Thinking about a trip to Vietnam? Since the pandemic-era travel restrictions lifted, Vietnam — with its abundance of flight options — has become a fresh new pick for independent travellers from Taiwan.

If you are planning an independent trip to Hanoi, this article covers everything you need to know beforehand, including flights, transport, internet, attractions, and whether an independent trip to Hanoi is actually safe. Hopefully it helps!

Basic information for an independent trip to Hanoi

How much do you actually know about Hanoi, Vietnam? Did you know Vietnam's capital is Hanoi, not Ho Chi Minh City? Before travelling to Hanoi, here is some essential background:

Climate

Vietnam is tropical, though being further from the equator, its winters stay a touch cooler.

  • Spring and autumn: the best seasons to visit Hanoi, and also its dry season — cool temperatures and low chance of rain.
  • Summer: Hanoi's hottest period, with highs reaching around 32–35°C.
  • Winter: Hanoi's rainy season, with average temperatures around 15–20°C — damp and chilly, less comfortable.

Time difference

Vietnam is one hour behind Taiwan — if it is 10am in Taiwan, it is 9am in Hanoi.

Language

Vietnamese is the official language, and English is not widely spoken, though you can usually get by in English in tourist areas.

Currency

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong, with an exchange rate of roughly 1 NTD : 758 VND — check your bank for the exact current rate.

For currency exchange, we recommend exchanging money at a bank in Taiwan or at the local airport before your trip, since Hanoi still runs mostly on cash, with relatively few shops accepting credit cards or third-party payment apps.

Voltage

Vietnam runs on 220V with a two-pin round outlet, different from Taiwan in both voltage and plug shape — so be sure to bring a voltage converter and plug adapter for your Hanoi trip.

Safety

"Is an independent trip to Hanoi safe?" — probably the question on every traveller's mind. Generally speaking, there are two common safety concerns in Hanoi: "drive-by theft" and "tourist scams".

For the former, we recommend avoiding using your phone while walking, or pulling out your wallet openly on the street; for the latter, book activities online in advance and double-check the itinerary or item details before paying. Beyond that, an independent trip to Hanoi is generally quite safe!

Visa

Like most Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam requires a visa. The visa fee varies depending on the number of applicants and processing time, generally running around USD 50–75 per person — see the official Vietnam visa website for exact fees.

Hanoi flights

How long is the flight from Taiwan to Hanoi, Vietnam? How much does a ticket cost?

Flying from Taipei Taoyuan Airport, the flight to Hanoi takes about 3 hours; from Kaohsiung, it takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.

Ticket prices vary depending on whether you fly a full-service or budget airline. Here are typical economy-class fares:

  • Full-service airlines: roughly NT$4,000–8,000 for a Hanoi flight.
  • Budget airlines: roughly NT$7,500–11,000 for a Hanoi flight.

Hanoi accommodation

Hotels in Hanoi are generally very affordable — you can stay at a four- or five-star hotel for roughly NT$2,000–3,000 per night.

For where to stay, we recommend the old quarter, Hoan Kiem District, which offers great amenities and transport links, and sits close to well-known Hanoi attractions like the 36 Old Streets.

Getting around Hanoi

Hanoi does not have the kind of MRT system Taiwanese travellers are used to. There are buses, but they are not especially convenient, and locals mostly get around by motorbike or car.

We recommend independent travellers rely mainly on taxis, Uber, or Grab. Local taxi fares are genuinely cheap, averaging roughly NT$30–60 per ride, and most importantly, they can take you anywhere you want to go, with the added comfort of air conditioning.

Internet in Hanoi

No independent trip to Hanoi is complete without a data connection. DJB offers two Vietnam SIM options for you to consider:

  • DJB Vietnam SIM: mainly offers two daily-unlimited plans of 1GB/1.8GB, with speed throttled after the daily cap.
  • DJB Southeast Asia SIM: if you want a genuinely no-throttle unlimited data plan for Hanoi, this option can reach speeds of up to 300MB.

Both plans above are geared toward Hanoi or independent Vietnam travel specifically. If your trip covers several Southeast Asian countries at once, check out this page for the full range of plans.

Further reading: Comparing Vietnam internet options: recommended data SIMs, pocket Wi-Fi, and carrier roaming

Budget for an independent trip to Hanoi

Combining flights, accommodation, visa, and internet costs, how much should you budget for an independent trip to Hanoi?

Taking a 4-day, 3-night trip to Hanoi as an example, here is a rough cost breakdown:

  • Flight to Hanoi: NT$8,000/person
  • Vietnam visa: NT$1,500/person
  • Hanoi accommodation: NT$2,500/night
  • Hanoi internet: NT$260/person
  • Local transport and other daily expenses: roughly NT$1,500/day

All told, a 4-day, 3-night independent trip to Hanoi comes to roughly NT$18,000.

Hanoi attractions

What are the must-see attractions in Hanoi? If Ha Long Bay is all you know, it is time to update your list — here are a few Hanoi spots worth noting:

  • The Old Quarter: the 36 Old Streets, Hanoi Opera House, and St. Joseph's Cathedral are all worth exploring in this historic district
  • Hoan Kiem Lake: a natural freshwater lake in central Hanoi, an important gathering spot for locals' daily leisure
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, with his former residence and a museum nearby, well worth visiting together
  • Tran Quoc Pagoda: a well-known Buddhist temple in Hanoi, sitting by the lake, and stunning once lit up at night
  • Lotte Observation Deck: currently Vietnam's tallest building, and just like in many other countries, a great spot to take in a romantic view over the city from above
  • Ha Long Bay: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions near Hanoi. We recommend a day trip to admire nature's artistry from every angle.

Further reading:
>> eSIM vs. physical SIM: what is the real difference? eSIM has few downsides and is genuinely easy for anyone, tech-savvy or not
>> When is the best time to travel abroad? It varies by continent — pick the right season for the best trip
>> 2024 guide to travel inconvenience and travel accident insurance, for anyone worried about flight delays