Addis Ababa to Hanoi Flights

  About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in Africa. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. The city is also considered as the political capital of Africa since it houses the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is situated in the foothills of Entoto Mountains and is one of the five highest capital cities of the world. Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee in the world, and there's nothing better than actually flying to the country to try some. The city has a rich economic, scientific and political history and several museums that showcase these findings. In fact, you will also come across a museum that solely focuses on telling people how politics can make bad history. Not to mention, it is also a great place to go on a shopping spree for Ethiopian products, lots of coffee grounds and souvenirs. While Addis Ababa is not a popular vacation destination, a lot of travellers usually explore the city when they have a long layover. If you do not have any time constraints as such, you can definitely explore the city and be amazed at how it has progressed.

Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is called the Cradle of Mankind and is one of the best places to visit in Africa. January to March is a high season in Ethiopia. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degree Celsius with slight rainfalls. It doesn't rain as much in Addis Ababa, but it does in the other cities. Summer is the perfect time for you to spot wildlife like giraffes, wolves and ibex. You can also attend events like Timkat and Leddet in summer. Hiking in the Bale or Simien mountains is one of the only things that you will not be allowed to do in summer. Since this is high season, make sure you book your flight tickets to Addis Ababa in advance and book your hotels in Addis Ababa several weeks in advance. The prices begin to surge since the city welcomes a lot of tourists in this season.

April to September is a low tourist season in Addis Ababa since this is when the monsoon begins. The city can get pretty hot, sticky and uncomfortable in monsoon. While you might get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa in monsoon owing to the dip in tourism, it is best to postpone your trip. However, if you still visit the city in monsoon, you will be allowed to go sightseeing at certain parks like the Omo and Mago Valley, but the major attractions remain shut. The temperature ranges from 12 to 25 degree Celsius during summer. October to December is also summer in Addis Ababa, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degree Celsius. However, it is still a shoulder season in the city where only a few tourists will be seen. The weather remains cooler as compared to the high season. October to December is also an ideal time to go hiking in the Simien mountains. You might come across some excellent flight deals to Addis Ababa online during the shoulder season. If you plan to visit any time between October and December, ensure that you make the most of this deal. You will also get great discounts at the hotel you will be staying in, or maybe you pick one that comes with a lot of offers.

Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has a lot of museums that narrate the sad story of its past. The 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum is one of those museums that will shake you. It recalls the terrible incidents that have taken place in the city and give you a perspective in life. The National Museum is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. St George Cathedral and Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are few of the other popular spots in the city that you cannot miss. Head over to Merkato if you want to go on a shopping spree. Fair warning: It will be crowded so be prepared for it. You can also visit the Lion of Judah Monument that holds a lot of significant positions in the city. The Derg Monument is a reminder to the people of Addis Ababa about the pain and struggles that they went through during the communist rule. You can also roam around the Addis Ababa University and be amazed at the beautiful campus. You can also climb up the Entoto Mountain and catch the panoramic view of the city from up here. It can get pretty overwhelming. However, make sure that you are hiking up the hill during the right season. It is not safe to hike in the mountains during monsoon. You can also visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which was founded in 1986. The city has a lot of museums and historical landmarks that you cannot miss.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

You can catch the magnificent view of the entire city from Mount Entoto. Hiking in the forest of Eucalyptus trees sure does count as quite an adventure. You can also sign for a sightseeing tour covering all the museums in the city. Mercato is Africa's biggest open-air market, and you will buy everything from handmade baskets to spices at the market. It also has a separate section where shopkeepers sell second-hand items. Head over to Tomoca Coffee for the most refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee in different flavours. You can also order for Macchiato, which is equally excellent. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a great place to learn more about Ethiopia's tragic past. If you want to go on a shopping spree for traditional clothes, you can try the Shiro Meda; it is near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The restaurants in the city have a very active dance and music scene along with delicious food. Make sure you do try some of that. You can also check out the statue of Emperor Menelik II, who was the founder of Addis Ababa.

Lagar Railway Station is yet another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It is the first-ever railway station in the city, and its unique architecture is what makes it special. Medhane Alem Church at Bole District is one of the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Churches, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Head over to check out the Tiglachin (Dreg) Monument, which stands as a reminder that Ethiopia was victorious over all of its invaders. You can also sign up for a food tour in the city and get to know more about the culinary speciality here.

