Luxury accommodation in the perfect location for sightseeing walking distance to attractions.
Luxury accommodation in the perfect location for sightseeing walking distance to attractions.
The second thing you can be sure of is that since Hanoi has been voted as one of the top travel destinations in the world, experiencing the charms of this city between two rivers is a must do and will be money well spent.
Whether you are a history and culture enthusiast, someone in search of adventure, enjoy an exotic nightlife, like to shop or a honeymoon couple who will enjoy romantic evening strolls across the city's dozen lakes wrapped in the aroma of bright pink cherry blossoms, the reasons to come here are endless and its diverse attractions are unlikely to disappoint.
If the Old Quarter is high on your agenda and you head there first, the French Quarter (Ba Dinh) may feel like a restful reprieve after a few days exploring the Old Quarter, though they are located very near each other.
While the Old Quarter sports accommodation with great reviews, it is in the French Quarter where some of the best 5 star hotels in Hanoi are found, including the luxury Sofitel Legend Metropole, a classic early 19th century French Colonial style icon restored to its former glory.
In the upmarket French Quarter life takes on a sophisticated genteel character. In contrast to the Old Quarter's jam packed narrow lanes the streets here are open and wide, it features designer boutique shops, top notch restaurants and cafes set around tranquil parks. Regular plays at the Opera House, the Vietnamese National History Museum and Museum of Revolution are all must-do's.
Want to book hotel accommodation in area more reminiscent of the city's past? The Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem area) is located adjacent to the French Quarter (Ba Dinh) as is nearby Tay Ho. But it is mostly the Old Quarter where as the name suggests the city's 1 000 year old history most noticeably reveal itself and where most of its tourist attractions are located.
Do know that it is busy and can be noisy, but you will be right in the centre of all that is culturally and historically interesting. Henceforth it is the most authentic glimpse into Old Vietnamese lifestyle.
Escaping the hubbub and retreating to calm tranquility is made easy with one of Hanoi's many lakes, namely Hoan Kiem Lake an easy stroll from the Old Quarter which adds a romantic side to it all. In the centre of the lake is the iconic Turtle Tower, on an island in the lake stands the Temple of Jade Mountain, brightly painted bridges cross the placid water and at night the views across the lake is enchanting.
This ancient area's architecture reflect on its French colonial past, it has many temples, still feature the Old City Gate which was the original entrance many moons ago and you will hear the bells of St. Jospeh's cathedral daily.
Its crammed narrow lanes is a shopping hotspot, it has many restaurants, cafes and bars, it is the primary nightlife spot and is generally the place to spend days experiencing age old customs and traditions while strolling along its buzzing streets soaking up a spirited life around you.