Luxury holidays in Hanoi

When to go

Hanoi is prone to wet, chilly winters so you might want to avoid November to February, although this is the best time to travel in the south, where it’s warm and dry. The summer monsoon brings hot, humid weather. April, May and October are the ideal times to visit. A lot of businesses shut up shop during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), which falls in January or February depending on the lunar calendar.

Getting there

• Planes

  The main airport, Noi Bai International Airport (www.hanoiairportonline.com), serves Hanoi and is about 45km from the downtown area. Direct flights route here from Asian capitals and a few cities in Australia and Europe. Domestic flights connect Hanoi with most Vietnamese cities.

• Trains

  Hanoi is home to the Reunification Express (www.vr.com.vn) connecting the north and south of the country, hugging the coast to and from Hué, Danang and all points south; nightly sleeper berths are available. There are also luxurious night trains to Lao Cai, gateway to the popular northern hill station of Sapa.

• Automobiles

  Self-drive is not possible in Vietnam, but that will come as a relief when you see the heart-stopping Hanoi traffic. A car with driver can be arranged if you are planning an epic odyssey south.

• Taxis

  There are lots of taxi firms in Hanoi, but ensure you hire one with a meter. There are still cyclos (three-wheeled pedicabs) and xe oms (motorbike taxis) roaming the streets, but overcharging is the norm.