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Hanoi travel guide and hotels

Asia’s Grand Old Dame, Hanoi boasts 1,000 years of history from its mystical Hoan Kiem Lake to the Old Quarter and more recent Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Sometimes chaotic but always charming.

Read more in this comprehensive 100-page tourist travel guide.

Cross the Huc bridge to the isolated temple island in the city’s ancient heart, or wander the ‘Hangs’ in search of bargains before seeking out traditional pagodas, click and read more

One of Asia’s truly remarkable natural wonders, Halong Bay is a popular short trip from Hanoi with faux-junks cruising among the endless karst islands of this moody seascape, click and read more

Be enchanted by the bizarre landscapes of the Perfume Pagoda and other sanctuaries situated in arresting scenery, or venture as far as Sapa for remote trekking, click and read more

Plenty of new, good value hotels make your stay in Hanoi comfortable and secure, some with excellent lake views. Here are our best deals from Agoda, click and book

• Sightseeing
• Halong Bay
• Excursions
• Hotels

Hospitality

Although fairly new to tourism, Vietnam is open for business and ready to show its Asian neighbours how to be competitive. Old scores have been put away and replaced with a warm welcome. The ladies look elegant in their ao dai, while the men practice their English with an enthusiasm to show off their country. Hanoi might be the conservative half of Vietnam but retains national pride and is rapidly expanding its infrastructure to provide a comfortable and professional experience, without big city prices.

Highlights

Step into an authentic Asian experience that steadfastly maintains its ancient character in the face of Westernisation. Hoan Kiem lake is the spiritual heart of the city with its temple and pagodas, and from here you can wander down the colourful merchant ‘Hang’ of the Old Quarter or step into the French District. Pagodas and curious architecture abound, with One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature two notable highlights. A homage to more recent history is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at Ba Dinh Square, with the Presidential Palace and various museums to the past and present adding to the attractions of this city. But perhaps the real experience is the heady throng of people all around which goes about its timeless business. Then there are the short excursions to the Perfume Pagoda and Ha Long Bay to appreciate the memorable scenery nearby.