Intro
Travel to Hanoi from Saigon with this complete travel guide, designed to help you easily experience the ancient charm, unique culture, and exquisite cuisine of the thousand-year-old Capital. Don’t miss the chance to swap Saigon’s vibrant pace for the tranquil ambiance of the Old Quarter. Let’s immerse ourselves in heroic historical sites and savor countless irresistible dishes. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the heart of Vietnam!
Ideal Time to Travel to Hanoi from Saigon
The ideal time to travel to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City is during autumn, specifically from September to November. Pleasant Weather: The climate is cool and crisp, with gentle sunshine and minimal rain. Average temperatures during this period typically range from 25 °C to 29 °C in September, gradually dropping to around 22 °C to 25 °C by November. This weather is perfect for walking, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying the fresh air of the capital. Romantic Scenery: Hanoi’s autumn is famous for falling golden leaves on ancient streets, the pervasive fragrance of milk flowers in the breeze, and a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. It’s a wonderful time to take photos and truly feel Hanoi’s unique charm. Less Rain and Storms: Compared to the summer, which often sees heavy rain and thunderstorms, Hanoi’s autumn is generally drier, allowing you to plan sightseeing activities without interruption. Perfect for Culinary Exploration: The cool autumn weather is also ideal for savoring Hanoi’s signature dishes like pho (Hanoi Noodle), bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), cha ca La Vong (grilled fish with dill and turmeric), and especially warm treats like che troi nuoc (floating sweet dumplings) and banh troi tau (ginger-flavored glutinous rice balls). Beyond autumn, spring (February-April) is also a good option. The weather remains cool, with characteristic drizzles, and trees are budding, with peach and bauhinia flowers blooming. This creates a fresh landscape and brings about many traditional festivals. Average temperatures during this period are around 18 °C to 24 °C.
Transportation: From South to North
Choosing your mode of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is a crucial decision that directly impacts your travel experience and costs. With a distance of over 1,600 km, there are three main options: plane, train, and bus. Each method has its own pros and cons. Let’s compare them in detail to find the optimal choice for your trip.| Criteria | Plane | Train | Coach |
| Time | Quickest (about 2 – 2.5 hours) | Average (about 30 – 35 hours) | Longest (about 30 – 40 hours) |
| Cost | 800.000 – 2.000.000 VND | 900.000 – 1.500.000 VND | 700.000 – 1.000.000 VND |
| Comforty | Highest | Good (especially the sleeping compartment) | Low (easily tired on long journeys) |
| Experience | Fast, convenient, saving time | Unique, enjoyable for seeing sights | Less experienced |
| Flexibility | Very flexible | Less flexible | Relatively flexible |
| Objects | Prioritize short-term time, work, and travel | Love to explore, have lots of time, want to experience | Have a Limited budget, no time constraints |
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Explore the Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake
Morning: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) to Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport). Lunch: Enjoy lunch with bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) or pho cuon (fresh spring rolls) in the Old Quarter. Afternoon:- Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, admire Turtle Tower, and visit Ngoc Son Temple or The Huc Bridge.
- Explore ancient streets like Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Gai.
- Savor street food at Dong Xuan Night Market (if visiting on a weekend).
- Try egg coffee.
- Watch a water puppet show (if time permits).
Day 2: Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Morning:- Have breakfast with traditional Hanoi pho or bun thang (Hanoi vermicelli soup).
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and One Pillar Pagoda.
- Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
- Tour the Temple of Literature & National University.
- Learn about Vietnamese culture at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- Have hotpot or grilled dishes for dinner.
- Stroll along the Hoan Kiem Lake walking street (if it’s a weekend).
Day 3: Authentic Hanoi Experience
You can choose one of the two options below based on your preference: Option 1: Explore Traditional Craft Villages Morning: Visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village. Lunch: Have lunch in Bat Trang or return to the city center. Afternoon: Explore West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Option 2: Slow Travel and Culinary Delights Morning: Enjoy bun oc (snail vermicelli soup) or xoi (sticky rice) for breakfast, then discover unique coffee shops. Lunch: Have lunch with various street snacks or at a local restaurant. Afternoon: Wander around local markets or handicraft shops. Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant.Day 4: Shopping and Farewell to Hanoi
Morning: Have breakfast with banh mi sot vang (Vietnamese baguette with wine sauce) or bun rieu cua (crab noodle soup). Go to Dong Xuan Market to buy Hanoi specialties. Lunch: Enjoy a favorite dish you haven’t tried yet. Afternoon: Fly from Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) back to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport).Important Travel Tips to Pocket
To ensure your trip to Hanoi is smooth and memorable, keep the following points in mind:Personal Safety
Always be alert for pickpocketing or petty theft, especially in crowded areas like markets, walking streets, or popular tourist attractions. It’s best to wear your backpack on your front, hold your handbag securely, and avoid keeping valuables in your back pockets.Pricing
Before deciding to make a purchase or use any service, especially with motorbike taxis, cyclos, or at market stalls, you should ask for the price upfront. This helps you avoid any misunderstandings about the cost.Bargaining
When shopping at traditional markets or small shops, bargaining is quite common. You can try to negotiate a slightly lower price to get the best deal for the item you want to buy.Food Safety and Hygiene
Hanoi is famous for its street food, but to ensure your health, prioritize choosing eateries that are busy and appear clean. This is often a sign that the food is delicious and hygienically prepared.Dress Code
When visiting spiritual sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, pagodas, temples, or the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, you should dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing overly short clothes, bare shoulders, or low-cut tops to show respect.Maps
For convenient navigation around the city, you should download offline maps or use the Google Maps application. This will help you easily locate yourself and find your way to attractions.4G SIM Card
Purchasing a 4G SIM card right at the airport or from convenience stores is highly recommended. A 4G SIM card will keep you connected to the internet, allowing you to easily look up information, call ride-hailing services, or stay in touch as needed.Final Thought
- Hanoi, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and irresistible cuisine, offers a truly unforgettable experience. By planning ahead, embracing local customs, and utilizing these tips, traveling to Hanoi from Saigon will be smooth, enjoyable, and full of cherished memories. Get ready to discover the timeless charm of the capital!
