Hanoi Holidays
Hanoi holidays take you to Vietnam’s capital, where you’ll find history and culture that will delight, as well as beautiful scenery around every corner. This is your time to relish the chance to observe, hear and feast on French and Chinese influences throughout Hanoi’s landscape, architecture and attractions.
Hanoi retains much of its original charm and traditions through its mix of bustling tourist hubs and peaceful escapes. Leave your Hanoi hotel behind for a day and spend time exploring architectural highlights such as the Tran Quoc Pagoda or the Temple of Literature. You can also learn more about the local folklore at the famous Thang Long Water Puppet show. For a change of pace head to Hoan Kiem Lake (the lake of the restored sword) and enjoy the views of the picturesque Jade Island, while discovering the origins of its famous 18th century temple.
Discover The History Of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
The ’36 streets’ in Hanoi’s Old Quarter were all named after the specific trades plied within them, and have evolved into a bustling mix of traditional and modern shopping opportunities. These passages blends seamlessly with historic temples such as Bach Ma, one of the architectural delights tucked away in a side street.
Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s culture, with the chance to sample dishes such as Cháo Suon Quay (rice porridge with pork and deep fried breadsticks). Alternatively, visit the cavernous Dong Xuan Marketplace on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening for the best choice of souvenirs.
Pair your city break with a coastal adventure at the French colonial port of Da Nang. Just an hour and 20 minutes away from Hanoi by plane, it’s home to the famous Dragon Bridge. Head further afield to Halong Bay and take a sea kayak expedition through the Garden Of Islands. Alternatively, take in the scenic mix of architecture in Hoi An, which boasts colourful houses and a rich history.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Experience the best beauty spots and cultural highlights on our Hanoi tours as you discover Vietnam’s beaches, forests, rice paddies and cities. Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for Hanoi holidays. With so many options for your Hanoi holiday package, we recommend you talk to one of our Destination Specialists to make the perfect tailor-made holiday just for you.
Hanoi and Hoi An Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,599 pp
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, offers a captivating mix of old and new Asia, where the medieval and modern co-exist. Make sure to visit the Temple of Literature, which once housed the country's oldest university, and the Old Quarter bursting...
Luxury holidays
Grand Tour of Indochina
Discover three countries in one holiday and venture on the Grand Tour Of Indochina. This 15 day tour is an unforgettable experience that allows you to witness the cultural sites and natural wonders of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia . Starting...
Cultural holidays
Hanoi and Da Nang Multi Centre
Guide Price £2,399 pp
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam offers a captivating mix of old and new Asia, where the medieval and modern co-exist. Make sure to visit the Temple of Literature which once housed the country's oldest university, and the Old Quarter bursting...
Multi centre holidays
A Journey Through Vietnam Tour
Guide Price £2,399 pp
Travel from north to south as you discover the unique culture and endless beauty of Vietnam Explore French and Chinese heritage, as well as cultural treasures such as Hoi An town and the Imperial Citadel of Hue. Stunning lakes can...
City holidays
Our favourite hotels
Our Hanoi hotels offer a mix of comfortable colonial style and modern luxury, with facilities to suit all travellers. Ideally located, you’ll never be far from the city’s architectural highlights. Browse our favourite places to stay in Hanoi - we are here to help you find the perfect accommodation.
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We recommend a 3 night stay in Hanoi to give you enough time to explore the cities attractions and become familiar with the day to day life of the Vietnamese people. With so many landmarks, temples and points of interest you will not be stuck for things to do in this city which is over one thousand years old.
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![Morning Tai Chi]( "Morning Tai Chi")
Tai Chi
Before the majority of the city wakes up and the day to day noise starts, there are many Tai Chi Classes taking place in communal areas of Hanoi such as parks and beside the many lakes dotted around the city. Classes start around 05:00 hrs for an hour, everyone is welcome from beginners to pro's and its a great opportunity to some time out and embrace the meditation and relaxation this activity provides.
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![Hanoi]( "Hanoi")
Visit the Old Quarter
Located near Hoan Kiem District you will find the Old Quarter of the city of Hanoi, packed with charming colonial architecture, narrow streets and plenty of boutique shops spend an afternoon exploring this area of the city. Join our two hour Cyclo tour to see the Old Quarter in style
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![Huc Bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake]( "Huc Bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake")
Hoan Kiem Lake
An iconic picture within Hanoi you maybe familiar with is the red Huc Bridge or Sun Rising Bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake, this is one of the most scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for local people and tourists alike. Translated as 'Lake of the Restored Sword', legend has it that in the mid-15th century a giant golden turtle snatched a magical sword off Emperor Ly Thai and disappeared into the depths of the lake. Close to the northern shore of the lake is Jade Island and where the Temple of the Jade Mountain can be found, Hanoi's most popular Buddhist temple.
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![Puppets from a Water Puppet Show]( "Puppets from a Water Puppet Show")
Water Puppet Shows
Readily available around the city with many performances daily it is very easy to book yourself tickets locally. This tradition was first discovered in the 11th century, over the years it has developed and you will experience a very unique variation today. The shows can be very dramatic, the stage of the puppets is waist deep water and instruments including drums, symbols and horns accompany the performance.
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![Phio Linh Pagoda]( "Phio Linh Pagoda")
Take a city tour
Explore Hanoi's highlights on our full day city tour to visit highlights such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hanoi
For comfortable temperatures and the driest weather, autumn is the best time to visit Hanoi. The city can be hot, humid and wet in the summer months, but if you travel between February to April you can enjoy temperatures between 21 and 28 ̊C and much lower rainfall levels. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Hanoi in springtime.
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Barbara
Destination Specialist
“Immerse yourself in the Hanoi exercise culture and take part in early morning or evening Tai Chi. Enjoy the cooler air in scenic parks as you join the locals in practising this ancient Chinese martial art.”
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Harriet
Destination Specialist
“Discover the more unusual side of Vietnamese street food and sample delicacies such as foetus eggs and live crickets. Wander the backstreets of Hanoi to find the best street food, and discover how the more unusual treats became part of mainstream culture.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Hanoi holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Perfume Pagoda Festival
Held between January and April, Perfume Pagoda Festival is a religious event that attracts pilgrims from across Vietnam and beyond. Join locals at this spiritual site of shrines and temples and make the walk up to Thien Tru Pagoda before saying a prayer in the ancient sacred cave, Huong Tich. Make a wish for the year ahead and enjoy this unique insight into Vietnamese culture.
Local Cuisine
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your Hanoi holiday. Here are a few of our favourite foodie hotspots and dishes.
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Bun cha
Bun cha consists of delicious seasoned pork patties and marinated pork belly cooked over charcoal. It’s then served with a selection of rice noodles, herbs and a steaming broth with a fish base. Bun cha is a great choice for a lunchtime meal, which you can source from famous outlet Bun Cha Dac Kim, located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi.
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Pho
Pho should be high on your list of dishes to try - which is just as well as pho is a favourite dish in many of Hanoi’s street food stalls and restaurant menus. Traditional pho is made with beef broth and thinly sliced beef, served with beansprouts and topped with fresh herbs. Head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter to find long-running pho outlets and see what variations you can find.
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Cha Ca
So popular it has a whole street named after it, cha ca is a signature staple of Hanoi cuisine. The turmeric marinated freshwater fish is served with fresh herbs, vermicelli, green onion and peanuts, with modern variations found in contemporary restaurants across the city.
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Ca Phe Trung
A perfect way to finish off a meal, ca phe trung is a Vietnamese egg coffee, topped with sweetened whipped condensed milk, which looks just like meringue fluff. Delicious.
