Hoan Kiem Lake
AttractionThe tranquil lake at the heart of Hanoi, ringed by a walking path and a small island temple reached by a red bridge. Free to enjoy, and best early morning or in the evening when locals gather.
Gratuit 1 h
Adam Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0 — Wikimedia Commons Guide de confiance · protégé contre les arnaque
Hanoi
Vietnam's thousand-year capital of lakes and lantern-lit lanes
Confiance 86%
Vérifié 4 août 2026 · 2 sources · confiance 86%
Aperçu
Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and its historic and cultural heart in the north of the country. Its centre wraps around Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm green space ringed by the tangled streets of the Old Quarter, where narrow shophouses, street-food stalls and motorbikes fill the air with noise and the smell of grilling meat. The city carries more than a thousand years of history, from the Temple of Literature and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel to French-era boulevards and the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Hanoi rewards slow wandering on foot with a bowl of pho at a plastic stool, a cup of the city's famous egg coffee, and an evening watching traditional water puppets. Crossing the traffic takes nerve, and a fair price often means a little friendly bargaining, but the reward is one of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric and affordable cities. It also makes the natural base for trips out to Halong Bay and the northern mountains.
Choses à faire
Les attractions et expériences qui méritent votre temps — avec des prix justes.
The Old Quarter
ExpérienceA dense grid of ancient trading streets, each historically devoted to one craft, now packed with shops, street food and cafes. Explore on foot and expect constant motorbike traffic.
Gratuit 2 h
Temple of Literature
AttractionA well-preserved eleventh-century Confucian temple and Vietnam's first university, with peaceful courtyards and stone stelae. A modest entry ticket applies.
26 316–78 947 ₫ · 1–3 $US 1,3 h
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
AttractionThe imposing memorial where Vietnam's founding leader lies in state, set in a large ceremonial square. Entry is free but has strict dress rules, limited morning hours and seasonal closures.
Gratuit 1,5 h
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
AttractionA UNESCO-listed complex of gates, ruins and excavations from Hanoi's imperial past. A modest ticket applies, and it is quieter than the Old Quarter.
26 316–78 947 ₫ · 1–3 $US 1,5 h
Water puppet show
ExpérienceA traditional northern Vietnamese art form where wooden puppets perform on a water stage with live music. A ticketed evening show near Hoan Kiem Lake; book ahead in high season.
105 263–236 842 ₫ · 4–9 $US 1 h
Train Street
ExpérienceA narrow residential lane where a working train passes just inches from cafe tables. Access depends on safety rules and can be restricted; visit only when officially open and always follow staff instructions.
0–78 947 ₫ · 0–3 $US 45 min
Prix justes et bouclier anti-arnaque
Ce que paient les locaux — vérifiez une offre avant de payer en espèces.
Noi Bai airport taxi to the Old Quarter
par trajet
315 789–526 316 ₫ · 12–20 $US
Use only a reputable metered company or a ride-hailing app, and agree on the meter or app price. The airport is about 45 minutes out, so a flat quote far above this range is a red flag.
Public airport bus
par personne
26 316–52 632 ₫ · 1–2 $US
The official city bus to the centre is very cheap and comfortable. Confirm the route number and that it stops near your hotel before boarding.
Ride-hailing motorbike trip
par trajet
15 789–52 632 ₫ · 1–2 $US
App-based motorbike rides are cheap and beat the traffic. The app fixes the price in advance, so you avoid haggling and meter tricks.
Bowl of pho
per bowl
39 474–105 263 ₫ · 2–4 $US
A bowl at a busy local spot is a fraction of hotel-restaurant prices. Look for stalls full of Vietnamese diners for the best value and freshness.
Egg coffee
per cup
26 316–78 947 ₫ · 1–3 $US
Hanoi's signature egg coffee is cheap at neighbourhood cafes. Prices rise sharply at tourist-facing terraces overlooking the lake.
Bottled water
par bouteille
7 895–26 316 ₫ · 0–1 $US
Buy from convenience stores or small shops rather than in-room minibars. Check the seal is intact before drinking.
Mid-range restaurant meal
par personne
131 579–394 737 ₫ · 5–15 $US
Eat one street back from the busiest tourist corners for better prices. Confirm prices on the menu and check the bill against what you ordered.
Vérifier le prix — Noi Bai airport taxi to the Old Quarter
Arnaques courantes
Rigged meters and fake ride-hailing cars
ÉlevéeComment ça fonctionne: Some taxis use a meter that runs fast or take long detours, and unofficial drivers wait at the airport claiming to be your booked ride-hailing car, then charge far more.
Comment l'éviter: Book through a trusted app and match the car plate and driver name before getting in. In a street taxi use only well-known companies, watch the meter, and start a route on your phone.
