Pip & Co Travel’s Spotlight on…Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam’s graceful, charming older sister – Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is the younger sister, energetic and full of life!
And here’s why Hanoi should be on your list to visit in 2026…
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and also the gateway to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations including Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
Hanoi also has the good fortune to have ‘kind-of’ 4 seasons…. Not quite a Melbourne-style winter, but definitely cool and comfortable, and perfect for those travellers who can’t face humidity! May to October is rainy season in Hanoi – which is a good time for seeing the city at its greenest. But November to April is probably a safe bet, just remember to pack a cardigan and long pants for those chilly days and nights!
So what are the highlights of a visit to Hanoi?
The Old Quarter
The famous 36 Streets of the Old Quarter date back over 700 years, when each street was home to a different craft guild.
While most original trades have changed, you’ll still see echoes of the past in the street names:
- Hang Ma – paper & ceremonial items
- Hang Bac – silver
- Hang Thiec – tin
- Hang Chieu – mats
Today, the Old Quarter is a maze of tiny shops, cafés, markets, and everyday chaos — and the best way to explore is simply on foot. Don’t miss Dong Xuan Market for a slice of local life.
Temple of Literature
Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this is Vietnam’s first national university. The university provided education to the royal family and children of the aristocracy or “mandarins”. The University remained here until King Gia Long moved the country’s administrative capital from Hanoi to Hue at the beginning of the 19th century. It is my favourite place to explore in Hanoi – it’s a sanctuary in the middle of the city.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Walk around the lake, watch the locals do Tai Chi and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. It’s really the centrepiece of the city.
The Bún Chả cafe made famous by Obama
Made iconic when President Obama shared a meal with Anthony Bourdain, this unassuming bún chả restaurant has become a must-stop for food lovers. Charcoal pork, fresh herbs and noodles — the perfect Hanoi lunch.
Bún chả Hương Liên
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and was embalmed by Soviet experts – visiting here isn’t for everyone, but it might be somewhere you’d like to visit for an insight into more modern Vietnamese history.
Vietnamese Museum of Ethnology
The museum showcases an extraordinary collection from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, including tribal art, artifacts and everyday objects. Spread over two floors, the exhibits are organised by geography and ethnicity, highlighting clothing, architecture and customs. The best part is the museum’s garden, where different ethnic groups have constructed traditional homes just as you’d find them in their villages.
Trying the egg coffee
A creamy, silky, meringue-like coffee created in the 1940s. It’s weird, wonderful and delicious, and a true Hanoi classic. And best hot!
Visit the so-called “Hanoi Hilton”
The infamous Hoa Lo Prison that housed POWs during the Vietnam War is now the Hoa Lo Prison museum. Used by French Colonists for political prisoners till 1954 and later by North Vietnam for American POWs, the prison complex was sarcastically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American pilots during Vietnam War (1954-1975). Famous ex-prisoners of war include Pete Peterson (the first US ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995), and US Senator John McCain.
Take a tea master workshop
Learn about Vietnamese Lotus Tea, tea ceremonies and how to drink tea!
There’s also a French Quarter in Hanoi that is worth exploring
Wide boulevards, pastel buildings, art galleries, grand hotels and the iconic Hanoi Opera House. This district is completely different in feel from the Old Quarter and beautifully photogenic.
Try the amazing street food in Hanoi
One of the best things you can do in Hanoi is eat your way through it. Join a street-food tour (or design your own) to try all the best that Hanoi has to offer! Street food tours are also great when you’re solo travel – you’ll get a fab foodie experience with a small group and not have to worry about dining out by yourself.
Visit Thanh Long Imperial Citadel
A UNESCO World Heritage site dating back over a thousand years. Hidden bunkers, ancient gates, royal foundations — a must-visit for history lovers.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
An inspiring museum dedicated to the role of women in Vietnam’s culture, history and craft traditions.
The best food to try in Hanoi!
There’s so much foodie goodness in Hanoi! Here are some of my favourites and must-trys while you are in Hanoi!
Phở bò ~ served in a bowl with a specific cut of flat rice noodles in clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Vegetarian and chicken versions available too.
Bún chả ~ grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles and herbs with a side dish of nước chấm.
Bánh mì ~ soft white baguette, filled with pork, pate, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs and chilli. So many versions available including vegetarian and vegan options!
Chả Cá ~ famous turmeric grilled fish dish, topped with fresh herbs and served with vermicelli noodles and nước chấm sauce.
Bánh cuốn ~ steamed rice paper rolls filled with wood ear mushrooms, ground pork, onion and garlic. Vegetarian versions available too!
Bò Lá Lốt ~ grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves
How to get to Hanoi?
From Australia, there are direct flights to Hanoi from Melbourne and Sydney with Vietnam Airlines. From other cities (if you’re flying Vietnam Airlines or Jetstar or VietJet Air) you can transfer in Ho Chi Minh City. Otherwise you can fly through almost any major city in Asia to get to Hanoi!
Where to stay in Hanoi?
There are some lovely, fancy hotels in Hanoi including the:
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Mövenpick Hanoi
Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi MGallery.
For a smaller 4 star boutique hotel, we choose The Q Hotel (pictured below)
To have your own experience of Hanoi, why not join a small group women’s trip with Pip & Co Travel.
Upcoming Trips to Hanoi
Northern and Central Vietnam explorer – April 2026
Please contact Penny if you’d to organise a custom trip for your own group or family.
