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 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.

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.

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