Although Hanoi is undoubtedly a city of ancient wonder, there are a number of hotels with fantastic modern facilities which allow visitors to see the sites without roughing it. These are some of our favourites:

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi This large hotel walking distance from the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake has 154 rooms and suites all with LCD flat screen televisions and international cable channels. All the usual mod cons plus wifi internet access is available. (83A Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District, hotel.hanoi.reservation@moevenpick.com, tel +84 4 3822 2800, from US$140)

Daewoo Hanoi Hotel This was the first five star in the city but despite recent renovations it most closely resembles an international four star hotel. Its position outside the city centre means that what you lose in convenience is made up for with peace and quiet. There are seven restaurants and cafes, two banks, discothèque, swimming pool, gym, business centre plus free broadband internet in rooms. (360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh, from US$170.)

Sofitel Plaza Hotel This hotel is renowned as the most picturesque in Hanoi with a charming zig-zag facade and striking stepped architecture. Formerly called the Meritus West Lake, the rooms are very well maintained and spotless with friendly staff. (1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District)

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake This is the most recent addition to Hanoi’s choice of five star hotels and is found adjacent to the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda on the waters of Westlake (1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District, (84-4) 62708888)

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel This French Colonial style hotel within a short walk of the Hanoi Opera House is mostly used by older European travellers. The restaurant comes highly recommended. (15 Ngo Quyen St.)

Melia Hanoi Hotel Located within bried walking distance from both the Old Quarter and the Hanoi Towers, this hotel has big rooms with great views with international buffet breakfast included in the price. (Ly Thuong Kiet Street, from $139.)

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel This hotel and large gardens on the shore of West lake has lovely courtyards plus rooms furnished in traditional style but with all modern amenities. (K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Rd, Tay Ho District.)

The weather in Hanoi runs the gauntlet between being wet, hot and humid and severe cold. But rest assured there is always something special in the area to enjoy depending on what season you choose to visit.

Spring brings the annual Tet holiday and this is when flowers are blooming and the city is at its most glorious. Locals of Hanoi believe that the light rain of this time bring good luck for the new lunar year and prosperity.

When summer comes along the heat and humidity become unbearable. Mosquitos come out in force along with other nasty insects so diseases such as malaria and dengue fever can become a serious problem. It is always wise to cover up (despite the searing heat!) and wear repellent, especially during the evening.

The autumn in Hanoi becomes much more tolerable with less moisture in the air and temperatures dropping to such a degree that jacket and jumpers are often sported by the Hanoians. Plus the indigenous species of ‘cay hoa sua’ tree only flowers at this time of year so and wondering the ancient streets is characterised by the scent of this distinctive aroma.

Winter is in fact quite brutal as there is a strange combination of cold and humidity. Many houses in this city don’t have any system of heating, making Hanoi appear colder than elsewhere in the country. It is wise to pack carefully and wear layers as the midday sun is still very fierce.

The Hanoi Women’s Museum is located in a leafy courtyard on Ly Thuong Kiet Street. It is a modern building, which is fitting for the first national museum of its kind in Vietnam. The museum celebrates women’s contributions to the war and is fast becoming a cultural centre in Hanoi. The site is used for research and activities, mainly for women.

The building was designed by female architect, Tran Xuan Diem, and the project kicked off in 1991 after receiving financial aid from the Vietnamese Women’s Union and the Ministry of Culture.

After ten years of collecting items, the museum now houses an exhibition of over 3000 pieces. Obtaining the goods involved touring the length of Vietnam and persuading provincial women’s union offices to donate photos, memorabilia and goods belonging to local and national heroines.

The collection ranges from rice pots to rifles, and depicts the trials and successes of women, as well as hinting at details of their private lives. The second floor is dedicated to this more personal aspect, with Dong Son period jewellery and scenes of women carrying out domestic duties.

