Hanoi — Vietnam's chaotic, charming capital
Hanoi is the opposite of polished Singapore. Motorbike-choked streets, alleys full of street food, French colonial architecture, lakes everywhere, 1000-year history. Indian travellers love it for the cheap food, the Halong Bay gateway, and the easy visa (e-visa, 30 days). 2-3 nights here is the right amount on a Vietnam trip.
Best areas to stay
- Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem area) — medieval street grid (36 streets, each historically named after the trade practiced there — silk, paper, herbs). Walking to all major sights. Recommended: La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel, Hanoi La Siesta Diamond Hotel & Spa, Apricot Hotel (lakeside premium).
- Hoan Kiem lakeside — premium hotels overlooking the lake. Recommended: Sofitel Legend Metropole (the legendary colonial-era hotel where Graham Greene wrote The Quiet American), Apricot Hotel.
- French Quarter (Hai Ba Trung, Tran Hung Dao) — wider boulevards, French colonial mansions, embassies, premium boutique hotels. Quieter than Old Quarter.
- West Lake (Tay Ho) — expat district, large lake, quieter residential vibe, foodie spots. 15 min by taxi to centre. Best for longer stays.
Indian food in Hanoi
Growing options. Recommended: Tandoor (Hang Buom, Old Quarter, North Indian), Khazaana (Hang Be, mixed cuisine), Foodshop 45 Indian (Truc Bach Lake, casual), Namaste Hanoi (Hai Ba Trung). Pure-veg / Jain Indian is harder — most restaurants will accommodate veg requests but limited dedicated veg menus.
Getting to/from HAN airport
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 30 km north. Taxi (use Grab or Vietnam Taxi metered): VND 300,000-400,000 (₹1,000-1,400), 40 min. Airport bus 86 to Hoan Kiem: VND 45,000 (₹150), 50-60 min. Hotel shuttles bookable in advance for VND 250,000-350,000.
FAQs
- How many days in Hanoi? 2 days for the city itself, plus 1 day for Halong Bay overnight cruise (often departs from Hanoi). 2-3 nights total.
- Old Quarter or quieter neighbourhood? Old Quarter for first-time visitors — yes it's noisy and chaotic, but the atmosphere is the entire point. Quieter areas (French Quarter, West Lake) work for repeat visitors or longer stays.
- Best Hanoi 2-day itinerary? Day 1: Old Quarter walking tour + Hoan Kiem Lake + water puppet show + Bia Hoi (street beer) corner. Day 2: Temple of Literature + Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum + Train Street + cooking class.
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