Looking for the next vacation destination? We recommend you try visiting Hanoi! As the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi promises an adventure filled with joy and good memories. Hanoi boasts a unique blend of rich culture and nature. Immerse yourself and witness the city's vibrant energy by exploring the historical buildings, natural beauties, and unparalleled cuisines. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer, Hanoi has something to offer everyone.
Beyond its intriguing destinations, Hanoi is a relatively affordable city compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. You can find good quality accommodation, delicious food, and fun activities all at reasonable prices. Besides, the local people are known to be friendly to foreigners.
To get the unforgettable experience of exploring Hanoi, make sure you know the best season to visit the city. In general, Vietnam has different seasons depending on the region. Based on the location, Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. So, when is the best season to visit Hanoi? Check out this complete guide about the best time to visit Hanoi by Traveloka!
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Hanoi welcomes visitors year-round. However, there are ideal times to visit Hanoi for maximum experience. This is due to some reasons such as flight tickets, festivals, seasons, and other things to consider. The best time to visit Hanoi can also depend on each individual's preferences.
Traveloka will guide you to choose the best time to visit Hanoi to get a full experience in the city. Here is a breakdown to help you pick the perfect travel time.
You can book your flight and accommodation to Hanoi during the autumn season which starts from September to November. During this season, the city's weather is considerably mild. You will be pampered by the pleasant weather, clear skies, and festive atmosphere of Hanoi. There are fun festivals during this season, such as Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) and Hanoi International Film Festival.
Tết Trung Thu is also known as the Mooncake Festival or Children's Festival. It is the most popular festival celebrated during the autumn season in Hanoi. Tết Trung Thu falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month of the Vietnamese calendar, which usually occurs in September or early October.
The festival is a moment for families to reunite and celebrate. Children take centre stage, enjoying colourful lanterns, lion dances, and parades. The streets come alive with the sounds of drums and traditional music.
Meanwhile, the Hanoi International Film Festival is usually held in November. This film festival showcases Vietnamese and international films, offering a chance to experience Vietnamese cinema or catch independent films from around the world.
The flight ticket prices to Hanoi from September to November can vary depending on several factors, but it's generally considered to be shoulder season in Hanoi. This means the prices will be more affordable compared to peak season. However, it won't be the absolute cheapest time to fly. You can still expect some fluctuation, with weekends and holidays potentially costing more.
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The lowest flight fares to Hanoi typically happen during the off-season, which occurs from May to September. The weather during this period can be hotter and more humid with possibly occasional typhoons. May is the start of the summer session in Hanoi with the temperature around 28°C, making the skies relatively clear. Meanwhile, in June, the temperature might range from 29°C to 33°C.
During this off-season, you will experience unpredictable weather that will make it less comfortable for outdoor activities. Please keep in mind that the highest temperatures in Hanoi during the summer season could even reach 40°C. You will probably encounter rainfall during this month. In short, the high temperatures and the rainfall are the main reasons it is considered Hanoi's off-season. However, if you are fine with the weather, you will get lower flight fares and even cheap accommodations, making your bookings easier and more affordable.
Tue, 20 May 2025
Vietravel Airlines
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Hanoi (HAN)
Start from USD 47.18
Thu, 8 May 2025
VietJet Air
Da Nang (DAD) to Hanoi (HAN)
Start from USD 30.90
Fri, 9 May 2025
Air Cambodia
Phnom Penh (PNH) to Hanoi (HAN)
Start from USD 104.48
If you are seeking a peaceful vacation to Hanoi, you can plan your visit during the off-season and shoulder season. While the off-season is challenged with unpredictable weather, the weather in the shoulder season is way more comfortable. The weather is warm but not striking.
The shoulder season usually occurs in April and October. During this period, the crowds are less intense compared to other months. Visiting Hanoi in less busy times will give you a better chance to get around and explore every corner of the city. In April, you can witness local festivals such as the Hung Kings Temple Festival. Meanwhile, in October, you will be pampered by the rather cool temperature and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
You can immerse yourself in the city's iconic landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hoa Lo Prison, the ancient Hanoi Old Quarter, and even the Temple of Literature. Also, don't forget to feed your belly by trying Hanoi's local cuisines!
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Hanoi offers something for everyone. This includes vibrant festivals that attract local and worldwide travellers. For an unforgettable experience during your trip, here is a complete list of popular festivals in Hanoi City that Traveloka has compiled:
Tet Festival is a festival to celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The name of Tết Nguyên Đán itself means "Festival of the First Morning of the First Day." Tet Festival is usually held between late January and early February. Tet Festival will be held for at least one week or longer. During this festival, the locals celebrate by eating traditional foods that have symbolic value, such as bánh chưng or sticky rice cakes.
This festival is also known as Mooncake Festival or Children's Festival. It is a vibrant celebration that falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or early October. Children are the stars of the show. They enjoy colourful lanterns in various shapes, participating in lion dances, and parading through the streets.
Hanoi Food Festival is a relatively new but rapidly growing festival. It is a celebration of Hanoi's diverse and delicious cuisine, annually held in the fall that occurs in October. Tourists will enjoy a vibrant street food market with stalls representing various districts of Hanoi. There are also cooking demonstrations, competitions, and other cultural performances that make the festival even more awesome.
Beware of typhoon season in Vietnam. The country's location in Southeast Asia makes it vulnerable to typhoons and tropical cyclones. Vietnam experiences an average of four to six typhoons annually. The typhoon season usually runs from June to November. The most frequent and severe typhoons typically occur between August and October.
Therefore, travellers are advised to keep an eye on weather forecasts and typhoon warnings. If a typhoon warning is issued, heed the instructions of local authorities. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations or delays due to typhoons. Being aware of the seasonality, potential risks, and safety measures allows you to make better decisions and plan accordingly.
So, what are you waiting for? Secure your activities, flight, and hotel to Hanoi on Traveloka and get the best experience with our great deals! Make sure to explore the Traveloka application or website for a smooth trip. Download Traveloka App now and realise your dream adventure in Hanoi City!