If your trip to Hanoi is all booked but your travel itinerary is a little on the empty side, let us give you a helping hand.Experience the best that this place has to offer by adding Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature to your schedule. If you have some spare time, take a look at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Hoan Kiem Lake too.Plan a stop at Hanoi Opera House. It’s one sight you’ll usually find on many travelers’ must-do lists. If you still have some space on your schedule, Hanoi Old City Gate and St. Joseph’s Cathedral will keep you occupied too.

If you find yourself with a bit of extra time and you don’t mind traveling 35 miles, take a look at Tam Dao. This lively place offers loads of things to keep you busy. Thiền viện Trúc lâm Tây Thiên, Tam Dao Golf & Resort and Silver Falls alone make the drive out here worthwhile. The locals are also likely to point you in the direction of Hoa Lu, 55 miles away. If you only see one thing here, make sure it’s Tam Coc Bich Dong. (But we’re also big fans of Bai Dinh Pagoda and Thung Nham Bird Garden.)

Constantly on the move for work-related reasons? Convention centers are most likely a second home to you. With easy access to hotels and restaurants, you can be sure your trip will be a success if you’re on your way to any of these places:

• Center International Trade Fair Hanoi I.C.E (1 mile away).
• Van Ho Exhibition Center (2 miles away).
• Vietnam National Convention Center (4 miles away).

Some travelers find weaving through traffic in big cities a bit daunting. In a small vehicle like a compact or economy, the streets of Hanoi will be a cinch. Prefer to spend your getaway discovering the surrounding bays? Take a look at our fantastic range of mid-size and full-size SUVs. With loads of space and more power under the hood, these larger vehicles will make those long, scenic drives even more memorable. Crossing off all the experiences and attractions that Hanoi is known for has never been easier with your own set of wheels.

You’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a wide variety of both high-end and economy rental vehicles in Hanoi. What you end up going with is largely dependent on your budget as well as what you plan to do. Prestige vehicles offer unparalleled mod cons and comfort. If you feel like splashing out, why not go for a high-end SUV, or perhaps a slick mid-sized sedan? On the other hand, if you’re just after a set of wheels to get you around town as cheaply as possible, go for a no-frills compact vehicle (or something else that won’t burn a hole in your pocket).

You’ll be cruising along the right side of the road in Hanoi. Even though the conditions may be similar to home, it’s always smart to drive more cautiously in new and unfamiliar destinations.

It can be. Circling the block looking for a parking spot is all part of the fun in Hanoi. Getting near the popular sights is easier if you plan ahead.

Since the population of Hanoi is approximately 1,431,300, you can expect some denser traffic in the downtown area. Before and after work is when traffic is at its peak, so you may want to stay off the road during these times.

While navigating through the streets of Hanoi, keep in mind that the speed limits range from 60km/h to 90km/h. Residential zones are 40km/h unless posted otherwise.

Generally, your car rental company will charge the amount detailed on the fine to your credit card, including local surcharges and taxes. Or they may share your information with the relevant local authority, who’ll then send a fine to your postal address.

As is the case in many places, normal cell phone usage is prohibited while driving around Hanoi. However, an exception applies for hands-free or Bluetooth functions. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road.

In Hanoi, it’s an offence to drive with a BAC (blood alcohol content) greater than 0.05%. If you’re in the mood for a couple of drinks with lunch or dinner, leave your car at your hotel.

Yes, you may turn on a red light in Hanoi. But first you must bring the car to a total stop. Continue only when your way is clear of oncoming traffic.

We always recommend buckling up, even though seat belts aren’t required by law in Hanoi. Wearing a seat belt is one of the most reliable ways to save lives and reduce injuries in a crash.