Varanasi to Hanoi Flights

  About Varanasi

India's spiritual capital, Varanasi, is one of the holiest cities in the country. It is also called Kashi or Banaras and is located on the western banks of the Ganges. The Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most important and oldest temples in the city. It is also considered as one of the most auspicious places to die and is believed that you will get salvation or liberation from the cycle of life and death if you die here. The Ganga aarti that happens here in the evening is a sight to behold. The chants reverberate across the city, and it's a wonderful experience. The city has a lot of devotees and international tourists visiting considering the fact that it is a holy and popular city. Not just Hindus but Varanasi is an important city for Buddhists, too.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

Winter is considered to be the best time to head to Varanasi. The temperature is low, and it is breezy all day, making it the right time to venture out. Winter here starts from November and lasts till February. The temperature ranges from 5 to 15 degree Celsius. This is best for you to take a stroll outside or explore the city. Chilling by the ghats with a cup of tea is simply ideal during this season. Since it is peak season, you might come across interesting flight deals to Varanasi online. Book a hotel in Varanasi that is closer to the main tourist spots so you won't have to spend additional time travelling. If you are in the city during this season, don't miss out on being a part of the Mahashivratri celebrations here.

July to October witnesses the monsoon season in Banaras, and the city receives torrential rainfall. Despite the heavy rains, the city sees a lot of pilgrims coming to offer their prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The temperature ranges from 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. Even though the monsoon can put a damper on your plans to go sightseeing or venture out altogether, it does add a lot of charm to the beauty of the city. You can get drenched in the rains and enjoy the view from the ghats. In fact, river Ganga looks the best during monsoon, and it will surely please the water baby in you.

The city experiences summer from March to June. April and May are the hottest months, and the temperature rises to 45 degree Celsius. Planning any outdoor activity during the summer can turn into a bad decision. Though the areas near the ghats are somewhat pleasant, you won't be able to do any of the activities that you would otherwise take up in winter.

Places to Visit in Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath temple is among the top places to visit in Banaras. Since Banaras is considered as a holy city, you will find a lot of temples and spiritual places in the city. Apart from the temples, the city also has a lot of ghats you must go to. The Dashashwamedha ghat is of utmost importance and is also where the Ganga aarti takes place. The Hindu myth states that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses in a yagna at this very spot, which is how the ghat got its name. The Assi Ghat is where you can soak in the view of the holy city and embrace your spirituality. A lot of pilgrims worship Lord Shiva here by praying to a huge lingam that is under a peepal tree. The Manikarnika Ghat is considered to be an auspicious place to be cremated. The Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple is also a popularly visited place of worship.

You will also find Buddhist temples in the city like the Tibetan temple. Folklore suggests that this is the spot where Lord Buddha guided his disciples to follow the path of spirituality. The Panchganga ghat is yet another ghat worth visiting. This is believed to be the meeting place of holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhutpapa. A lot of travellers come here to experience all the positivity and peaceful vibes of the ghat. Kedar Ghat is considered to be the cleanest ghats in the city to bathe before offering your prayers in a temple. You will find a palace and an observatory built by Maharaja Man Singh and Savai Jaisingh 2 respectively, in the 17th century, at the Manmandir Ghat. The view of River Ganga from the palace and the observatory is simply spectacular.

Things to do in Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath temple is known to be one of the oldest temples in the city and is also one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the world. Take a tour of all the temples in the city during your trip to Banaras. Apart from temples, you can also take a tour of the ghats to soak in the beautiful view of the Ganges. Most ghats in the city are of mythological and historical importance. Some even have religious and spiritual significance. The Dashashwamedha ghat, Assi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and the list goes on. Taking a bath in the holy Ganges is something that every pilgrim does in Banaras. It is believed that taking a dip in the Ganges relieves you of all your sins. It will certainly be an experience of a lifetime for you. Go boating at river Ganga and catch the most mesmerizing sunset. You will feel rejuvenated instantly.

Don't forget to visit Sarnath, which is approximately 13 km away from the city. The Dhamek Stupa is of spiritual importance, and a must-visit if you want to learn more about Buddhism. You can also visit the Tibetan temple, another sacred place of worship for Buddhists. You cannot miss the Ganga aarti that happens in the evening before dusk. It is the most magnificent thing to experience, and no videos on the internet do justice to how spectacular it is when you watch it live. Varanasi is also known for its street food and the delicious aloo puris. Banaras is also popular for its Lassi, and you can't leave without treating yourself to a glass of lassi. Banarasi silk sarees, chikankari work and items that can be used for your pujas; you will find everything you need at the markets in Banaras. The local bazaars are the best places to go on a shopping spree.

