город и курорт
An ancient capital with lakes, the narrow streets of the Old Quarter and street food. From here you head to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and the mountains of Sapa.
best time
October to April; autumn and spring are the most comfortable
highlights
Hanoi is for those curious about how the country really lives. It is a city of streets, markets, tiny cafes and motorbikes, with no beach and no resort feel. Food lovers, history buffs and photographers choose it, as do travellers who want to see northern Vietnam with Ha Long Bay and the rice terraces.
Hanoi suits couples and adult groups well. Kids are fine too, but the dense traffic and heat require attention. Many people spend a few days in Hanoi and then fly to the beach on Phu Quoc or in Nha Trang.
Northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons. Autumn, from October to November, is considered the best time: warm and dry, with clear skies over Ha Long. Spring, from March to April, is good too.
In winter, from December to February, Hanoi can be cool and damp, and you will need warm clothes. Summer is hot and humid with frequent downpours, and typhoons sometimes hit Ha Long. More on the climate in different regions in our guide on when to go to Vietnam.
The Old Quarter. The historic centre with narrow streets, each of which once specialised in a single craft. Noisy, but everything is close by.
Around Hoan Kiem Lake. The heart of the city; at weekends traffic is closed around the lake and it becomes a pedestrian zone.
The French Quarter. Wide boulevards, the opera house and hotels in colonial buildings. Calmer than the Old Quarter.
West Lake. A quiet area with lakeside cafes, good for longer stays.
Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple on its island. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square. The Temple of Literature, the country’s first university. Train Street, where carriages pass right up against the houses. The water puppet theatre, a traditional show that both kids and adults enjoy.
Hanoi is considered one of Asia’s food capitals. Try pho, bun cha, banh mi and egg coffee. The best food is often found in small places with plastic stools.
Thousands of limestone islands in emerald water. A day trip is possible, but an overnight cruise is more rewarding: kayaking, caves and sunrise in the bay. The drive to the pier takes about 2.5–3 hours.
“Ha Long on land”: cliffs rising from rice fields, boat rides on the Trang An and Tam Coc rivers, pagodas and the Hang Mua viewpoint. A day trip or an overnight stay.
A mountain area in the north with rice terraces and villages. Better to allow 2–3 days.
Two or three days for the city, plus 2–3 days for Ha Long and Ninh Binh. A full northern route with Sapa takes about a week. Combined with the beach, 12–14 nights.
Day one: a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and dinner in the Old Quarter. Day two: the mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and Train Street, with the water puppet theatre in the evening. Days three and four: a Ha Long cruise with a night on board. Day five: Ninh Binh with a boat ride and the climb up Hang Mua. Day six: a food walk, coffee and shopping before your flight or onward trip to the beach.
Flights from Tashkent: our manager will find direct and connecting options. Citizens of Uzbekistan need a visa for Vietnam, usually an e-visa; more in our guide to the Vietnam visa.
Cross the street calmly and at a steady pace, and the motorbikes will go around you. Temples and the mausoleum require modest clothing. Use apps for taxis. In winter, be sure to pack a warm sweater and a jacket.
Ha Long cruises vary a lot in the standard of the boat, the route and the number of people on board. Some boats go to neighbouring Lan Ha Bay, which sees fewer tourists. If you are heading to Sapa, check the forecast: mountain fog can hide the views of the terraces.
Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.
Tell us how many days you have and whether you want to add the beach. Send a request or message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1, or call +998 99 760-82-88: our manager will put together a route around northern Vietnam with hotels, a cruise and flights to fit your budget.
Updated: 2026-10
Two or three days are enough for the city itself. With Ha Long and Ninh Binh, plan 5–6 days, and with the Sapa mountains, a week.
In autumn, from October to November, and in spring, from March to April: warm, dry and comfortable for walking. Winter can be cool and overcast, and summer is hot, humid and often rainy.
Yes, it is a common route: a few days in Hanoi and Ha Long, then a flight to Phu Quoc or Nha Trang for the beach. Our manager will arrange domestic flights and hotels.
For a first visit, the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake are the most convenient. For something quieter, the West Lake area works well.
Vietnam is an affordable alternative to Thailand: the sea, islands, delicious food and a strong sightseeing programme, from Ha Long Bay to old Hoi An.
A tropical island in southern Vietnam with white beaches, night markets and a long cable car over the sea. A great winter beach option for families and couples.
A resort city on the South China Sea with a long beach right in the centre, islands in the bay and hot springs. A good fit if you want the sea and city life at the same time.
Vietnam stretches from north to south, so in the same month Hanoi can be cool, Nha Trang rainy and Phu Quoc sunny. Here is where to go at different times of year.
Citizens of Uzbekistan generally need a visa to travel to Vietnam. The easiest option is an e-visa applied for online. Here's how it works and where people most often make mistakes.
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Where: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tel.: +998 99 760-82-88
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