Hanoi’s skyline reflected across West Lake.

Country guide

A little more prepared for Vietnam.

Explore Hanoi’s lakefront, old lanes, food culture and historic courtyards, then use its monthly guides to plan for cool winter air or humid summer rain. Vietnam’s regions vary widely, so check each city’s climate and local transport before travelling onward.

Explore Vietnam

Photo: Valeria Drozdova / Pexels

Explore Vietnam by city

Vietnam

Hanoi

Hanoi has a cool, often cloudy winter and a hot, rainy summer; showers are frequent from June through September.

Open city guide

Before you zip the bag

Plan for the season

Pack a light layer for northern winter mornings and breathable fabrics for hot months.
Carry a compact rain cover during the summer monsoon and protect devices in sudden showers.

City visits and longer journeys

Choose comfortable shoes for uneven pavements and busy crossings.
Check each city’s local transit, ticket rules and route coverage; Hanoi metro, bus and intercity services are separate.

Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
Plug types: A / B / C · 230 VCheck your adapter →
Emergency number: 113 police; 114 fire; 115 ambulance

ITU — National Numbering Plans · UK government — Vietnam emergency contacts · World Standards — Vietnam plugs and voltage

Stay connected

Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.

Useful reads for Vietnam

A rickshaw moves through a busy Old Quarter street in Hanoi.

Weekend itinerary · Hanoi

A first weekend in Hanoi: lake, old lanes and historic courtyards

Pair Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Old Quarter with a separate day for the Temple of Literature and Thang Long Imperial Citadel, leaving time for a meal and a cool-down.