Hanoi Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, sits on the Red River in the north of the country and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited capitals in Southeast Asia. Its heart is the Old Quarter, a dense maze of narrow streets each historically devoted to a single trade, now packed with shops, street-food stalls, and motorbikes. Just south sits Hoan Kiem Lake with its iconic red Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple, the symbolic centre of the city. The French colonial era left wide tree-lined boulevards, the grand Opera House, and the landmark Sofitel Metropole. West of the centre, around West Lake (Ho Tay), the city opens up into newer districts, and further west in Nam Tu Liem is the modern business and convention zone where the National Convention Center and the JW Marriott sit. For a conference traveler, Hanoi is inexpensive, intensely flavourful, and easy to extend into a trip: Ha Long Bay is a few hours east, and the city itself rewards a couple of extra days wandering the Old Quarter and working through its street food. Note that the convention district in the west is a fair distance from the central Old Quarter, so where you stay depends on whether you prioritise the venue or the city.
The Old Quarter is the essential Hanoi experience: 36 ancient streets of food, commerce, and motorbike chaos, best explored slowly on foot. Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple form the calm centre of the city. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university, founded 1070), and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long are the key historic sites. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the Hoa Lo Prison are both worth a visit. Hanoi’s street food is world-famous: pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee are all best sampled from busy local spots. For a longer trip, Ha Long Bay is the standout day or overnight excursion, about 2.5 to 3 hours east.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 27 km north of the city centre, with growing international service across Asia and some long-haul routes. A taxi or Grab to the centre takes around 40-50 minutes; the airport minibus and public bus 86 are cheaper options. The JW Marriott and western convention district are slightly closer to the airport than the Old Quarter.
Hanoi traffic is dominated by motorbikes and crossing the road is an art form. The Grab app (rideshare, including motorbike taxis) is the easiest way to get around and very cheap. Taxis are widely available. A light-rail and metro network is slowly expanding but does not yet cover most tourist areas. The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake are best explored on foot. The western convention district is 30-45 minutes from the centre by car depending on traffic.
October to April is the best window, with the cooler, drier months from November to January being most comfortable (15-22C). March to May is warm and increasingly humid. Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and the peak of the rainy season. May, when AAMAS 2027 is held, is warm and humid with temperatures around 28-32C.
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1 upcoming conference in Hanoi
Our picks in Hanoi
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Church Boutique Hotel Hang Trong
9 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Budget-friendly boutique hotel near St Joseph’s Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake with free breakfast - a solid pick for grad students or...
Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi - MGallery
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Stylish boutique hotel next to the Opera House in the central French Quarter - a characterful mid-to-upper option for attendees prioritising the...
JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
8 Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
The AAMAS 2027 venue hotel, a landmark luxury property in the western convention district - the obvious choice for attendees who want...
La Siesta Classic Ma May
94 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Highly rated boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter with a rooftop bar and excellent service - great value for...
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Five-star hotel high in the Lotte tower with sweeping city views, roughly midway between the convention district and the centre - good...
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Historic French-colonial grande dame in the heart of Hoan Kiem, walking distance to the Old Quarter and Opera House - best for...
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