Hanoi Travel Guide for Indian Tourists
Discover Hanoi
Hanoi is one of the world's great ancient capitals — a city that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years and wears its history with quiet pride. Unlike Ho Chi Minh City 's frenetic energy, Hanoi moves at a more contemplative pace — tree-lined boulevards, ancient pagodas, French colonial architecture and the extraordinary 36 Streets Old Quarter where each street historically sold just one type of product.
Most Indian travelers use Hanoi as their gateway to Ha Long Bay (3.5 hours away) and spend 1-2 days exploring the city itself. Those who stay longer consistently say they wish they had more time — Hanoi reveals itself slowly, neighborhood by neighborhood.
- Location Northern Vietnam — Capital City
- From India 5 hours direct flight
- Best Season October to April
- Ha Long Bay 3.5 hours by road
- Currency Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Indian Food Several options near Hoan Kiem Lake
Top Attractions in Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter
36 Streets, 1,000 Years of Commerce
The Old Quarter is the beating heart of Hanoi — 36 streets each historically specializing in one trade: silk, paper, tin, bamboo, herbal medicine. Today it is a fascinating mix of traditional commerce, street food and colonial architecture compressed into narrow lanes that have changed little in centuries.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
The Sacred Heart of Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) sits at the center of Hanoi and has been sacred to the city for centuries. The lake is beautiful at any time of day but especially magical at night when the red Huc Bridge and island temple are illuminated reflecting in the still water.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Vietnam's Most Visited Historical Site
The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh — the founding father of modern Vietnam — is the most visited historical site in the country. The experience is solemn, moving and unlike anything in India. Visitors file past the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh in silence.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's First University - 1070 AD
Vietnam's first national university, built in 1070 AD to educate sons of mandarins and aristocracy. Beautiful Confucian temple complex with courtyards, pavilions and famous stone turtle steles.
One Pillar Pagoda
Vietnam's Most Unique Temple Architecture
One Pillar Pagoda is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples — built on a single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. Originally constructed in 1049 AD by Emperor Ly Thai Tong.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology & Hoa Lo Prison
Cultural Heritage & War History
Two contrasting museums: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases 54 ethnic groups with traditional houses and artifacts. Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) is where French colonizers and later North Vietnam held prisoners including American POWs.
Water Puppet Show
Vietnam's Ancient Art Form
Water puppetry is a uniquely Vietnamese art form dating back 1,000 years to rice paddy fields of Red River Delta. Wooden puppets perform on water accompanied by traditional music and singing.
Hanoi Quick Facts
Essential information for planning your Hanoi trip
Food Guide for Indian Travelers
Vietnamese vegetarian food + Indian restaurant options
Must-Try Vietnamese Vegetarian Dishes
Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho)
40,000–60,000 VND (~₹145–215)
Rice noodle soup with vegetable broth, tofu, mushrooms. Order at Buddhist restaurants to ensure no fish sauce.
Banh Mi Chay (Veg Sandwich)
20,000–35,000 VND (~₹72–125)
Baguette with tofu, pickled vegetables, herbs, chili. Ask for no pâté. Street carts everywhere.
Bun Chay (Veg Vermicelli Bowl)
45,000–70,000 VND (~₹160–250)
Room-temp noodles, lettuce, herbs, fried tofu, peanuts. Request soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Goi Cuon Chay (Fresh Spring Rolls)
30,000–50,000 VND/2 pieces
Rice paper, vermicelli, lettuce, tofu, herbs. Hoisin-peanut dipping sauce usually vegetarian.
Banh Xeo Chay (Veg Pancake)
50,000–80,000 VND
Crispy rice flour pancake, bean sprouts, mushrooms, tofu. Wrap in lettuce leaves.
Com Chay (Vegetarian Rice Meal)
40,000–70,000 VND
Rice with 2–4 vegetable/tofu sides. Buddhist buffets offer unlimited versions for ~140,000 VND.
Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)
30,000–45,000 VND
Strong Vietnamese coffee with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk foam. Unique Hanoi specialty.
Che (Sweet Soup Dessert)
20,000–40,000 VND
Coconut milk-based with beans, jellies, fruits. Served warm or cold. Almost always vegetarian.
