# Hanoi, Vietnam travel guide

> Ancient charm meets vibrant street life in Vietnam's bustling capital.

Source: Wanderlust App — https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/hanoi-vietnam
Last updated: 2026-06-25

Wanderlust rates Hanoi, Vietnam with overall livability 3.5/5, safety 3.7/5, cost 5/5, internet 1.0526315789473684/5, leisure 3.5/5 (data updated 2026-06-25).

## Overview

Hanoi is a captivating blend of centuries-old temples, colonial architecture, and chaotic energy that defines Southeast Asia. The city's iconic Old Quarter offers narrow streets packed with street food vendors, while serene lakes and cultural landmarks provide moments of calm. With a deeply rooted heritage and rapidly evolving modern culture, Hanoi remains an affordable and immersive destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

## Wanderlust scores

- Overall livability: 3.5/5
- Safety: 3.7/5 (higher is safer)
- Cost of living: 5/5 (affordability — higher is cheaper)
- Internet: 5 Mbps median speed
- Leisure: 3.5/5
- Air quality: 2/5 (higher is cleaner)
- Wanderlust global rank: #795

## Practical information

- Country: Vietnam
- Region: Asia
- Population: 7,449,681
- Best time to visit: October to November and March to April offer pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Primary language: Vietnamese
- Time zone: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh
- Nearest airport: Noi Bai International Airport

## Estimated monthly cost (USD)

| Profile | Monthly total |
| --- | --- |
| Nomad | $1,100 |
| Expat | $850 |
| Family | $1,851 |
| Local | $416 |

## Things to do in Hanoi

- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Old Quarter
- Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

## Where to stay in Hanoi

Neighborhoods popular with visitors:

- Old Quarter
- French Quarter
- Ba Dinh
- Tay Ho
- Hoan Kiem

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hanoi safe for travelers?

Hanoi has a safety rating of 3.7 out of 5.

### What is the best time to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi is October to November and March to April offer pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall..

### What are the top things to do in Hanoi?

Top sights in Hanoi include Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Old Quarter, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

### Where should I stay in Hanoi?

Popular neighborhoods for visitors to Hanoi include Old Quarter, French Quarter, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and Hoan Kiem.

### How expensive is Hanoi?

Hanoi has an affordability score of 5 out of 5, where 5 is most affordable.

### How much does it cost to live in Hanoi per month?

Estimated monthly costs in Hanoi are about $1,100 for a digital nomad, $850 for an expat, $1,851 for a family, and $416 for a local resident (USD).

### What is the nearest airport to Hanoi?

The nearest airport to Hanoi is Noi Bai International Airport.

### What is the internet speed in Hanoi?

Hanoi has an average internet speed of 5 Mbps.

### What currency does Hanoi use?

The currency used in Hanoi is Vietnamese Dong (VND).

### What language is spoken in Hanoi?

The primary language spoken in Hanoi is Vietnamese.

### What time zone is Hanoi in?

Hanoi is in the Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh time zone.

## More from Wanderlust

- Full guide with photos, maps and reviews: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/hanoi-vietnam
- Plan a trip to Hanoi: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/create-a-journey?destination=Hanoi
- This city's data as JSON: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/api/public/v1/cities/hanoi-vietnam

Scores are Wanderlust's own, from AI-assisted research refreshed on a rolling basis.
Cite as: Wanderlust App, "Hanoi, Vietnam travel guide", https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/hanoi-vietnam