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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October-November and March-April: mild (20-28°C), dry, perfect. Avoid June-August (35°C+ and humid) and December-February (cold by Vietnam standards, 12-18°C).
Is Hanoi different from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)?
Completely. Hanoi is northern, cooler, slower, more traditional, has a real winter. Saigon is southern, hot, busy, modern. Most travelers do both.
How do you cross the street in Hanoi?
Walk steadily and confidently in a straight line. Motorbikes will flow around you. Do NOT stop or run.
Is Hanoi worth visiting?
Unmissable for first-time Vietnam visitors. The Old Quarter alone is one of Southeast Asia's great urban experiences.