Hà Nội is the capital of Vietnam, located in the northern center of the Red River Delta, within the latitude range of 20°34' to 21°18' North and longitude range of 105°17' to 106°02' East. Hanoi covers an area of 3,324.92 km² and has a population of 8,892,600 people (2022), making it the most populous city in Vietnam and the 25th most populous city in the world.
Geographical Location
Hanoi is situated in the center of the country and is an important transportation hub for the entire nation. The city has a border length of 151.5 km and is adjacent to eight provinces: Thai Nguyen and Vinh Phuc to the north, Ha Nam and Hoa Binh to the south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, and Hung Yen to the east, and Hoa Binh and Phu Tho to the west.
Terrain
Hanoi has a relatively diverse terrain, including plains, hills, and rivers and lakes. The plains cover three-fourths of the city's area, with an average elevation of about 50 meters. Hills are located in the west and northwest of the city, with an average elevation of about 100-150 meters. Rivers and lakes account for about one-tenth of the city's area, with the Red River, Da River, and large lakes such as West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, and others.
Climate
Hanoi has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is around 23.6°C. Summer lasts from May to August, with an average temperature of about 28°C. Winter lasts from November to February, with an average temperature of about 13°C.
History
Hanoi has a history of over 1,000 years, with many famous historical and cultural sites. In 1010, King Ly Thai To chose the site of Dai La by the To Lich River as the capital for eternity. Hanoi has witnessed the rise and fall of most of Vietnam's feudal dynasties, from the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties to the present.
Economy
Hanoi is the economic, cultural, and political center of Vietnam. The city has a diverse and developed economy, including industries such as manufacturing, trade, services, and tourism.
Culture
Hanoi is one of the major cultural centers of Vietnam. The city is home to many famous historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi is also known for its traditional folk music and performing arts, including Cheo, Tuong, and Quan Ho.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history and deep-rooted culture. The city is an ideal destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a famous artificial lake located in the heart of the city. The lake is surrounded by ancient streets and renowned historical and cultural landmarks, such as Ngoc Son Temple, Turtle Tower, and more.
Picture: Hoan Kiem Lake
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of the great leader of the Vietnamese nation. The mausoleum is a solemn and dignified architectural work, attracting a large number of visitors both domestically and internationally.
Picture: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy is Vietnam's first university. This is a famous historical and cultural complex, preserving many of the country’s significant historical and cultural values.
Picture: Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long served as the capital of Vietnam for many centuries. This renowned historical and cultural complex preserves numerous significant historical and cultural values of the country.
Picture: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Hanoi Old Quarter is an ancient neighborhood with many charming small streets, historic houses, and distinctive traditional cultural activities. The Old Quarter is a must-visit destination when traveling to Hanoi.
Picture: Hanoi Old Quarter
St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi is a famous Catholic church located in the heart of the city. The church is built in the Gothic architectural style and stands as an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
Picture: St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi
Đong Xuan Market is a large market located in the heart of the city. It offers a wide range of products, from clothing and footwear to souvenirs.
Picture: Đong Xuan Market
Long Biên Bridge is a steel bridge spanning the Red River. Built in 1898, it stands as a symbol of Hanoi.
Picture: Long Biên Bridge
One Pillar Pagoda is an ancient temple located in the heart of the city. Built on a single stone pillar, it stands as a symbol of Hanoi.
Picture: One Pillar Pagoda
West Lake is a large lake situated in the western part of the city. It is a popular spot for relaxation, sightseeing, and cycling.
Picture: West Lake
Besides the aforementioned tourist spots, Hanoi offers many other attractions such as the Bách Thảo Botanical Garden, the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Bát Tràng Pottery Village, Vạn Phúc Silk Village, Hương Pagoda, and the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.
Picture: Other Attractions
The culinary culture of Hanoi is a unique and distinctive aspect of the city. The city offers many delicious and famous dishes such as phở, bún chả, and bánh mì. Visitors can enjoy Hanoi's cuisine at restaurants and eateries throughout the city.
Phở is a quintessential Vietnamese dish and also the most famous dish of Hanoi. There are various types of phở, with the most popular being phở bò (beef phở) and phở gà (chicken phở). Phở bò is made with soft rice noodles, clear and mildly sweet broth, and thinly sliced, tender, and flavorful beef. Phở gà features soft rice noodles, sweet and fragrant broth, and delicious chicken.
Ảnh: HaNoi Phở
Bún chả is a signature dish of Hanoi, made from grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The pork is cut into small pieces, marinated with spices, and grilled over charcoal until golden and cooked through. Bún chả is served with fresh herbs, the sweet and sour dipping sauce, and vermicelli noodles.
