Hanoi Travel Tips: 10 Things First-Time Visitors Need to Know

Visiting Hanoi for the first time is exciting, a little overwhelming, and absolutely worth it. Like any great destination, it helps to know a few things before you arrive. These ten tips will save you time, money, and the occasional awkward moment.

Consider this your pre-departure briefing — everything you need to hit the ground running in Hanoi, Vietnam.

1. Get Your Timing Right

The best time to visit Hanoi is October to December and March to April, when the weather is most favorable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing. Peak season runs during Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year, late January to February) — expect higher prices and bigger crowds. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather and value.

2. Know the Money Situation

The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (₫). A comfortable mid-range daily budget is around $50, while budget travelers can manage on $15 per day. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for markets, street food, and small shops.

3. Learn Basic Local Phrases

The primary language is Vietnamese. While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning a few phrases goes a long way. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is imperfect. "Hello," "thank you," and "excuse me" are the essential three.

4. Master the Transport System

Getting around Hanoi is straightforward once you understand the options:

• Grab motorbike and car service is cheap and efficient
• Public buses are very cheap but signage is in Vietnamese only
• Walking is often the best way to explore central neighborhoods like Old Quarter — labyrinthine streets named after traded goods.
• Avoid unmarked taxis — use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps.

5. Respect Local Customs

Hanoi has cultural norms that differ from what you may be used to. A few key points:

• Ask permission before photographing ethnic minority people
• Accept business cards and gifts with both hands
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas

6. Stay Safe and Aware

Hanoi is generally safe for tourists, but common-sense precautions apply everywhere:

• Watch your bags on motorbike-heavy streets — snatch theft occurs
• Traffic is the biggest hazard — always look both ways repeatedly
• Be cautious of scams at tourist-heavy areas around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Save your embassy's contact information in your phone before you arrive.

7. Pack Smart

Packing for Hanoi's Humid subtropical with hot summers, cool winters, and a drizzly spring climate requires a bit of thought:

• Bring a rain poncho for sudden downpours and motorbike rides
• Carry wet wipes — useful for street food dining without napkins
• Pack light layers for cool winter months from December to February

8. Eat Like a Local

Skip the tourist-trap restaurants near major attractions. Instead, explore neighborhoods like West Lake — serene lakeside cafes and pagodas for authentic food at local prices. Must-try dishes include Pho — aromatic beef or chicken noodle soup and Banh Mi — crusty baguette sandwich with pate and pickled vegetables — both are quintessentially Hanoi.

9. Do Not Over-Plan

One of the biggest mistakes first-timers make is cramming too many activities into each day. Hanoi rewards slow exploration. Leave room for wandering, unexpected discoveries, and the occasional lazy afternoon in a cafe.

10. Use Technology Wisely

• Download offline maps before you arrive.
• Cross busy streets confidently at a steady pace — motorbikes will weave around you
• Use TripGenie to create a flexible itinerary that adapts to your pace.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exchanging money at the airport — Rates are almost always worse. Use a local ATM or exchange office in the city.
• Only visiting the top-5 tourist sites — Hanoi's magic is in the quieter corners. Venture beyond the highlights.
• Forgetting travel insurance — Medical care abroad can be expensive. A basic policy costs less than a nice dinner.
• Over-tipping or under-tipping — Research local tipping customs before your first meal.

Pro Tips

• Grab motorbike taxis are the fastest way to get around
• The weekend night market on Hang Dao street runs Friday to Sunday evenings
• Book one "splurge experience" — whether it is a fancy dinner or a guided tour, one premium activity makes the trip feel special.
• Keep a small daily journal. You will thank yourself years from now.

You Are Ready

Hanoi is one of those places that exceeds expectations if you give it the chance. Armed with these tips, you are set for an incredible first visit.

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