Hà Nÿi evokes images of a stern, austere bastion of Vietnamese Communism, ravaged by war and closed to the world. Visitors to the capital, however, will be surprised to find themselves in one of Southeast Asia’s most charming cities. With its Chinese architecture, majestic French colonial buildings, and tree-lined lanes, this ancient city of lakes extends a reserved but genuine welcome. Less cosmopolitan than H· Chí Minh City, less touristy than Hÿi An, less industrial than à N{ng, Hà Nÿi is kinder and gentler than its southern rivals. The hard-core Communist era is on the wane; the almost overnight transformation of the infamous “Hà Ni Hilton” prison into the Hà Nÿi Tower Commercial Center was an omen of things to come. Hammers and sickles still adorn the cityscape, but the Œ%i møi policies are rapidly reshaping the face of the city. Construction is rampant throughout the city, as the ever-growing economy begins to sculpt the country’s capital.
Tourism has been on the rise in Hà Nÿi in recent years. The Old Quarter has stepped up as the city’s tourist enclave, with hotels geared toward foreigners, travel cafes, and Western restaurants popping up left and right. The rest of Hà Nÿi hasn’t yet caught on, but the construction of hotels along the shores of romantic West Lake and the rise of souvenir shops in the handicraft villages surrounding Hà Nÿi confirm that the city is still changing. For now, plenty of hidden gems remain, revealing a different Hà Nÿi to the curious and open-minded.
To most backpackers, Hà Nÿi is a gateway in or out of Vietnam or a haven of luxury and infrastructure on their journey through less-accommodating northern Vietnam. Either way, it would be a pity to pass through this beautiful ancient city without establishing at least a brief acquaintance with its unique ambience, turbulent history, savory cuisine, and cozy cafes.
Due to its location in the middle of the Red River delta, Hà Nÿi has always been a social and commercial center. Archaeological discoveries indicate that the area was inhabited by the end of the Paleolithic ...more
Flights into Hà Nÿi land at Nÿi Bài International Airport, 35km north of the city (about a 45min. drive). There’s a 25,000 domestic departure tax and a US$14 tax for international flights. The ...more
Hà Nÿi is divided into seven districts (quÆn): Hoàn Ki\m (the Old Quarter to the north, and the French Quarter to the south), Ba ình , Hai Bà Tr™ng to the ...more
Taxis: Everywhere in Hà Nÿi. Lines form outside the Vietnam Airlines office, the train station, and major hotels. Hanoi Taxi (☎ 853 5252) or Huong Lua Taxi (☎ 825 2525) will pick you up curbside ...more
Tourist cafes and most hotels and guesthouses organize cheap package tours, which provide a hassle-free opportunity to see Northern Vietnam. For the less adventurous and time-constrained tourist, such ...more
In contrast to the average pub-crawling backpacker, many Hanoians enjoy being early risers: the city wakes up around 5am and bustles with life soon after. Starting around 6am, masses of scooters swarm ...more
Not a morning person? Hà Nÿi park life regains some of its early-morning energy in the evenings. Lovers gather along the banks of the West River to cuddle on the seats of their motor bikes while families ...more
Because of its central location, the Old Quarter is where the great majority of tourists stay in Hà Nÿi; to be fair, there’s no real need to stay anywhere else. Long-term apartment rentals are also ...more
You can’t come to Hà Nÿi without visiting the Thng Long Water Puppet Theater, 57 inh Tiˆn Hoàng (☎ 824 9494). This ancient art form, unique to northern Vietnam, traces its origins from rice-farmer ...more
Years ago, each of the Old Quarter’s 36 streets had its own specialty trade. Today, the legacy continues on some streets, although many stores carry a larger variety of goods. Hàng D<u specializes ...more
Hà Nÿi’s bar and cafe scene is huge, but often a little dull. Some establishments cater exclusively to foreigners; others would be surprised to see a non-Vietnamese guest; most are somewhere in between ...more
The Perfume Pagoda is located 60km south of Hà Ni. The best way to see it is by organized tour. Typically, these tours include transport to Yèn V® village, a boat ride across the winding river, and ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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