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Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam, along the banks of the Red River. As the political and cultural center of the country, Hanoi plays a key role in Vietnam’s history and identity. Unlike fast-paced megacities, Hanoi moves at a more relaxed rhythm, allowing visitors to explore at a comfortable pace.
The city is known for its tree-lined boulevards, colonial-era architecture, ancient temples, and lively local markets. Each neighborhood has its own character, from the historic Old Quarter to the quieter lakeside areas.
The Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is the heart of traditional Hanoi. With narrow streets named after ancient trade guilds, this area reflects centuries of commercial and social life. Today, it is a lively mix of street food stalls, local shops, cafés, and small hotels, making it a popular base for tourists.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is one of Hanoi’s most important cultural landmarks. Built in the 11th century, it was Vietnam’s first national university. The peaceful courtyards and traditional architecture offer insight into the country’s Confucian heritage and respect for education.
Ho Chi Minh Complex
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding complex are significant national sites. Visitors can learn about modern Vietnamese history while exploring nearby attractions such as the Presidential Palace area and museums.
Hanoi is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s top food destinations. The city’s cuisine emphasizes balance, fresh ingredients, and subtle flavors.
Some must-try dishes include:
Pho – A fragrant noodle soup that originated in northern Vietnam.
Bun Cha – Grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
Banh Mi – A Vietnamese sandwich influenced by French culinary traditions.
Egg Coffee – A unique Hanoi specialty made with egg yolk, sugar, and coffee.
Street food is an essential part of daily life, and many of the best meals are found at small, family-run stalls. For travelers, guided food tours are a great way to explore safely while learning about local culture.
Hanoi has four distinct seasons, each offering a different travel experience.
Autumn (September–November): Often considered the best time to visit, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
Spring (March–April): Pleasant weather and blooming flowers make this a popular season.
Summer (May–August): Hot and humid, with occasional heavy rain, but fewer international tourists.
Winter (December–February): Cooler temperatures, sometimes with light drizzle, giving the city a quieter atmosphere.
Accommodation options in Hanoi cater to all budgets:
Old Quarter: Ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions.
Hoan Kiem District: A balance between convenience and comfort.
West Lake Area: Known for upscale hotels, serviced apartments, and a more relaxed environment.
From boutique hotels to international brands, Hanoi offers a wide range of choices for inbound travelers.
Transportation in Hanoi is relatively affordable and accessible:
Walking: Best for exploring the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Widely available and convenient.
Cyclo Rides: A traditional option for short sightseeing routes.
Public Buses: Inexpensive and improving, though less tourist-oriented.
Hanoi is also a gateway to many famous destinations in northern Vietnam:
Ha Long Bay – Known for limestone karsts and cruises.
Ninh Binh – Often called “Ha Long Bay on land.”
Bat Trang – A nearby craft village ideal for half-day trips.
These excursions add depth to any Hanoi itinerary.
Hanoi is more than just a capital city—it is a living museum of Vietnamese culture, history, and daily life. Its blend of old and new, combined with friendly locals and rich culinary traditions, makes it an unforgettable destination for international travelers.
For inbound tourism, Hanoi offers authenticity, accessibility, and diversity in experiences. Whether visitors are interested in history, food, culture, or simply wandering through atmospheric streets, Hanoi delivers a meaningful and memorable journey.
Planning a trip to Hanoi? This city rewards curious travelers who take the time to explore beyond the surface. From ancient temples to vibrant street corners, Hanoi invites you to discover Vietnam in its most genuine form.
Please take a look at the following reviews from our customers
Vietnam | 01/14/2026
Luxury Golf Tour in Da Nang, 5days
Hi Jimy, We returned home safely today. I would like to say a special thanks to you and your team ACT TRAVEL. We really loved and satisfied with your pro services. We do love these golf courses in Da Nang. They were amazing and fantastic quality and view. We will come back here soon. I am looking foward to working together with you soon! Best regards, Mr Clarence- Travel President, Philippines
United Kingdom | 10/13/2014
RAM Holidays from UK (Impressive of Vietnam 15 days)
Mr. Jean Pie – Tour Leader said “Thank you very much for doing such an excellent job on the tour. You went above and beyond for all of us and we really appreciate all your hard work. Thank you for your calm leadership through the “HAIYAN” storm, you really help us through it. Thanks to ACT Travel, we had a wonderful time and unforgettable memory”.
