Lobby of the Sofitel Plaza in Hanoi

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.)

Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel was dreamt up by two Aussies, who converted a former Diplomat’s house into Vietnam’s first ever international style backpacker’s hostel.

They decided to create a clean, simple, laidback set-up, with a firm emphasis on socializing. Anyone who has been bitten by the travel bug knows that it’s the people you meet along the way who help create the good times and happy memories. So to help travellers break the ice and intermingle, the hostel has a daily happy hour, a rooftop barbeque three times a week, as well as a Sunday knees up with free bia hoi.

Accommodation is spread between three female-only dormitories, eight mixed dormitories and seven private rooms. Dorms are kitted out with comfy beds and plumped up pillows, as well as reading lights, lockers and extra blankets when for cool weather.

When you make a booking at the hostel you receive a package deal which includes free internet access, unlimited tea and coffee and free breakfast. Breakfast is a full blown international affair, with noodles, baguettes and fruit.

The rooftop bar is a great spot for meeting new people and sharing stories. Sundays are everybody’s favourite day at the hostel; the fun kicks off at 3pm with a barbeque and free keg of local beer to get the party started.

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.

A crop of new hotels emerged in Hanoi over the last few years in response to increased tourism. It is possible to find accommodation to suit every budget. For the most relaxing stay, visitors should avoid staying in the heart of the city to escape the hustle and bustle.

At the high end, the Sofitel Metropole is an elegant choice, and is housed in a restored building from the colonial period. The hotel is still quite central but manages to provide a peaceful environment. The Hilton Hanoi Opera is conveniently close to the Opera House and also offers comfortable accommodation, although less classy than the Sofitel. The Sheraton, located on West Lake enjoys the most peaceful setting, yet it is close to many attractions, restaurants and street food.

Hanoi’s mid range offerings provide a comfortable setting at a more affordable rate. The city’s first boutique hotel DeSyloia is small but well equipped with a highly rated restaurant and a gym. The Zephyr hotel is the closet to Hoan Kiem Lake, and guests at the Giabao Hanoi Hotel enjoy stunning views over the Red River. The Church Hotel, close to St Joseph’s Cathedral, is a popular choice due to its clean, comfortable rooms and central location. Rooms in this hotel need to be booked well in advance due to its popularity.

The Old Quarter is littered with budget accommodation and most are good value but rates are constantly increasing. Lucky I and Lucky II on Hang Trong Street offer basic facilities and a friendly service. On the same street, the Golden Lotus provides more comfortable accommodation and the Prince Hotel is the best out of all Hanoi’s budget range.

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.

Historic Hanoi

Experience one of Asia’s oldest capitals, wrapped around 1000 years of legend from the mystical Hoan Kiem Lake. Dodge swarms of motorcycles, marvel at the ancient pagodas or shop in the ancient Hang districts. Hanoi is Vietnam’s proud, living museum of a capital, draped in Communist sensibility but brimming with life.

This blog will soon become a full travel guide to Hanoi, to help you get the most out of your visit to North Vietnam. It’s written by a well travelled Southeast Asian expert and produced by guide experts, to soon include hundreds of pages and dozens of pictures of Hanoi at its best and busiest.

Use this site to plan your trip, whether you plan to cruise beautiful Halong Bay, disappear into the intriguing mountains of the Perfume Pagoda, or go trekking amoung the montagnards of the Sapa highlands. Find out what a Com Pho is, how to pronounce Ao Dai (in the North) and why Ho Chi Minh is the saviour of the city. It’s all found here.

Day trips: there’s some fantastic day trips or overnight excursions from Hanoi, such as Halong Bay and the Perfume Pagoda, but you’ll need a hire car and driver to get there (Note! rental cars in Vietnam come with drivers since tourists are not supposed to drive). You can arrange this before hand with online car hire companies.

About Hanoi
All the basic facts for tourists visiting the city plus top tips for the interpid traveller… more

What to see
All the top attractions listed in detail including tours and highlights for those short on time… more

What to do
Whether you want to shopping for gifts, indulge in some pampering, play sport or see the sights… more

Hospitality
Everything from cheap rooms in hostels to the best luxury hotels in town plus spa, restaurant and nightlife tips… more

Shopping
Whether you need to pick up a few essentials or a seeking out that perfect wedding present, we’ve got the inside scoop… more

North Vietnam
Guide to areas of the countries which are an easy leap away from Hanoi for when the city gets too much… more

Vietnamese Culture
This diverse and oft-misunderstood land is begging to be discovered by cultured visitors… more

Living here
Complete guide to everthing an expat is every going to need for long-term stays in Hanoi… more

Getting here
All your transport needs taken care of in one simple section including plane, train or taxi… more