image creditAll the tips and info you need before your trip
Overview
Hanoi is atmospheric, layered, and rewards slow exploration. The Old Quarter is dense and chaotic; French Quarter is wider and calmer.
The city runs on motorbikes—crossing streets is an art form (walk slowly, steadily, let traffic flow around you).
Best experienced on foot, with plenty of café stops.
Visas: US citizens need a visa for Vietnam — there's no exemption. The easiest option is the e-visa, which you apply for in advance at evisa.gov.vn. It costs $25 for a single entry or $50 for multiple entries, takes 3–5 business days to process, and is valid for up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
Best Areas to Stay
OLD QUARTER: Heart of the action—narrow streets, street food, night market. Can be noisy but you're in the middle of everything.
HOAN KIEM AREA: Near the lake—slightly calmer, walkable, good mix of local + tourist.
FRENCH QUARTER: Wider streets, colonial architecture, quieter nights, good restaurants.
WEST LAKE (TAY HO): Expat area, lakeside cafés, more residential feel.
Money & Tipping
CASH DOMINANT: Carry Vietnamese dong for most transactions. Cards accepted at nicer restaurants/hotels but not street food or small shops.
TIPPING: Not traditionally expected but becoming common in tourist areas. Round up or 10-15% at nice restaurants. ATMs widely available (check fees).
Hanoi is atmospheric, layered, and rewards slow exploration. The Old Quarter is dense and chaotic; French Quarter is wider and calmer.
The city runs on motorbikes—crossing streets is an art form (walk slowly, steadily, let traffic flow around you).
Best experienced on foot, with plenty of café stops.
Visas: US citizens need a visa for Vietnam — there's no exemption. The easiest option is the e-visa, which you apply for in advance at evisa.gov.vn. It costs $25 for a single entry or $50 for multiple entries, takes 3–5 business days to process, and is valid for up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
OLD QUARTER: Heart of the action—narrow streets, street food, night market. Can be noisy but you're in the middle of everything.
HOAN KIEM AREA: Near the lake—slightly calmer, walkable, good mix of local + tourist.
FRENCH QUARTER: Wider streets, colonial architecture, quieter nights, good restaurants.
WEST LAKE (TAY HO): Expat area, lakeside cafés, more residential feel.
CASH DOMINANT: Carry Vietnamese dong for most transactions. Cards accepted at nicer restaurants/hotels but not street food or small shops.
TIPPING: Not traditionally expected but becoming common in tourist areas. Round up or 10-15% at nice restaurants. ATMs widely available (check fees).