Vietnam’s vibrant capital is known for its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, from its beautiful French colonial architecture and its rich fraught history during the Vietnam War.
Visit the Old Quarter
Here the narrow streets are lined with shops, markets and street vendors selling everything from local handicrafts to iconic Vietnamese street food, such as pho and banh mi. The sheer volume of humanity will have you in awe. It’s the epitome of busy cities, only rivalled by Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon.
Tour the Museums
On top of the must see list are the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which honours Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 and considered Vietnam’s first university. For art and history lovers, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Fine Arts Museum offer insights into the country’s diverse culture and historical art forms.
See the Temple
A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake provides a peaceful retreat from the city’s energy, with the famous Ngoc Son Temple situated on an island on the lake. In the evening, the water puppet show is also a must see. The traditional art form unique to northern Vietnam is quite special.
A real mix of old and new, Hanoi isn’t like any other city, and if you want to stay in a historical place while experiencing the utmost in luxury, try the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole.
Stay at The Sofitel Legend Metropole
Truly a grande dame of a hotel, it was built by the French in 1901 and, having survived the war, it’s now one of Hanoi’s most glamorous establishments. Definitely oozing the grace and sophistication of an era gone by, it’s a piece of history and one of the most luxurious hotels one can imagine.
Don’t miss the hotel’s very own historical tour, where you will find out about the building’s past, its association with celebrities and politicians, from Jane Fonda to Joan Baez and Angelina Jolie amongst others. The tour even includes a look at the underground bunker where journalists and diplomatic staff sheltered during the Vietnam War, particularly between 1965 and 1972, when the city endured heavy bombing by the U.S., and the hotel was home to 11 embassies and known as Embassy House.
The rooms and suites are pristine, packed with the small touches that make a place special. The perfect mix of colonial charm and modern comfort. Check into the Heritage Wing, the restored historic wing fusing IndoChinese beauty and classic French style with its art-deco bathrooms with eco-friendly Balmain dispensers and elegant antiques.
The furniture, the fittings, even the silk bathrobes are jaw droppingly beautiful.
For dinner, choose French haute cuisine at Le Beaulieu, creative Vietnamese dishes at Spice Garden, or classic comfort food at Angelina. Le Club Bar serves breakfast and meals all day, and the breakfast buffet is out of this world. For poolside drinks try the Bamboo Bar where you can also enjoy Happy Hour drinks with ‘nibbles’ on multi tiered silver platters, including Caesar salad, adorable sandwiches and mini quiches amongst other treats. Coffee aficionados should also try the famous Vietnamese Coffee (with condensed milk), which was created by 1940s’ bartender Nguyen Giang, at the hotel, due to a milk shortage! It’s still a popular drink throughout Vietnam today.
The grand hotel is also home to the Metropole Club Lounge in the Opera Wing, a cosy salon with the discreet atmosphere of an exclusive Parisian club. Butler service, a library, refreshments and cocktails as well as live piano music at night are all part of the experience.
For some rest and relaxation, there’s the Spa or the outdoor pool in its white and green oasis, the perfect escape from Hanoi’s hustle and bustle.
www.sofitel.accor.com
