Hanoi's Old Quarter still runs on French-colonial facades and streets named for the guilds that once worked them, all navigated by an unbroken river of scooters. Most visitors add on an overnight boat through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay a few hours east.
Month by month
Best: March, April, October, November, December
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Feb
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Apr
May
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Oct
Nov
Dec
Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
4–6 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 20h from the US East Coast, 11h from Europe, 5h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Cross the street at a steady, predictable pace — scooters flow around you, stopping confuses them.
- Book an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise (not a day trip) at least a few weeks ahead in high season.
- Bargain gently at Dong Xuan and the Old Quarter; opening offers are usually inflated for tourists.
Plan a trip to Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
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