Shoe-shine and fruit-seller overcharge
MoyenComment ça fonctionne: A shoe shiner grabs your shoe or 'fixes' it unasked and then demands a high fee, or a street vendor lets you hold their carrying pole and photograph fruit, then charges a large sum for a small bag.
Comment l'éviter: Politely decline unrequested services and do not hand over your shoe or pose with a vendor's goods. If you want fruit, agree the price and see it weighed first.
Cyclo ride overcharge
MoyenComment ça fonctionne: A cyclo (pedal trishaw) driver quotes a low price, then claims it was per person, per minute or in a different currency at the end, sometimes with the help of others.
Comment l'éviter: Agree a clear total price and route in writing or on a calculator before you sit down, carry small notes, and pay only the agreed amount calmly.
Padded restaurant and bar bills
MoyenComment ça fonctionne: Some venues add dishes you did not order, charge for 'free' snacks or wet towels placed on the table, or inflate the total, especially for groups after drinks.
Comment l'éviter: Check prices before ordering, refuse extras you did not ask for, and go through the itemised bill before paying. Choose places that print clear prices.
Comment s'y rendre et se déplacer
Les vrais tarifs, pas les prix touristiques.
Comment y aller
Airport taxi 45 min315 789–526 316 ₫ · 12–20 $US
Noi Bai Airport is around 45 minutes from the centre. Use a reputable metered firm or a ride-hailing app and avoid drivers who tout for business inside the terminal.
Airport bus (route 86) 1 h26 316–52 632 ₫ · 1–2 $US
A cheap, comfortable public bus links the airport with the Old Quarter and railway station. The slowest option but excellent value if you travel light.
Ride-hailing car 45 min263 158–421 053 ₫ · 10–16 $US
App-based cars give an upfront fixed price from the airport and around the city, removing haggling. Match the plate and driver before boarding.
Comment se déplacer
Ride-hailing motorbike15 789–52 632 ₫ · 1–2 $US
A fast, very cheap way to cut through Hanoi's traffic for solo travellers. The app sets the fare and a helmet is provided.
Walking the Old Quarter
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. Cross roads slowly and steadily so motorbikes can flow around you, and watch the uneven pavements.
City taxi26 316–131 579 ₫ · 1–5 $US
Metered taxis are handy for longer hops or in the rain. Stick to well-known companies, insist on the meter, and keep small notes for change.
Meilleure période pour visiter
mars–avril et octobre–décembre
Autumn (October to December) and spring (March to April) bring the most pleasant weather, with mild, drier days ideal for walking. Summer is hot, very humid and prone to heavy rain, while winter can be cool and grey, especially in the north.
Sécurité
PrudenceCrossing the street means walking slowly and predictably into constant motorbike traffic so riders can steer around you. Do not stop suddenly or dart back, and use pedestrian signals where they exist.
PrudenceBag-snatching and pickpocketing happen in busy markets, around the lake and on packed streets. Keep phones and bags secure and away from the road side, where passing motorbikes can grab them.
PrudenceStreet food is a highlight but choose busy stalls with high turnover. Drink sealed bottled water rather than tap water, and be cautious with ice and raw items if your stomach is sensitive.
Joyaux cachés
Sip egg coffee at a tucked-away upstairs cafe in the Old Quarter for the classic Hanoi experience away from the lakefront prices.
Wander the Old Quarter at dawn when the streets are quiet, vendors set up and the city is at its most photogenic.
Use Hanoi as a base and book ahead for a trip out to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh for dramatic limestone scenery.
Questions fréquemment posées
How many days should I spend in Hanoi?
Two to three days covers the Old Quarter, the lake, the main temples and a water puppet show, and gives you time for a day trip to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh.
Is it safe to eat street food in Hanoi?
Yes, and it is one of the best parts of a visit. Choose busy stalls with lots of local customers, eat food cooked fresh in front of you, and drink sealed bottled water.
How do I cross the busy roads safely?
Walk out at a slow, steady pace and keep moving predictably so motorbikes can flow around you. Avoid sudden stops or running, and follow the lead of locals nearby.
Do I need to bargain in Hanoi?
Yes at markets and with cyclos and unmetered rides, where the first price is often high. Agree the total before you commit. Restaurants with printed prices and ride-hailing apps are fixed.
What is the cheapest way from Noi Bai Airport to the centre?
The public airport bus is the cheapest, a ride-hailing car is a comfortable middle option with a fixed price, and a reputable metered taxi is the fastest. Avoid unofficial touts in the terminal.
Arnaques à Hanoi — lisez avant d'arriver
Le juste prix et la protection anti-arnaque pour chaque service.
Mis à jour · de 2 sources vérifiées · les chiffres sont vérifiés automatiquement avant publication.