Food and Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food is known for being spicy, and while it may not be as popular as European or Asian food worldwide, it is worth trying. If you are new to Ethiopian food, your first experience will be out of this world. Addis Ababa has a lot of restaurants that serve traditional Ethiopian food with music and dance. They also have a lot of restaurants that serve other cuisines from all over the world and cannot be missed. Totot is a restaurant that specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. Make sure you order the Kitfo here that melts in your mouth and is quite spicy. The restaurant is packed on weekends so make sure you reach the restaurant early, so you don't have to wait for a long time. Yod Abyssinia is yet another restaurant that reflects the country's food, dance and music culture. The decor of the place is unique, and it is also quite close to the airport. You can order the tibs, Shiro and Doro wat here along with kitfo. The Addis Ababa restaurant in Arada can be a little difficult to find, but it is completely worth it. A lot of locals believe that the food here tastes like homemade food.

How to reach Addis Ababa (Transportation)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Addis Ababa from India is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to Addis Ababa from India. Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline also have flights to Addis Ababa with layovers at Cairo, Nairobi and Dubai. It might be difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa if you book at the last moment. If you book several weeks in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Addis Ababa online that are worth exploring. It is quite convenient to get a cab or car rental service from the airport to your hotel. However, it is advisable to pre-book your cab online. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that your hotel might offer. The airport also has premium lounges, restrooms and a lot of other services for the convenience of the passengers. The airport opened its first business class lounge in 2012, and they are also planning to add spas and another lounge soon.

  About Hanoi

Snuggled up in the Northern terrains of the green country, Vietnam is the lovely capital Hanoi. The city is an architectural and cultural hub of the Southeast Asian country. Hanoi has birthed many famous dishes, enabling the relevance of Vietnamese cuisine on a global map. It is an important city and has brilliant connectivity with the rest of the world.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Spring and autumn automatically become the most favoured seasons in Hanoi, thanks to the scorching summer heat. The geographical overview of Hanoi is such that the city witnesses a subtropical climate year-round. The winters in Hanoi are cold and dry, which is quite the contrast from the summers which are hot, humid and wet. February to April brings some refreshing air into the city as the weather is not too hot or too cold. Thanks to the pleasant weather, indulging in touristy activities becomes much easier. Many fields and plants bloom during this season, which only adds to the exquisite landscape of Hanoi and Vietnam. The season also brings a surge in the hotel prices and flight tickets. As a city which witnesses a high number of tourists during the spring months, flights to Hanoi as well as hotels become quite expensive. Hence, it would be best to plan a trip in advance and make prior flight and hotel bookings to Hanoi.

Similarly, even the autumn months from October to November are quite ideal. The temperature starts to drop but to a pleasant number. Not to mention how the fields and expanses of green turn yellow and golden, adding to the beauty of Vietnam. Under the blue skies, this is a sight for sore eyes. This time also witnesses a significant number of tourists from around the world, leading to a surge in the flight and hotel prices. If you are opting for a budget trip, winters would be quite good for you as the temperatures are super low but pleasant. Not to mention how the off-season is also something that reduces the ticket and hotel prices, making budget trips possible. Summers are not the best in Hanoi. Due to the excess humidity and precipitation in the air, the city witnesses a hotter climate. Interestingly, Hanoi's summers also become their monsoon as both the climates are experienced.

Places to visit in Hanoi

Hanoi has some extraordinary sights with infrastructural bliss that you will only find out about once you visit the city. The rich rice paddies and green expanse might have tantalised your views of what to expect from Hanoi. However, the city has more to offer in the form of architectural delights. Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the famous tourist spots in Hanoi for all the right reasons. Also known by the name H? G??m, the lake is located in the midst of Hanoi's historical sites. Over the years, the city's focal tourist attraction has found several names to be remembered by including 'Luc Thuy Lake' and 'Thuy Quan Lake'. The location is so pristine and quaint that you will instantly fall in love with it. Hold your emotions, though as there are a few more places in Hanoi to make you poignant. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one such place which serves as the tomb of the famous Vietnamese revolutionary leader, President Ho Chi Minh. It is situated in Ba Dinh square where he first took up the position as the chairman of the Worker's Party of Vietnam in 1951 and died in 1969.

