Hanoi is the kind of city that grabs you by the senses and refuses to let go. Motorbikes weave through narrow lanes, the smell of pho drifts from every corner, and French colonial architecture stands next to centuries-old temples. For Singaporeans, the short hop on Singapore to Hanoi flights makes it one of the most accessible and affordable city breaks in Southeast Asia.
Arriving and Getting Around
Noi Bai International Airport sits about 30 kilometres from the city centre, and a taxi or Grab ride into the Old Quarter takes roughly 45 minutes depending on traffic. Domestic buses also connect the airport to the central Hanoi train station. Once you are in the city, walking is the best way to explore the Old Quarter, while Grab bikes offer a thrilling and cheap option for longer distances. Renting a motorbike is popular among experienced riders, but Hanoi’s traffic is chaotic and not for the faint-hearted.
The Old Quarter: 36 Streets of Chaos and Charm
Hanoi’s Old Quarter dates back nearly a thousand years, with each street historically dedicated to a specific trade. Hang Gai sells silk, Hang Bac deals in silver, and Hang Ma specialises in paper goods and decorations. Wandering without a fixed plan is part of the fun — you will stumble upon hidden temples, tiny coffee shops, and street vendors grilling meat on charcoal right on the pavement. Weekend nights bring a pedestrian zone and night market around Dong Xuan, perfect for picking up souvenirs.
Street Food That Defines the City
Pho is the obvious starting point — a steaming bowl of rice noodle soup with beef or chicken that costs as little as 40,000 dong. Bun cha, grilled pork patties served with vermicelli and a tangy dipping broth, gained fame after a certain world leader tried it on camera. Banh mi from a roadside cart delivers a perfect crunch of baguette with pate, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Egg coffee at Giang Cafe is thick, sweet, and unlike anything you have tasted before. Budget around S$10 to S$15 a day and you will eat like royalty.
Cultural Spots Worth Your Time
The Temple of Literature, built in 1070, served as Vietnam’s first university and remains a serene escape from the surrounding bustle. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the surrounding complex including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda take up a solid half day. Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the city is ideal for a morning stroll, especially at sunrise when locals practise tai chi along the banks. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is a smaller attraction that offers a moving look at the role of women throughout Vietnamese history.
Day Trips That Are Worth the Drive
Ninh Binh, often called the inland Ha Long Bay, features dramatic limestone karsts rising from flooded rice paddies. A boat ride through Tam Coc takes about two hours and is best enjoyed in the cooler morning light. Ha Long Bay itself is reachable as a day trip, though an overnight cruise gives you more time to explore the caves and floating villages. Perfume Pagoda, set within a mountain complex south of Hanoi, involves a scenic boat ride and a cable car to reach the main shrine.
Practical Tips for Singaporean Visitors
Singaporeans receive visa-free entry for up to 30 days. The currency is the Vietnamese dong, and cash is king outside of hotels and large restaurants. Power sockets vary, so a universal adaptor is useful. Singapore to Hanoi flights run daily with several airlines, and booking through platforms like Traveloka Singapore makes it simple to compare schedules and prices. The best months to visit are October to December, when the weather is cool and dry — a welcome break from Singapore’s perpetual humidity.
Budget Breakdown
Excluding flights, a five-day Hanoi trip can cost as little as S$400 if you stay in guesthouses and eat street food. Mid-range travellers spending on boutique hotels and the occasional guided tour should budget around S$700 to S$900. Hanoi rewards the curious and the hungry in equal measure.
