One of the world's oldest capitals, Hanoi was founded in 1010 by Emperor Ly Thai To who named it Thang Long, meaning 'Ascending Dragon.' The city's Old Quarter has operated as a commercial hub for nearly 1,000 years, with streets named after the goods once sold on them. French colonial architecture blends with ancient temples around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake.
Nights sit around 25°C and afternoons around 32°C, though some days reach 35°C.
Hanoi barely changes season: afternoons sit around 28°C and nights around 22°C most of the year.
Some June days reach 38°C, and some January nights drop to 11°C.
There is a clear wet season from May – October, peaking in August with around 309 mm. The dry months run from December – February.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: April averages an AQI of 150, while October clears to 109.
Days stretch to about 13.3 hours of light in June and shrink to 10.7 in December — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
For what you're after, the best months in Hanoi are March – April. Expect fast internet (222 Mbps) and a low cost of living (about €750 a month).
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