Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, offers a blend of historical sites, chaotic street life, and traditional culture. Popular places to visit include the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Like the rest of Vietnam, the currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), and travel costs are generally low—street food, local transport, and entrance fees are budget-friendly. The weather has more variation than the south, with hot, rainy summers from May to September and cooler, drier winters, especially from December to February.