Food and Restaurants in Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its desi delicacies that will be a delight to your taste buds. The Kachori sabzis, chena dahi vada, choora matar, thandai, lassi, baati chokha, tamatar chaat, etc. are some of the popular street foods in Banaras. The city also has a lot of cafes and restaurants that serve great food with a relaxing ambience, and some even have a view of the Ganges. You must definitely try the lassis and thandais in the city. Since this is considered to be a sacred city of religious importance, it will be difficult to find any alcohol here, especially anywhere near the temples.

The Brown Bread Bakery, near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, is the city's first organic bakery and is also a rooftop restaurant. It is popular for its European Breakfast Buffet, and the view from the rooftop restaurant only adds to the ambience. The Lotus Lounge is yet another popular terrace lounge in the city that's right next to the Mansarovar ghat. The whole decor of the place will lift your mood instantly. Make sure you also order the hot chocolate here. Rooftop Restaurant at Assi Ghat is another restaurant that you must go to in Banaras. The restaurant has Chinese, Continental and Indian cuisine on its menu. Kashi Chaat Bhandar at Godowlia Chowk is the place to go to if you are in the mood for some chaat. The tomato chaat here, which is served in mud pots, is worth a try and you will definitely love it. Though it is a small place, it is always crowded early in the morning and in the evenings. In fact, some travellers even agree to wait in the queue for hours to try the chaat here.

How to reach Varanasi (Transportation)

By Air

Banaras has its own airport called Varanasi Airport. The flight connectivity from Varanasi is quite limited, though, and it is only connected to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the closest international airport nearby. You will easily get taxis or buses from Delhi. In fact, a connecting flight from Delhi is one of the most popular routes to Varanasi by air. Make sure you book your flight tickets to Varanasi well in advance.

By Rail

The Kashi Junction and the Varanasi Junction connect to the various other major cities in the country. The Rajdhani Express also passes through Varanasi. It's also a very convenient and budget-friendly way to travel to Varanasi.

By Road

The city is also well-connected by roads. Buses and taxis from other cities of Uttar Pradesh and nearby cities run frequently to Varanasi.

  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.

  About Varanasi Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or popularly known as Varanasi Airport is located in Babatpur, located about 26 km away from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, the airport was called Varanasi Airport. However, the airline was renamed as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to honour the second Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri. The change of name took place in 2005. It is known to be the 20th busiest airport in India, with respect to passenger traffic. The airport is also the second-busiest airport in Uttar Pradesh, following Lucknow, the state capital. Varanasi Airport is recognised for its passenger traffic that comes from domestic as well as international routes. As a holy city, the airport has been witnessing a growth in passengers and even cargo traffic. The airline features a single runway made of asphalt with two exits and one main apron. The airport connects to prominent domestic cities and international ones too that are in proximity to the country.

About Varanasi Airport Terminals

Currently, Varanasi Airport has three terminals, one reserved for domestic, one for international and one for cargo. The domestic terminal is perfectly equipped with modern technologies and the most modern facilities. These include escalators as well as baggage handling systems. Meanwhile, the international terminal has exemplary operations which connect to various cities abroad. Not to mention how the airport is also equipped with the necessary facilities to cater to the comfort of the passengers. The cargo terminal is half a kilometre away from the passenger airport terminal. The cargo does have facilities such as warehouse and transportation facilities for the cargo goods. The cargo terminal also has strong security that ensures to keep the goods safe. The floor area of the domestic and international terminals as measured, rounds up to 26,500 square metres. The terminals have been kept clean and spotless. Many travellers have advocated for the same by stating how Varanasi Airport is neat and has some of the finest facilities.

There are about 16 check-in counters and are also equipped with CUTE (common-user terminal equipment), four immigration booths as well as emigration counters, two baggage-claim conveyor belts and enough snack stalls. The terminal also has a seating area in the upper-level with aerobridge gates. Meanwhile, the ground-level terminal directly reaches the aircraft apron.

About airport authority

Due to the demand for Varanasi Airport has increased over the years, the Airports Authority of India has planned to expand the runway. The current runway is sprawled across 9,020 ft, but the AAI plans to expand it to 13,369 ft. An underpass to connect to the airport is also being constructed as part of the expansion plan. This underpass will be intersecting with National Highway 31. The new terminal that the airport authority has proposed is speculated to be completed by 2024. Overall, the area of the newly expanded airport would be 58,691 square metres. The passenger capacity would also be increased to 4.5 million annually.