Top Vegetarian Restaurants
| Restaurant | Type | Price Range | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huong Thien Buffet | Buddhist buffet | ₹500/person | 261 Xa Dan St (100+ dishes) |
| Veggie Castle | Buddhist quick service | ₹145–290 | 7 Yen Ninh St (near Mausoleum) |
| Jalus Vegan Kitchen | Modern vegan | ₹215–430 | 45 Hang Buom, Old Quarter |
| Uu Dam Chay | Upscale Vietnamese | ₹360–720 | 35 Hang Bong (French house setting) |
Indian Restaurants
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namaste Hanoi | North & South Indian | ₹540–900 | Pure veg options, Jain meals on request |
| Dalcheeni | Upscale Indian | ₹900–1,440 | Best quality, West Lake area |
| Tadka | Casual North Indian | ₹430–720 | Budget-friendly, good portions |
| Foodshop 45 | South Indian | ₹290–540 | Dosa, idli, sambar. Closed Mondays |
Important Notes:
- Fish sauce alert: Most Vietnamese food contains fish sauce. Say "Không nước mắm" (no fish sauce) at Buddhist restaurants
- Jain food: No dedicated Jain restaurants. Call Indian places ahead or visit Buddhist spots that avoid onion/garlic (ask: "Khong hanh, khong toi?")
- Safe phrases: "Tôi ăn chay" (I'm vegetarian) | "Không thịt, không cá" (No meat, no fish)
- Street food: Avoid unless from designated "Chay" (vegetarian) vendors—cross-contamination common
Old Quarter vs West Lake: Where to Stay?
Choose your base depending on travel style and preferences
| Feature | Old Quarter | West Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | First-timers, backpackers, street food lovers | Couples, families, expats, relaxation seekers |
| Atmosphere | Chaotic, noisy, bustling 24/7, authentic | Quiet, spacious, residential, peaceful |
| Location | City center, walking distance to major sights | 4–6 km from center, requires taxi/Grab |
| Accommodation | Budget hostels to mid-range hotels, ₹800–3,500/night | Boutique hotels to luxury resorts, ₹2,500–15,000/night |
| Food Scene | Street food paradise, local eateries, cheap eats | Upscale restaurants, international cuisine, brunch cafes |
| Transport | Walk everywhere, weekend pedestrian streets | Need Grab/taxi for sightseeing, good for cycling |
| Nightlife | Ta Hien beer street, night markets, backpacker bars | Rooftop bars, lakeside cafes, quieter evenings |
Choose Old Quarter If:
- First time in Hanoi and want to be in the action
- Traveling on a budget (₹1,500–3,000/day)
- Want authentic street food and local experiences
- Plan to explore on foot without taxis
- Don't mind noise and motorbike traffic
- Enjoy social atmosphere and meeting travelers
Choose West Lake If:
- Want peace and quiet after sightseeing
- Traveling with family or as a couple
- Budget allows mid-range to luxury (₹4,000+/day)
- Prefer international restaurants and cafes
- Like morning runs/cycling around the lake
- Need hotel pools and spa facilities
3-Day Hanoi Itinerary
Efficient route covering major sights without rushing
Old Quarter & French Quarter
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (6:00 AM if you want to see tai chi)
- Breakfast: Pho or banh mi from street vendors (30,000–50,000 VND)
- Visit Ngoc Son Temple (30,000 VND, 30 minutes)
- Wander Old Quarter streets—Hang Ma, Hang Gai, Dong Xuan Market
- Egg coffee at Giang Cafe (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street)
- Lunch at Buddhist vegetarian restaurant or Indian spot (60,000–150,000 VND)
- Visit Hoa Lo Prison (30,000 VND, 1 hour) OR Temple of Literature (30,000 VND, 1.5 hours)
- Explore French Quarter: Opera House, St. Joseph's Cathedral
- Coffee break at cafe with cathedral view
- Water Puppet Show (100,000–200,000 VND, 7 PM or 8 PM show)
- Dinner: Bun cha or street food tour
- Ta Hien beer street experience OR weekend night market (Fri–Sun)
Cultural Sites & Train Street
- Full day tour (8 AM–8 PM, $40–60 USD)
- Includes: cruise, kayaking, Sung Sot Cave, lunch, hotel pickup
- Book through hotel or GetYourGuide
- Full day tour (7 AM–7 PM, $45–55 USD)
- Includes: Trang An boat ride, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu, lunch, transport
- More relaxed than Halong, better for families
- Morning: Explore Hang Gai (silk street) and Hang Bac (silver jewelry)
- Visit Hom Market for fabrics (good for Indian sari materials)
- Lunch at upscale Vietnamese vegetarian (Uu Dam Chay or The Veg)
- Afternoon: Spa treatment or cooking class
- Late afternoon: Long Bien Bridge photography or West Lake sunset
- Farewell dinner at Dalcheeni (Indian) or local favorite
Day Trip OR Shopping & Leisure
- Early start: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (arrive 7:30 AM, free, viewing 8–11 AM)
- Walk through complex: stilt house (40,000 VND), One Pillar Pagoda, Presidential Palace grounds
- Nearby: Temple of Literature if skipped Day 1 (30,000 VND, 1.5 hours)
- Lunch at Veggie Castle (Ba Dinh area, 50,000–80,000 VND)
- Option A: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (40,000 VND, 2–3 hours, Grab 60,000–80,000 VND)
- Option B: West Lake cycle loop (bike rental 50,000–100,000 VND, 2–3 hours) + Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Return to Old Quarter
- Train Street visit (check train schedule ~7 PM or 8:30 PM, free with drink purchase)
- Dinner: Indian restaurant if craving home food (150,000–250,000 VND) or Vietnamese vegetarian
- Rooftop bar drinks OR foot massage (100,000–200,000 VND/hour)
Getting Around Hanoi
Airport to City Center
| Method | Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 86 | 35,000 VND (~₹125) | 60–90 min | Budget travelers, daytime arrivals |
| Grab Car | 250,000–350,000 VND (~₹900–1,260) | 45–60 min | Families, late arrivals, convenience |
| Airport Taxi | 350,000–450,000 VND (~₹1,260–1,620) | 45–60 min | Pre-booked, no app needed |
| Private Transfer | $15–25 USD (pre-booked) | 45 min | Groups, hotel arranged |
Bus 86 Details:
Departs every 20–30 minutes (5:30 AM–11:00 PM). Stops: Kim Ma, Daewoo Hotel, Hoan Kiem Lake area. Buy ticket from conductor. Luggage space limited during peak hours.