You should also visit the V?n Mi?u, a temple that has been dedicated to the Confucius. The temple complex is also known to host the Imperial Academy, which is Vietnam's first national university. The structure and the complex of the temple is certainly beautiful and worth visiting. The Th?ng Long Citadel is another gorgeous location with pristine historic buildings that have been constructed to celebrate the flourishing history of Hanoi. Hoa Lo Prison Relic is another intriguing tourist attraction in Hanoi that showcases the fate of prisoners during the French colonial rule in Vietnam. The prison was later also used to lock up war prisoners from the US army during the Vietnam War. The structure holds a lot of history and significance that you should learn about. It will be quite interesting to know more about the tales of Vietnam and its struggling history with various conflicts.

Things to do in Hanoi

Vietnamese delicacies are a big hit among food fanatics. However, for those who wish to drown themselves in the tranquillity and serenity of Hanoi, you can visit the freshwater lake West Lake, which is on the northwest of Hanoi's city centre. With an exquisite view of the sparkling lake and the surrounding green beauty, the location automatically becomes one of the best places to be in when in Hanoi. You can actually book hotel rooms in Hanoi's paradise. The lake is popular for entertaining various tourist activities such as canoeing on the lake as well as boating. You can sit and enjoy some quiet fishing too or just savour the beauty of the lake. Another interesting thing that you could do in Hanoi would be to get yourself some tickets to Vietnamese shows and watch it at the Grand Opera House (also known as Hanoi Opera House). It would be quite an experience considering how the theatre's acoustics are marvellous.

Food and restaurants in Hanoi

Vietnamese cuisine owes a lot of their fame to Hanoi. It is beloved that a majority of the dishes that have found international acclaim are actually all thanks to Hanoi's discoveries. From using the finest ingredients in the food to bringing forth a brilliant melange of flavours, the Vietnamese from Hanoi have bolstered the Vietnamese cuisine. Hence, it would be a shame to not explore this part of the culture. You should definitely indulge in some street food sessions as well as fine dining experiences to make the most of your wanderlust in Hanoi.

The Hanoi Social Club is one such place that brings forth a quaint environment teamed with beautiful Mediterranean spread with vegetarian delights too. The restaurant also acknowledges musicians, who come and perform to perform to entertain the crowd. Red Bean Restaurant is majorly Vietnamese-based with cuisine reflecting the city's finest food. It has an upscale setting which might be fun to indulge in. Do not miss their bún ch? and ph?, which are widely recognised in the world. At the Hung Snake restaurant, you will get to experience what snakes taste like as the place is known to cook snakes in many ways. Their biggest speciality though is the snake whiskey which draws a lot of tourist attention. Hanoi's Ch? Cá Th?ng Long might not have a long list of menu with far too many dishes. But you wouldn't need them as they only specialise in a few meals and have aced the cooking. Hence, they have quite a reputation in the city. You can get a taste of fusion food at Pizza 4P's Tràng Ti?n where you will get to taste the Vietnamese pan pizzas which do have the consistency of an Italian dough.

How to reach Hanoi

Hanoi has brilliant flight connectivity. Vietnam is always in demand for backpackers and budget travellers. Thanks to the lush green beauty of the land added with the potential to engage in social and environmental causes brings a lot of travellers to the city. Airlines such as IndiGo, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Silkair, Vietnam Airlines, to name a few, have regular flights flying to Hanoi or connecting with the city. There are no provisions of direct or nonstop flights to Hanoi from India. However, there are many options to connect from India to Hanoi. The most popular route to Hanoi often chosen by tourists is from Hong Kong. The duration from Hong Kong is the least and hence, is the most preferred. There are other international routes to Hanoi too that connect from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and even Bangkok. The flight duration is only seven hours and ten minutes. However, depending on the flight that you pick, it could vary. Not to mention the climate conditions during the venture. Travelling by flight is the most convenient way to reach Hanoi, and it is also the fastest way to go.

Flight tickets to Hanoi are not very expensive. You can easily make a round trip to Hanoi for as less as INR 40,000. Many of the South Asian countries have cheap flight tickets, making travel very pocket-friendly and convenient. There are a plethora of cheap flight tickets to Hanoi available. In fact, you might even be able to get hold of some great discounts and flight tickets to Hanoi online. It is essential that you start booking in advance if you want to make the most of the discounts and online deals to Hanoi. Many of these deals also include accommodation. Basically, you can make your flight and hotel bookings to Hanoi online and get massive discounts for the same. The season you pick is essential as that would further help in deciding whether you can avail the cheap hotels and flights to Hanoi. The city is constantly bustling with many tourists and NGO workers.