Travel guide · Vietnam
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay: what to see and when to go
Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, a city of lakes, French colonial buildings, scooters and some of Asia's best street food. A few hours away, the thousands of limestone islands of Ha Long Bay rise from emerald water.
What to see and do in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
The Old Quarter
Streets named after old trades, pho stalls and Hanoi's famous egg coffee.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The lake at the heart of the city, pedestrianised on weekend evenings.
Temple of Literature
A Confucian temple founded in 1070, home to Vietnam's first university.
Ha Long and Lan Ha bays
An overnight cruise among thousands of limestone islands.
Ninh Binh
Rivers winding between karst peaks, known as Ha Long Bay on land.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Oct – Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 12 hr, 30 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| New York | 17 hr, 30 min | ≈ €700 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 16 hr, 15 min | ≈ €680 · See flights |
| Dubai | 7 hr, 15 min | ≈ €430 · See flights |
| Singapore | 3 hr, 30 min | ≈ €210 · See flights |
| Sydney | 10 hr, 30 min | ≈ €540 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €730 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Vietnam
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong
- Good for
- food · culture · city · nature
- How long to stay
- 4–6 days
- Where to stay
- The Old Quarter or the area around Hoan Kiem Lake.Find a place to stay in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Hanoi & Ha Long Bay, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €590 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Oct – Apr. Average highs range from 21° in January to 33° in June.
How many days do you need in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay?
4 to 6 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay cost?
Accommodation runs at around €50 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €730 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 12 hr, 30 min.
Where should you stay in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay?
The Old Quarter or the area around Hoan Kiem Lake.
