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Why Hanoi?

Lakes · old streets · temples · food · bays

Dry, mild weather in the mid-20s makes November one of the best months to walk Hanoi; bring a light layer for cooler evenings later in the month.

A city of lakes

Hoan Kiem sits at the heart of the old city and West Lake opens up the north. Mornings start with tai chi, badminton and dancing on the shore.

Thirty-six old streets

The Old Quarter still keeps its guild streets: one for silk, one for tin, one for paper offerings. Narrow tube houses hide shrines and courtyards.

A thousand years as capital

The Temple of Literature, the Imperial Citadel and dozens of pagodas tell a story that starts in 1010.

French Hanoi

Wide, tree-lined boulevards, the Opera House and ochre villas south of the lake. A gift for anyone who loves architecture.

Food on every pavement

Pho for breakfast, egg coffee in the afternoon, grilled fish at dinner. Much of it is eaten on low plastic stools.

Gateway to the bays

Ha Long and Lan Ha bays, and the karst valleys of Ninh Binh, are close enough for a day out or one night away.

Good value

Hotels, taxis, meals and museum tickets cost far less than in Gulf cities or Europe.

The best season

November is dry and comfortable, with the hot summer behind and the damp, grey winter still to come.

WundrPath · City guides