• When is the Best Time to Visit Hanoi, Vietnam?
• How to Get to Hanoi from the Philippines?
  • How to go to the city centre?
  • Things We Did Upon Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
• Where to Stay in Hanoi: Our Summary
• Things to Do in Hanoi
• 5-Day Northern Vietnam Adventure: Our Hanoi Travel Summary
  • Day 1 – Hello Hanoi! First Impressions & Historical Sights

If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, timing can really enhance your experience. The best time to visit Hanoi is during spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November)—when the weather is at its most pleasant and the city is alive with color and activity.

We visited Hanoi in March, and it was honestly the perfect time to go. The mornings were cool, the afternoons were bright and comfortable, and the evenings had just the right breeze for strolling around the city. Whether we were exploring the Old Quarter, relaxing by Hoan Kiem Lake, or taking a boat ride in Ninh Binh, the weather made everything more enjoyable.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide when to plan your Hanoi adventure:

🌸 Spring (March to April) – Our Travel Season

🍁 Autumn (September to November) – Also Highly Recommended

• Why It’s Great:

Crisp air, golden foliage, and dry weather. Many travelers love this season for its romantic and photogenic vibe.

• Bonus:

It’s a great time to walk around Hanoi’s tree-lined boulevards and enjoy cozy cafes.

☀️ Summer (May to August) – Hot & Humid

• Heads Up:

It can get very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon showers.

• Pro:

If you’re on a budget, you’ll likely find cheaper flights and accommodations during this low season.

❄️ Winter (December to February) – Cool but Gloomy

• Weather Vibe:

Overcast skies, cold winds, and a moody atmosphere. While it rarely drops below 10°C, the damp air can feel much colder.

Some of the airlines that offer direct flights from Manila to Hanoi include:

• ✈️ Cebu Pacific

• ✈️ Philippine Airlines

• ✈️ Vietnam Airlines

For our trip, we chose Cebu Pacific because of its competitive fares and convenient flight times. We booked our round-trip tickets a few months in advance and paid approximately ₱7,000 to ₱9,000 per person—a great deal for a 4-hour international flight!

💡 Tip: Keep an eye out for seat sales and promos, especially from budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and Vietnam Airlines. Booking early can save you a lot!

Good news for Filipino travelers:

If you hold a Philippine passport, you can travel to Vietnam visa-free for up to 21 days—making it an easy and hassle-free destination for short holidays, spontaneous backpacking adventures, or well-planned Northern Vietnam itineraries.

How to go to the city centre?

After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, it usually takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour to get to the city center—depending on your chosen mode of transportation and traffic conditions.

We arrived in the evening, so we wanted something safe, comfortable, and hassle-free. Here’s a breakdown of the most common transport options, including what we personally went with:

🚗 1. Private Airport Transfer (Our Preferred Option)

We booked our private airport transfer through our hotel, and it was the perfect choice—especially after a long flight. Our driver was already waiting at the arrivals area with a sign, and the ride to our hotel in the Old Quarter was smooth and relaxing. If you’re arriving late or want a stress-free start to your trip, we highly recommend asking your hotel to arrange a transfer for you.

Most hotels in Hanoi offer this service for a reasonable fee, and it saves you from navigating apps or negotiating with drivers right after landing. You can also book the private airport transfer through Klook.

📱 2. Grab (Ride-Hailing App)

We also used Grab several times during our stay in Hanoi, and it was super convenient. The app automatically switched to the Vietnam version upon arrival, and we appreciated the upfront pricing and ease of use—especially when exploring the city.

🚕 3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find outside the airport, but we personally avoided using them from the airport due to concerns about scams and inconsistent pricing. If you go this route, stick to trusted companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun, and always confirm the fare or make sure the meter is running before you hop in.

🚌 4. Public Bus

Buses are the most budget-friendly option, but since we had luggage and arrived at night, we decided against it. For light packers traveling during the day, buses like:

• Bus 7 (to Kim Ma Bus Station)

• Bus 17 (to Long Bien Station)

• Bus 86 (direct to Hanoi Railway Station)

…can be great options. Just note that most routes operate only from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and buses can be a bit tight if you have a lot of baggage.

✈️ Things We Did Upon Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Here’s what we did right after landing in Hanoi to get ourselves settled and ready to explore:

• 📶 Set up our eSIM

We purchased our Vietnam eSIM via Klook before leaving the Philippines, which made things super convenient! The best part? You can activate it as soon as you land—just turn off airplane mode, follow the setup instructions, and you’re instantly connected.
🔗 Check out the eSIM we used on Klook 

💡 Tip: If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, don’t worry—there are also affordable physical SIM cards available on Klook or for purchase at the airport.

• 💸 Withdrew Vietnamese Dong (VND)

We headed straight to an ATM in the arrivals area to withdraw cash. It’s always best to have local currency on hand for small expenses like street food, tips, and transport. Just double-check your bank’s international fees before traveling.

• 🚗 Met our private transfer driver

We booked a private airport transfer through our hotel, and our driver was already waiting for us at the arrivals area with a sign. It made the experience stress-free, especially after a long flight, and saved us from having to navigate or negotiate transportation right away.

Hanoi has no shortage of great accommodations, whether you’re after budget-friendly guesthouses, stylish boutique hotels, or relaxing spa stays. During our trip, we experienced two different hotels in the city—both offering great value and unique vibes.

🛏️ Our Stays in Hanoi

Areas to Consider:

Old Quarter – Perfect for first-timers like us. It’s vibrant, walkable, and close to all the action—ideal for food trips, shopping, and sightseeing.

