quarter, the elegance of French colonial architecture, and the pulse of a growing metropolis into one unforgettable destination.

The city’s historic core, the Old Quarter, is a maze of narrow streets organized by trade guilds dating back to the 13th century. Today, it’s alive with scooters, street vendors, and cafes tucked into shophouses. Walking through these streets means sampling Hanoi’s vibrant street food — including the globally beloved pho, bun cha, and crispy banh mi — while soaking in the buzz of daily life.

Hanoi is also a city of lakes and leafy boulevards. Hoan Kiem Lake, at the city’s center, is surrounded by historic landmarks like Ngoc Son Temple and shaded paths that locals use for tai chi and morning walks. A short distance away, West Lake (Ho Tay) offers a tranquil escape, lined with upscale cafes, pagodas, and international cuisine.

The city’s colonial past is evident in grand buildings such as the Hanoi Opera House, the Presidential Palace, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. At the same time, Hanoi honors its revolutionary legacy through sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum.

Hanoi’s cultural depth shines in its traditional arts — from water puppetry to Ca Tru music — and its many museums, including the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Fine Arts Museum. Despite rapid development, the city has preserved its intellectual and artistic soul.

As day turns to night, Hanoi transforms. Rooftop lounges, hidden bars, and lakeside night markets offer diverse entertainment. Whether you seek history, culture, gastronomy, or simply a rich urban experience, Hanoi delivers it all with a sense of place found nowhere else in Asia.