Hanoi Travel Tips for travellers

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. This is a place that is considered to be the most visited cites and there is a multicultural and traveler-friendly atmosphere.

Ho Chi Minh mouselum

Customs and etiquette

The people here are still very traditional, especially regarding dress. Travelers should dress conservatively when exploring the city, especially around temples and in the Old Quarter.

Money

The official currency of Vietnam is the dong (VN) and can be used for all purchases. US dollars are also widely accepted and can be used throughout the city, with the current exchange rate being 18000 dong to USD$1. There are a good number of ATMs located around Hanoi and these machines issue dong notes. The main banks that change traveler’s checks in US dollars are ANZ Bank, Industrial & Commercial Bank, and Vietcombank, and credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants.

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Vietnam Dong

Weather

Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons and while temperatures often drop to 15°C in the winter, the summer months are hot and humid and can reach 40°C. Perhaps the best time to Visit here is during the spring, which lasts from March to April as the weather is cool and dry. However, foreigners also visit Vietnam in summer because they want to have tanned skin. The weather is also pleasant from October to December, although Hanoi can get rather crowded at the end of the year and hotel prices rise dramatically.

Spring in Ha Noi

Transportation

Traveling by taxi is by far the most convenient way to travel around the city, although this can be rather expensive, and local cyclos are a cheaper way to complete short journeys.

There is a good selection of transport available from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN) with the Hanoi Bus company taking passengers from the airport and on routes around the city. Those who plan to travel independently can also make use of detailed maps, which are available free online and at the main tourist information office.