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A 2026 travel guide to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. Review details on the historic Old Quarter, local cuisine, and arrival procedures at Noi Bai (HAN) with an eVisa.
Hanoi Overview
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, features a mix of historical sites, French colonial architecture, and modern developments. If you are comparing regional destinations, review our Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi guide.
Arriving at Noi Bai Airport (HAN) with an eVisa
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the primary international airport for northern Vietnam and one of the 83 designated entry ports that accept the Vietnam eVisa. As of 2026, travelers from all nationalities can apply online for an eVisa valid for up to 90 days. The official government fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
Applications must be submitted through the National Web Portal on Immigration or via an authorized service provider. Upon arrival at HAN, proceed directly to the immigration counters.
A printed physical copy of the eVisa is mandatory. Digital copies on mobile devices may not be accepted by immigration officers. Ensure the passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and contains at least two blank pages. You can apply for your Vietnam eVisa here.
Historic Districts: Old Quarter and French Quarter
Hanoi's central administrative and commercial zones include distinct historic neighborhoods. The Old Quarter consists of 36 traditional guild streets featuring commercial vendors and local food stalls.
Adjacent to the Old Quarter is the French Quarter, noted for wide boulevards and colonial-era architecture, including the Hanoi Opera House and the Sofitel Legend Metropole.
Notable locations include:
- Dong Xuan Market: The largest indoor commercial market in the Old Quarter.
- St. Joseph's Cathedral: A neo-Gothic structure built in 1886.
- Hoa Lo Prison: A historical site detailing Vietnam's colonial and wartime periods.
Local Cuisine and Egg Coffee
A distinctive regional beverage is egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng), developed in the 1940s using whipped egg yolks, sugar, and robusta coffee due to dairy shortages. Establishments such as Cafe Giang and Cafe Dinh are recognized for serving this preparation.
Hanoi is also recognized as the origin of standard Vietnamese dishes including Phở and Bún Chả. Dining options range from street vendors to officially recognized restaurants.
| Dish/Drink | Example Location | Average Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Coffee | Cafe Giang, 39 Nguyen Huu Huan | 40,000 VND |
| Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup) | Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn | 60,000 VND |
| Bún Chả | Bún Chả Hương Liên | 70,000 VND |
| Chả Cá (Turmeric Fish) | Chả Cá Thăng Long | 150,000 VND |