French Quarter – Quieter, more elegant, and home to upscale hotels and colonial architecture.

Tay Ho (West Lake) – Great for a more peaceful escape or longer stays, with trendy cafes and scenic views.

Whether you’re staying for a few days or a couple of weeks, Hanoi’s variety of neighborhoods makes it easy to find the right fit for your travel style.

💡 Tip: Book in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons like March–April or October–November. The good places fill up fast!

Cultural & Historical Attractions

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Pay respects to Vietnam’s national hero.

• One Pillar Pagoda – A unique symbol of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university; a peaceful, scholarly spot.

• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – A UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history.

• Tran Quoc Pagoda – The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, set beside West Lake.

🌆 City Exploration & Iconic Spots

• Old Quarter – Shop, eat, and get lost in the charming chaos.

• Hoan Kiem Lake – Stroll or sit by the water, perfect for people-watching and relaxing.

• West Lake – A bigger, quieter lake for long walks or swan boat rides.

• Lotte Observation Deck – Get a 360° view of Hanoi from above.

 🍜 Food & Drink Experiences

• Street Food Crawl – Try local dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh mi.

• Egg Coffee Tasting – Don’t knock it till you try it—it’s like dessert in a cup!

• Local Markets – Sample snacks, sweets, and souvenirs at places like Dong Xuan Market.

🚕 Short Trips & Excursions from Hanoi

• Ha Long Bay – Day cruise with kayaking, cave visits, and stunning views.

• Ninh Binh – Explore caves, temples, and rice paddies via boat and bike.

• Mega Grand World Hanoi – A theme-park-meets-shopping experience just outside the main city.

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

• Night Markets (Old Quarter) – Pick up unique crafts, clothes, and street eats.

• Local Boutiques – Check out Vietnamese fashion or silk products.

• Art Galleries – Discover Vietnamese contemporary and traditional art.

If you’re planning a first-time trip to Northern Vietnam, this itinerary hits all the essentials—from ancient temples and street eats to emerald waters and mountain views. Here’s how we spent our 5 amazing days starting in Hanoi, packed with history, nature, and enough “wow” moments to fill a dozen postcards.

🗓️ Day 1 – Hello Hanoi! First Impressions & Historical Sights

Our first full day in Hanoi was packed with iconic landmarks, flavorful eats, and a crash course in Vietnam’s rich history and traditions. From sipping coconut coffee to catching a water puppet show, we explored the heart of the capital one step (and bite) at a time.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what we did:

✅ Day 1 Itinerary Overview

• ✅ Arrived at Noi Bai International Airport

• ✅ Took a private transfer arranged by our hotel (₫350,000)

• ✅ Early check-in at Antique Angel Hotel (we pre-booked the night before)

• ✅ Power nap: Rested for about 4–5 hours after a red-eye flight

• ✅ Morning coffee at Giao Mùa Coffee Shop ☕

• ✅ Lunch at Bún Chả Đắc Kim (iconic Hanoi dish!) 🍜

• ✅ Quick visit outside Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace

• ✅ Explored the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (₫100,000 entrance fee)

• ✅ Visited the Temple of Literature (₫70,000 entrance fee, open 8 AM–5 PM)

• ✅ Coffee break at Cộng Cà Phê – Nhà Thờ ☕

• ✅ Photo stop at St. Joseph Cathedral

• ✅ Walked a full loop around Hoan Kiem Lake + visit to Ngọc Sơn Temple

• ✅ Dinner at Cầu Gỗ Restaurant (try the caramelized pork + grilled chicken!)

• ✅ Capped off the day with a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre 🎭
  → Booked deluxe ticket with multilingual audio guide via Klook (~₱562 / $10 USD)

👉 For the full itinerary breakdown, photos, tips, and Google Maps links, check out the complete Day 1 blog post – Our First Day in Hanoi

Day 2 – Halong Bay Wonders: A Day Cruise with Ambassador

On our second day, we traded Hanoi’s city buzz for the surreal beauty of Halong Bay, cruising aboard the luxurious Ambassador Day Cruise. From limestone cliffs to a surprise cave adventure, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard. It was a jam-packed day filled with nature, culture, and cruise-style comfort.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what we did:

✅ Day 2 Itinerary Overview

• ✅ Hotel pick-up at around 6:00 AM by the Ambassador Cruise shuttle→ Comfortable ride with a brief rest stop along the way

• ✅ Arrived at Halong International Cruise Port around 9:00 AM

• ✅ Checked in at the Ambassador Lounge, then boarded the cruise around 9:30 AM

• ✅ Welcome drinks and a short safety briefing onboard 🥂

• ✅ Enjoyed breakfast on the cruise while sailing out into the bay ☕🥐🌊

• ✅ Explored Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay, with massive chambers and dramatic limestone formations 🪨✨

• ✅ Buffet lunch served around noon – seafood, Vietnamese favorites, and international dishes 🍤🍛🍰

• ✅ Afternoon stop at Luon Cave for kayaking or bamboo boat ride through the calm lagoon 🛶

• ✅ Relaxed on the sundeck while cruising past Fighting Cocks Islet, Ti Top Island, and other limestone formations

• ✅ Afternoon tea onboard while enjoying panoramic bay views 🍵

• ✅ Disembarked around 4:30 PM, then shuttle back to Hanoi

• ✅ Arrived back at our hotel around 7:00 PM – tired but in awe of the natural beauty we witnessed

👉 For the full Day 2 blog, cruise tips, and how to plan your own Halong Bay day tour—check out: How to Experience Halong Bay in a Day: Top Sights and Best Tours