Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₫120,000–300,000 | ₫500,000–1,200,000 |
| Food | ₫80,000–150,000 | ₫250,000–500,000 |
| Transport | ₫30,000–60,000 | ₫80,000–200,000 |
| Activities | ₫30,000–150,000 | ₫200,000–600,000 |
| Drinks | ₫15,000–40,000 | ₫80,000–200,000 |
| Daily Total | ₫275,000–700,000 | ₫1,110,000–2,700,000 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- E-visa: $25 online, 90 days single entry, 3 business days processing at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Some nationalities get 45 days visa-free (UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea) — check your passport eligibility
- Nội Bài International Airport is 30km from the Old Quarter — Grab (₫200,000–300,000) or airport minibus (₫45,000)
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Tap water is not safe — bottled water ₫5,000 everywhere. Most ice at restaurants is factory-made and safe
- Hanoi is very safe for tourists. Petty theft is rare compared to Saigon. The main risk is traffic — motorbikes rule the roads
- French Hospital Hanoi and Vinmec handle emergencies with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies sell most medications OTC cheaply
Getting Around
- The Old Quarter is completely walkable — most attractions are within 2km. Cross roads slowly and predictably — motorbikes flow around you
- Grab is the main transport app — GrabBike (₫10,000–30,000) and GrabCar (₫40,000–100,000). Safer and cheaper than street taxis
- Buses are cheap (₫7,000–9,000) but hard to navigate without Vietnamese. Useful for airport, Bat Trang, and day trips
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone from ₫100,000 for 30 days with 5–10GB data
- Free WiFi in most Old Quarter cafes, hotels, and restaurants. Speeds are good — Vietnam has fast internet
- Essential apps: Grab, Google Maps, Google Translate (download Vietnamese offline pack)
Money
- Vietnamese Dong has large denominations — ₫500,000 note is ~$20. Count zeros carefully. The ₫20,000 and ₫500,000 notes look similar in dim light
- ATMs: Vietcombank and BIDV have lowest fees (₫20,000–50,000 per withdrawal). Carry backup cards — machines occasionally reject foreign cards
- Cash only for street food, bia hơi, and most Old Quarter shops. Cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and some cafes
Packing Tips
- Layer clothing Oct–Feb — Hanoi gets surprisingly cold (10–15°C in January). A light jacket is essential for winter visits
- Comfortable walking shoes for the Old Quarter cobblestones. A compact umbrella for rain (mostly May–September)
- Cross-body bag, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and patience — Hanoi rewards those who slow down and absorb
Cultural tips
Road Rules
Crossing the road in Hanoi is a rite of passage. Walk slowly and steadily — never stop, never run, never make sudden moves. The motorbikes will flow around you. Trust the system. It works for millions daily.
Food Culture
Food in Hanoi is deeply regional and seasonal. Each dish has a "best" stall — locals will passionately debate phở supremacy. Ask your hostel staff for their personal recommendations. Never add hoisin to phở in Hanoi — it is a southern habit that northerners frown upon.
Ho Chi Minh Respect
Uncle Ho is deeply revered. Treat the Mausoleum and related sites with the same respect you would give a religious site. No disrespectful photos, jokes, or comments. Vietnamese people are very sensitive about their national hero.
Shoes Off
Remove shoes when entering homes, many shops, and all temples and pagodas. If shoes are lined up outside a door, follow suit. It is a sign of respect that Vietnamese people deeply appreciate from visitors.
Tipping & Bargaining
Tipping is not traditional but appreciated — ₫20,000–50,000 at restaurants, ₫50,000–100,000 for tour guides. Bargain at markets but not at street food stalls — the quoted price is usually fair and the margins are thin.
Photography
Ask before photographing people, especially elderly Vietnamese. Military sites and government buildings should not be photographed. Street photography is generally welcomed — Vietnamese people are often happy to pose if you ask politely.