Ảnh: Bún chả
La Vong Grilled Fish is a specialty dish of Hanoi, made from snakehead fish, pork, dill, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The snakehead fish is filleted, marinated with spices, and grilled over charcoal until golden and cooked through. La Vong Grilled Fish is served with vermicelli noodles, dill, and the sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Ảnh: La Vong Grilled Fish
West Lake Shrimp Cakes is a famous snack from Hanoi. These cakes are made from fresh shrimp, wheat flour, eggs, and various spices. The cakes are fried until golden and crispy, and are served with a sweet and sour fish sauce.
Ảnh: West Lake Shrimp Cakes
Hanoi Baguette is a popular yet incredibly delicious and appealing street food. The Hanoi Baguette consists of a baguette filled with pâté, barbecue pork, Vietnamese pork sausage, fried egg, cucumber, and fresh herbs.
Ảnh: Hanoi Baguette
Snail Noodle Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish from Hanoi, made from noodles, snails, tofu, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour broth. The snails are boiled, cleaned, and then stir-fried with spices. Snail Noodle Soup is served with noodles, tofu, fresh herbs, and the sweet and sour broth.
Ảnh: Snail Noodle Soup
Crab Rice Noodles is a familiar dish in Hanoi, made from rice noodles, freshwater crab, tomatoes, tofu, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour broth. The freshwater crab is pounded, and the broth is filtered from it. Crab rice noodles are served with rice noodles, tofu, fresh herbs, and the sweet and sour broth.
Ảnh: Crab Rice Noodles
Bún Thang is a distinctive dish of Hanoi, made from rice noodles, chicken, Vietnamese pork sausage, omelet, Vietnamese coriander, scallions, and a clear broth. The chicken is boiled and shredded. The omelet is sliced into strips. Bún Thang is served with rice noodles, chicken, pork sausage, omelet, Vietnamese coriander, scallions, and the clear broth.
Ảnh: Bún thang
Hanoi Steamed Rice Rolls are a popular and delicious street food. They are made from rice flour, pork fat, and water. The rice rolls are served with cinnamon pork, Vietnamese pork sausage, crispy fried shallots, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Ảnh: 9. Hanoi Steamed Rice Rolls
Xôi Xéo is a famous snack in Hanoi, made from sticky rice, char siu pork, Chinese sausage, cinnamon pork, and sauce. Xôi Xéo is served with char siu pork, Chinese sausage, cinnamon pork, and sauce.
Ảnh: Xôi xéo
The best time to travel to Hanoi is from September to November. This period is autumn in Hanoi, with cool, pleasant weather, clear skies, and little rain, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring tourist attractions.
September: Hanoi’s weather begins to shift into autumn, with an average temperature of around 25°C, clear skies, and minimal rain. This is an ideal time to visit famous tourist spots in Hanoi such as the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
October: The weather in Hanoi is cooler, with an average temperature of around 20°C, clear skies, and little rain. This is a great time for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and picnicking.
November: The weather in Hanoi starts to get chilly, with an average temperature of around 15°C, clear skies, and little rain. This is a perfect time to visit Hanoi’s historical landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.
Additionally, you can also visit Hanoi during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year). This time is especially lively and vibrant, with many festive activities and entertainment. However, be aware that flight and hotel prices during Tet Nguyen Dan are usually higher compared to other times of the year.
The weather in Hanoi can be quite unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket, umbrella, sunscreen, etc., to be prepared for rain or hot weather.
Hanoi is a busy city, so be cautious when sightseeing and moving around.
Make sure to research tourist spots thoroughly before you go to ensure you have the best possible trip.
Here are some specific tips:
Weather:
Hanoi has four distinct seasons, each with its own charm. Autumn is the ideal time to visit Hanoi, with its cool and pleasant weather. Spring is also beautiful, with blooming peach and bauhinia flowers.
Check the weather forecast before you travel to prepare appropriate clothing.
Transportation:
Hanoi has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, motorbikes, and taxis. Choose the mode of transport that fits your needs and budget.
If traveling by motorbike, follow traffic rules and be cautious while on the road.
If using a taxi, consider calling one through an app to avoid being overcharged.
Safety:
Hanoi is a safe city, but still, be careful when moving around, especially at night.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuable items when going out.
Be wary of pickpockets and scammers.
Culture:
As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has its own cultural norms and customs. Respect local culture and traditions.
Dress modestly when visiting religious and historical sites.
Greet older people politely and maintain cleanliness.
We hope these tips help you have a pleasant and memorable trip to Hanoi!