When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Hanoi?
February to April and September to November are the cheapest times to fly to Hanoi. If you’re in Vietnam for January or February, you’ll be able to experience the Tet Festival (a Lunar New Year’s celebration), but be aware that this is a very busy time for travelling. If you’d like to visit sometime between December and March, keep in mind that the weather can be very cold. July and August are the peak months for travel to Vietnam, and airfares are likely to cost more.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Hanoi?
Book your flights to Hanoi around two to four months before departure. Use Netflights to compare prices across airlines and routes on return flights. You may be able to save money by choosing a flight with one or more stopovers or by using the flexible dates option on Netflights to see which day of the week is cheapest for airfares.
Flying to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport HAN
Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 28 miles (45 kilometres) from the city centre. It’s the biggest airport in northern Vietnam and serves the capital city and surrounding areas.
Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights to Hanoi from London Heathrow. Other major airports in the United Kingdom offer indirect flights, including Manchester, Aberdeen and Birmingham. Aeroflot, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines all offer indirect flights to Hanoi.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport was originally built for use by the Vietnamese Air Force. Its new international terminal, Terminal 2, opened in 2014, boasting 96 check-in counters and 17 gates. Terminal 1 now serves domestic flights.
You’ll arrive on the first floor of the terminal building; baggage claim is also on the same level. The airport offers various facilities for arriving passengers, including currency exchange, ATMs and restaurants.
Getting to the City from Hanoi International Airport HAN
Getting to the city from the airport is easy. There’s a taxi rank on the arrivals level of the international terminal. A ride into the city centre takes about 30 minutes. If you prefer to take a bus, the Airport Minibus will take you to the Vietnam Airlines Office on Quang Trung in the city centre. Additionally, Hanoi city buses 7 and 17 connect the airport with the city centre, Kim Ma bus station and Long Bien bus station respectively. They run every 15 to 20 minutes from 5am until 10pm. The bus stop is on the right side when you leave the terminal.
Why Visit Hanoi?
With its buzzing markets, scooter-filled streets and crumbling colonial architecture, Hanoi’s full of contrasts. The fascinating Old Quarter is home to a hotchpotch of shops, market stalls and artisans with temples, ancient houses and pagodas interspersed. From there, head to the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, one of Hanoi’s most popular sights, and the neighbouring grand Presidential Palace, built as a residence for the French Governor of Indochina.
Street food is everywhere in Hanoi. From banh mi baguettes to beef pho, it’s possible to eat well and cheaply at any time of day. Eat lunch like a local by sampling some less obvious street foods: deep-fried dumplings, eel porridge and Hanoi-style barbecues. Take a short break from the city’s frenetic energy with a Vietnamese coffee before heading to the Hoan Kiem District to shop for souvenirs, silk and silver jewellery.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders can enter Vietnam for a maximum of 45 days (inclusive of entry and exit dates) without a visa. Before you leave, check that your passport will be valid for a minimum of six months after your arrival date in Vietnam. The local currency is the Vietnamese dong. It might be a good idea to exchange some money before you arrive.