The third floor is dedicated to chronicling 65 years of the Vietnam Women’s Union. Colourful displays include solidarity posters from international anti-war feminist organisations, illustrating the powerful bond between women all around the world.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday, from 08:00 until 16:00.

West Lake covers a large proportion of the north and western area of central Hanoi. The area is home to a crop of housing developments, with the most luxurious homes located on the eastern shore. This section of Hanoi is steeped in legend and is home to a number of important pagodas.

Tran Quoc is Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, having been built in the 6th century. It is situated on Cayang Island in the centre of the lake. The prime minister of India gave Vietnam a branch of the Bodhi tree, which is the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment; this tree now grows in a courtyard at West Lake.

The temple was originally constructed as a centre for Dharma study, and was later used as an Imperial feasting ground. The structure has a visitor’s hall and a bell tower, and is home to a group of monks. Ceremonies for the dead take place on auspicious days, which visitors are welcome to observe; however, it is important to dress respectfully.

Further along the lake, Quan Thanh Temple is located close to the northern gate. This structure was built during the reign of Le Thai To King and is dedicated to the god who controlled Vietnam’s northern regions. This impressive temple features a triple gate, courtyard, and a 12 foot bronze statute of the god named, Huyen Thien Tran Vo.

Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi sits on the right bank of the Red River, over 1000 miles north of Saigon. The city is characterized by a distinct mix of east and west. Buildings from the French colonial period cast reflections in the water, while the lengthy Chinese dominance still echoes around the city.

· Hanoi is looking forward to celebrating its 1000th anniversary in 2010.
· The population of Hanoi leapt from 3.1 million in 2005, to 6.2 million in 2007.
· The famous Hoan Kiem Lake literally translates as ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’.
· Hanoi consists of 29 districts.
· In 1994 Hanoi didn’t have any five star hotels, now there are eight dotted around the city.
· In total there are 181 hotels in Hanoi, with more than 8500 rooms.
· The average temperature in January is 62°F, while in July it is 85°F.
· Hanoi was crowned capital of Vietnam in the 7th century and has experienced both French and Japanese occupation throughout its history.
· Hanoi is Vietnam’s main transport hub, with two airports and rail connections to China.
· The main public holiday in Hanoi is Vietnamese New Year which is usually held at the end of January or beginning of February.
· There are more than 600 pagodas and temples in the city.
· Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural centre boasting nine large museums as well as an array of galleries and entertainment venues.

The abundance of delicious food in Vietnam adds to its charm and appeal as a travel destination. Aromas waft from every corner of Hanoi and it is possible to find something to eat on every street. Sampling the local food is an exciting and fulfilling way to experience a new culture. An array of new flavours and taste sensations are just around the corner.

Despite the language barrier, it is possible to enjoy eating like a local. Carrying a phrase book may be useful, but as a last resort pointing should get you a plate of something. Most street vendors only serve one dish so you just need to communicate with your fingers how many servings you would like. If there is more than one dish, you can indicate you want the same as another diner.

Slurping a bowl of pho is a must-do while in Vietnam, but there are other noodle dishes worth trying such as bun cha, bun rieu and bun bo nam bo. Quan An Ngon is a great place for lunch. The picturesque courtyard makes an ideal setting for a leisurely lunch and there are so many different dishes to try.

Although hygiene levels are lower than the international standard, food is usually fresh and safe to eat. If you are concerned, take a moment to observe the vendor and their set up before ordering. The food cooked at street stalls is likely to have been purchased the same morning, so freshness is rarely an issue.

The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi was built in dedication to Vietnam’s highly respected leader. Ho Chi Minh was a powerful revolutionary and statesman, who initially served as Prime Minister, and finally as President of North Vietnam.

Vietnamese people feel indebted to Ho Chi Minh for having saved their country. As a token of their gratitude, this museum is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, as well as a city and mausoleum.