Australia | 10/13/2014
Mandarin Group from Australia (Charming Vietnam 10 Days)
Mr. Navy Vang - Tour manager from Australia said: " Wow what a great vacation !. Thank you Mr Kelvin Pham so much. We are very grateful for everything you did for us and everything went very well. We’re safe and sound back home thinking about the joy we experienced. I've already decided that when I choose to travel again, I will go through your company. I also highly recommend ACT Travel Travel to any organization looking for a great agency. Kind regards
Brazil | 03/31/2014
DOMINGOS Group from Brazin (IMPRESSIVE VIETNAM 17 DAYS.)
Mr. Ricardo - Program Manager said “Dear Kelvin, Thanks you very much for your well arrangement. Thank you for the updated weather information. I have traveled a lot as a geography professor and dealt with many tour operators. You are one of the best tour operators who can take so much concern and care about customers. I must congratulate you on your good organization and care to minute points. Thanks for the mobile phone you provided to us and SIM cards you provide to all of us (29 cards, I know they are not cheap), it was an excellent convenience for us. It was a brilliant idea and we really appreciated knowing there was someone we could contact at any time should we need to. We love your welcome dinner at Binh Quoi village, where we enjoyed rich traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine with musical accompaniment provided by local folk musicians. We were very interested in the traditional Vietnamese wedding in Binh Quoi and we never forget the “Gong show” in Buon Me Thuot. Once again, thank you very much for great job”.
Australia | 10/13/2014
Orbiz Group from Australia (Discover Vietnam and Cambodia 15 Days)
Ms. Barbara Betts - Escorted guide from Australia said: " Dear Kelvin I want to take this opportunity to thanks you for providing us with superb guides in Vietnam and Cambodia. Well, Manh - tour guide in Vietnam is very professional and knowledegable and you can feel very safe in allowing him to guide your tours. The drivers you provided were also friendly, capable and they too did everything for the group to be happy Thanks you Kelvin so far for a fabulous tour.
Malaysia | 10/13/2014
Teachers Group From Malaysia ( Hanoi – Halong bay – Ninh Binh 6 Days )
Mr. Dany - Escorted guide from Malaysia said: " Hi Kelvin Pham, Thanks for arranging a great trip. I wanted to let you know how pleased we were with the itinerary and all the arrangements you organized. Everything worked extremely well and went exactly as planned. The guides were very knowledgable. My favorite site was cruising on the Halong bay. The hotels were great as they were located at the heart of city. We did enjoy eating at the local restaurants as arranged by ACT. The foods were sometimes unusual, but still tasty. I loved “Pho Hanoi“ very much and I would try to cook at my home… Thanks again
Turkey | 10/13/2014
Istmaz Group from Turkey (Saigon - Mekong Delta - Cambodia - Angkor Wat 12 Days).
Mr. Ohad - The Tour Leader said: " On behalf of the entire group, I just wanted to thank both of you for all your help and outstanding execution in making our trip memorable! The entire group could not say enough great things about how well organized & smooth everything went. I really enjoyed Vietnam & Travel. Both tour guides were terrific and Angkor Wat was just amazing! All your arrangements worked out very smoothly and I consider the pilgrimage to be a great success ".
United Kingdom | 10/13/2014
Ponila Group from UK (Higlight of Vietnam 16 Days).
Mr. Steven - Escorted guide from UK said: Our trip to Vietnam was overall a positive one. We were very happy with the level of accommodation and quality of the food at all times. We love Hanoi but Ha Long Bay is certainly one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen; the old city in Hoi An has great potential becoming a world-class tourist attraction; and citadel in Hue embodies a great deal of historic signifance, we have a lot of photos in Hue. Cruising on Mekong Delta river was so interesting and Dalat highland was very romantic. Finally, please give our thanks to the tour guides Mrs Phuong, Mr Ky and the drivers who accompanied us throughout, always accommodating to the group's requests and last minute changes in itinerary. We won't forget you!
United States | 10/13/2014
Global Alliane Group From USA (Discover Vietnam – Cambodia 10 Days)
Mr. Barrick - the Tour Leader said: " Dear ACT Team,This is to thank you, and all of those who organised and guided our visit to Vietnam & Cambodia, for a superb holiday. We had a trip of a life time. Everything we were promised happened and more. We brought back so many memories and stories. The restaurants were wonderful and the hotels were great. Mr Nguyen had such a lot of knowledge he shared with us, and had a great sense of humor. He even knew of some Cambodian slang words. The whole trip will be something we will always remember and share with our family and friends. Thanks for all your help in making it so enjoyable. We shall tell all our friends traveling to Indochina that they must use ACT Travel's services !! ".
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