Map & Getting to Hanoi

Getting to Hanoi & away

Air

- Hanoi has fewer direct international flights than HCMC, but with a change of aircraft in Hong Kong or Bangkok you can get to almost anywhere.

- Vietnam Airlines links Hanoi to destinations throughout Vietnam. Popular routes include Hanoi to Danang, Dien Bien Phu, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Nha Trang, all served daily.

Train

- The main Hanoi train station is at the western end of Pho Tran Hung Dao; trains from here go to destinations south. To the right of the main entrance of the train station is a separate ticket office for northbound trains to Lao Cai (for Sapa). It’s often best to buy tickets at least one day before departure to ensure a seat or sleeper.

Car & motorcycle

- To hire a motorbike or a car with a driver, contact a hotel, travellers café or travel agency.

Bus & minibus

Hanoi has several main long-distance bus stations and each one serves a particular area. They are fairly organised, with ticket offices, fixed prices and printed schedules. You should consider buying tickets the day before you plan to travel on the longer-distance routes to ensure a seat.

- In central Hanoi, Kim Ma bus station has buses to the northwestern part of Vietnam, including Hoa Binh and Dien Bien Phu.

- Gia Lam bus station is the place for buses to points northeast of Hanoi. These include Halong Bay, Hai Phong, Lang Son and Lao Cai. More convenient is the Luong Yen bus station in the southeast of town, serving the same places, plus Cao Bang and Ha Giang.

- Giap Bat bus station serves points south of Hanoi, including Ninh Binh and Hue.

- My Dinh bus station is another option in the west of town, which serves a range of destinations, including Halong City, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Ha Giang and Dien Bien Phu.


Getting around Hanoi

Motorcycle

- For travellers well versed in the ways of Asian cities, Hanoi is a lot of fun to explore by motorbike. Most guesthouses and hotels can arrange new motorbikes for around US$8 a day.

Bicycle

- A good way to get around Hanoi is by bicycle, although the traffic can be daunting at first. Many guesthouses and cafés offer these for rent for about US$3 per day.

In addition, you can get around with bus, xe om or taxi.