Within Hanoi
| Method | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Free | Old Quarter fully walkable. Hoan Kiem to Temple of Literature: 40 min walk |
| Grab Bike | 15,000–40,000 VND | Cheapest. Motorbike taxi via app. Helmets provided. Traffic is chaotic but safe |
| Grab Car | 30,000–80,000 VND | Recommended for families, longer distances, comfort. English interface |
| Traditional Taxi | Similar to Grab | Use Mai Linh or Taxi Group only. Others run meters fast. Grab is safer |
| Bicycle Rental | 50,000–100,000 VND/day | Good for West Lake loop. Chaotic for Old Quarter. Hotels arrange rentals |
Grab App Setup:
Download before arriving. Works with international phone numbers. Add credit card or pay cash. Essential app for Vietnam. Alternative: Be app (local competitor, same pricing).
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Old Quarter
Best for first-timers, backpackers, walking to attractions, street food access
Budget: Hanoi Backpackers Hostel
₹600–1,200/night (dorms and privates)
Social atmosphere, rooftop bar, free breakfast, excellent location. Can be noisy.
Mid-Range: Essence Hanoi Hotel
₹2,000–3,500/night
Ma May Street, boutique style, rooftop restaurant, family rooms available, helpful staff.
Luxury: Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi
₹7,000–12,000/night
French colonial building near Opera House, spa, fine dining, quieter edge of Old Quarter.
West Lake
Best for couples, families, peace and quiet, lakeside activities, expat restaurants
Mid-Range: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa
₹2,500–4,500/night
Near West Lake, rooftop pool, spa, free minibar, Indian-friendly breakfast options.
Luxury: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
₹12,000–25,000/night
Overwater villas on West Lake, infinity pool, Sunset Bar, family-friendly, stunning views.
Luxury: Pan Pacific Hanoi
₹8,000–15,000/night
Lakeside, multiple pools, kids club, spa, Western and Asian restaurants, spacious rooms.
French Quarter
Best for those wanting central location but quieter than Old Quarter, colonial charm
Mid-Range: La Siesta Premium Hang Be
₹2,800–4,000/night
Walking distance to Hoan Kiem, free minibar, rooftop bar, excellent service.
Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole
₹15,000–35,000/night
Iconic 1901 hotel, where Graham Greene stayed. Pool, spa, Le Club Bar, historic wing vs modern wing.
Booking Tips:
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for best rates (October–April peak season)
- Request upper floors in Old Quarter (less street noise)
- Check if breakfast included—saves ₹200–400/person daily
- Many hotels offer free airport pickup if booking direct (3+ nights)
- Family rooms usually cheaper than two separate rooms
Flights from India to Hanoi
Direct and connecting flight options from major Indian cities
💡 Tip: Kolkata has shortest travel time — often cheapest from east India
Flight Booking Tips
- ✓ Book 2-3 months in advance for direct flights (₹13,000-18,000 from Delhi)
- ✓ Cheapest months: May-June and September (monsoon season in Vietnam)
- ✓ Expensive months: December-February (peak season) + Tet holiday (Jan-Feb)
- ✓ Direct vs Connecting: Direct flights save 3-5 hours, worth paying extra ₹2,000-5,000
- ✓ Compare on: Skyscanner, Google Flights, MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip
- ✓ Tuesday/Wednesday departures often ₹2,000-4,000 cheaper than weekends
Pro Tip: Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet offer direct Delhi-Hanoi flights. IndiGo recently started direct service. Book directly on airline websites for best cancellation policies.