Facilities at Varanasi Airport

Baggage - There are excellent baggage facilities available at the Varanasi Airport. Some of them include provisions of free baggage cost, trolleys, wrapping services and more. The airport does not have a storage facility as such for baggage. However, it does have dedicated security checks for bags as well as wrapping services. You can safeguard your bags from damage by wrapping them with plastic. Plus, you can use the trolleys, present at regular intervals, to keep all your bags together.

Restaurants and cafes - Although designated entertainment zones are not available at the airport. However, it does have some restaurants and cafes within its premise. Passengers after check-in can find some food joints at the waiting lounge. The restaurants are mostly local cuisine-based and made in a hygienic environment. The meals are fresh and made right in front of the customers. The prices of the meals and refreshments are also quite reasonable and affordable. Unlike how some of the big airports have exorbitant rates for the meals, Varanasi Airport has considerably affordable prices for their meals. You can find them at the departures and arrivals sections of the airport.

Shopping outlets - Further, to enhance the entertainment quotient and to add to the tourism of the state, the airport has reserved some stalls for shops. You can find local handicrafts, jewellery, books, magazines, newspapers and more such products. These can be found after the security-check, at the departures lounge. You can make some last-minute purchases too if need be. The prices vary, depending on what you wish to purchase.

ATMs - Varanasi sees a lot of international travellers who need to return to Delhi for their flights abroad. Hence, the airport has ensured to provide ATMs and foreign exchange services. You can find these booths at the airport's arrivals section of the terminal. The ATMs are enabled to read all types of debit cards, and money can be withdrawn. As for money transfers, the currency exchange counters are available for the same.

Special assistance - At the airport, you can ask for special assistance if you have mobility issues or need help. The airport staff has been trained to cater to the needs of the passengers with respect to traversing within the vicinity. This includes getting the baggage checked or to pass through the security check. Provisions of wheelchairs have also been made as part of their services to the passengers. Senior citizens and individuals with mobility concerns can avail the same. Informing the airlines with special requirements would be ideal as that way, the airport would be prepared with all the necessary equipment.

Medical services - With a view to attending medical emergencies, Varanasi Airport has also reserved special provisions for the same. Although there are not many medical rooms or paramedics available at the airport, they have on-call doctors plus staff to help with the medical emergencies. The airport also has pharmacies, in case you have run out of any specific medication from your list. Information concerning the medical services can be found at the airport's information desk.

Smoking rooms - Smoking lounges are available at Varanasi Airport. Although smoking is prohibited in public, the airport has installed one smoking zone where passengers can smoke. There are provisions for cigarette boxes also present at the airport's premise.

Top airlines flying from Varanasi Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport sees a tremendously good connection with major cities in India. The airport also accommodates a slew of airlines and has international flights too. The major domestic airlines that operate from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport are Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara. As for international flights from Varanasi Airport, these include Air India Express, Buddha Air, Malindo Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile. The airport connects to domestic cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Agra, Chennai, Gaya, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Goa, Khajuraho, to name a few. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport also sees flights connecting to international cities such as Bangkok, Colombo and Kuala Lumpur.

How to reach Varanasi Airport

By Bus and taxi

The bus stand is centrally located in Varanasi and is away from the airport. There are no bus stands or direct buses that would reach the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The only way to reach the airport would be to hail a taxicab or get a car rental. You can find rentals at the airport's arrivals section. The perks of rentals are that once your trip concludes, you can directly take the transport service to the airport and drop it there. This way, you avoid the concerns of being stranded without any transport. The best way to reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is by hailing auto rickshaws. The city has an abundance of rickshaw services that travellers can avail.

By Rail

The distance between Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and Varanasi Railway Station is approximately 18.9 km. Often travellers who are travelling from other parts of Uttar Pradesh use the railway as a means to reach the city. Hence, for you to reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport from the railway station, it is essential to take a taxi cab. Auto-rickshaws are also available outside the railway station that you can hail to reach Varanasi Airport. It will take more than 30 minutes to reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport from the railway station though. You will have to prepare yourself for the travel time as it heavily depends on the traffic situations too. Luckily, the railway station always has rickshaw and taxi services available to connect to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.

About Varanasi

Varanasi, popularly known as Benares or Kashi, is a holy city that is perched on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is about 320 kilometres away from the state capital, Lucknow. It is considered to be one of the seven holiest cities and sees tremendous significance in Hinduism and Jainism. The city is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and Varanasi Junction railway station. The city also has connections with Buddhism and is considered to be one of the most visited holy cities in the country.