The museum is spread across five floors and was inaugurated in September 1990, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh Museum showcases a collection of military paraphernalia, photos from the Communist Party’s early victories, the August and October revolutions, the country’s resistance against Fascism and the imperialist movement led by Ho Chi Minh.

The most enjoyable way to view the museum is to start at the bottom and work your way up. The top floor features a stunning centrepiece consisting of a gargantuan gold lotus flower.

The Museum is a good example of Soviet architecture so visitors can look forward to enjoying the structure of the exhibition, as well as the interesting content.

The museum is located on Ngoc Ha Street, and is open every day except Mondays.

Located on the junction were Le Thanh Tong and Trang Tien Streets meet, the Hanoi Opera House is an impressive sight. The art noveau building was constructed at the turn of the 20th century, and is an iconic symbol of the city.

Building began in 1901 and was completed in 1911. The design is considered to be typical of the French colonial architectural monuments in Vietnam. It is actually a replica of the Palais Garnier, the oldest opera house in Paris.

Unfortunately the venue doesn’t host as many shows as it previously did, but if you’re lucky and your visit coincides with a one-off performance, you are in for a treat.

The Opera House has a large stage in the main auditorium, and a central staircase leads to another spacious hall on the second floor.

At the rear of the building, there are 18 make-up rooms, two voice training rooms, a library and a meeting room. The room opposite the stairway is adorned with massive mirrors.

The building is mainly used for state meetings, international conferences and major exhibitions. The Opera House is considered a national art work and a highly significant historical monument.

Even if you can’t enter the building, you can hang out with the locals on the steps outside, and have your photograph taken.

Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi sits on the right bank of the Red River, over 1000 miles north of Saigon. The city is characterized by a distinct mix of east and west. Buildings from the French colonial period cast reflections in the water, while the lengthy Chinese dominance still echoes around the city.

·Hanoi is looking forward to celebrating its 1000th anniversary in 2010.
·The population of Hanoi leapt from 3.1 million in 2005, to 6.2 million in 2007.
·The famous Hoan Kiem Lake literally translates as ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’.
·Hanoi consists of 29 districts.
·In 1994 Hanoi didn’t have any five star hotels, now there are eight dotted around the city.
·In total there are 181 hotels in Hanoi, with more than 8500 rooms.
·The average temperature in January is 62°F, while in July it is 85°F.
·Hanoi was crowned capital of Vietnam in the 7th century and has experienced both French and Japanese occupation throughout its history.
·Hanoi is Vietnam’s main transport hub, with two airports and rail connections to China.
·The main public holiday in Hanoi is Vietnamese New Year which is usually held at the end of January or beginning of February.
·There are more than 600 pagodas and temples in the city.
·Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural centre boasting nine large museums as well as an array of galleries and entertainment venues.

Museums are an integral part of any country’s national identity and preserve the history and development of the country. They are a place to learn and gain insight into the local culture and background. Hanoi’s museums have a distinct focus on conserving the art culture of Vietnam, as well as artifacts from Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

The Museum of Ethnology is one of Hanoi’s most interesting and enjoyable attractions. The Museum is renowned throughout the country for not only conserving and exhibiting the culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, but is also devoted to helping researchers in their studies.

The Vietnam History Museum exhibits a range of items which depict the country’s historic developments. The collection includes prehistoric tools, dynastic thrones and sculptures of mythical creatures, and is considered a national treasure of Vietnam.

The Fine Art Museum in Hanoi, traces the origin of Vietnam’s artistic culture and houses an impressive collection of around 10,000 artworks. The museum consists of 16 showrooms, separating the work into categories such as ethnic minority, Bronze Age, Paleolithic Age, Feudalism, and Fine Arts before the August 1945 Revolution.

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum should be top of your must-see list while in Hanoi. The museum documents the brave women who played a significant role in the social and political history of Vietnam. Four floors of artifacts and photographs depict women taking part in national activities, as well as women’s achievements in the fields of education and healthcare.