7 Reasons to Visit Hanoi, Vietnam

If you only have about a week to spend in Vietnam and plan to stay in both a city and rural areas, Hanoi is a good base option.  Though it's the second largest city and the capital, Hanoi is on a slower pace compared to the biggest city Ho Chi Minh (Saigon).

1, Less Hectic, Less Crowded Airport than Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang Airports

Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi International Airport) is clean, efficient and the drive to Old Quarter is only about 40 minutes.

*Traveling to Vietnam or to other countries? Check your visa requirements here.

2, Mild Climate

Given its geography, the weather in Hanoi is cooler and more comfortable while the central and southern parts of  Vietnam is hot and humid.  During the winter months the temps can go down to the 60F in Hanoi.  It can get hot in the summer but still cooler than the most areas of Vietnam.

3, Old Quarter

Old Quarter is a unique place where the city's culture and history takes you back in time.  Some of the must-visit places are: St. Joseph's Cathedral, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison.

4, Hanoi Food

There are some must-try Hanoi dishes such as bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles in broth), Hanoi pho, grilled turmeric fish with dill and unique street foods such as snails, deep fried shrimp pancakes, banh mi and che (Vietnamese  dessert).   The food is less spicy and mildly seasoned in this part of Vietnam.

5, Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe

This is an experience you can't miss in Hanoi.  Part of what makes the egg coffee taste so good there is the atmosphere ; People from all walks in life sharing tables and having interesting conversations.

6, Travel to Sapa, Halong and Ninh Binh

Take an overnight trip to these places and/or take a Halong Bay cruise.  These beautiful rural areas are accessible in a few hours bus ride from Hanoi.

7, Friendly Locals

Walking around  Hoan Kiem Lake on Sundays, many kids approach and talk to you....they want to practice speaking English.  The locals in Hanoi and rural areas are friendly and curious.