Hanoi Hotels

Hanoi is where Vietnam unloaded its culture. The city is brimming with history and tradition (the National Museum of Vietnamese History can tell you more), yet it is also embracing the present and future – as the Vincom City Tower shows. On every street corner, whispers of the French colony still linger. It’s in the architecture or the Presidential Palace and the history of Ba Dinh, but also in the food. After all, baguettes are a staple part of the Vietnamese diet.

Aside from bouts of historical insight and divine inspiration, Hanoi is defined by its abundance of motorbikes. They swarm like bees through the streets, ducking and weaving effortlessly in and out of the fray. If the noise doesn’t bother you, join the locals for a street-side meal or bia hoi (beer), sitting on tiny plastic stools so low to the ground they seem toy-like.

In Hanoi, unlike some other Southeast Asian cities, the mix between the old and the new works effortlessly. A thousand years of commerce can still be seen in the hawkers thronging the streets where, after dark, the young and trendy will dine and dance the night away.

Intriguing, invigorating, Hanoi is simply unmissable.

HANOI’S TOP 10

HANOI LOCAL

Ba Dinh

Sometimes also known as the French Quarter, this is the political centre of Hanoi, containing government offices and embassies. Centred on Ba Dinh Square, it is the place where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam independent – and so holds huge significance in terms of Vietnam’s troubled recent past. Wonderful mansions line the streets, which are also home to the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace.

Hoan Kiem

Hoan Kiem is the district in Hanoi referred to as the Old Quarter. It’s the business centre, and also where you can explore traditional and colonial architecture. Aside from popular spots like St John’s Cathedral, the History Museum and the Hanoi Opera House, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Buddhist temples and pagodas. If you’re pushed for time, the Bach Ma Temple (Temple of the White Horse) is arguably the best of the bunch. Built in the 11^th Century, it houses a – you guessed it! – statue of a white horse. The Old Quarter also has the Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest market. Rummage through the stalls for clothes or food, or anything else that tickles your fancy, then while the night away in some of Hoan Kiem’s fashionable restaurants, bars and clubs.

HANOI EAT & DRINK

Hanoi has its fair share of delicious food regardless. The national dish is pho. Try the pho bo (which is actually beef noodle soup and not a Vietnamese celebrity in the J-Lo mould), which is more potent, daring and downright addictive than the pho ga (chicken soup).

HANOI EVENTS

Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year, celebrated on the same day as Chinese New Year) is the most important event and holiday in Vietnam. Join in the festivities of Tet around January or February.

In February the Co Loa Festival kicks into gear. The festival commemorates the legend of An Duong King of Au Lac and his magic crossbow. Be a spectator of the parades, wrestling and, um, cockfighting.

Le Mat Festival in spring starts with water and carp processions. You could be offered a glass of snake wine (made with real snake blood!). Yikes.

In autumn a three-day religious festival called Keo Pagoda Festival presents music, boat races, and ceremonies.

In September, the National Day holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and the death of Ho Chi Minh. Many of the festivities take place at Ba Dinh Square.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, a street fair is set up primarily for children, but adults can also enjoy it, especially when there are countless moon cakes that need to be eaten!

WHEN TO GO

Vietnam has four seasons, but the winters are very temperate.

· Average temperatures in spring range from 22 to 31°C (72-88°F) and are accompanied by light rain.

· Summer is a consistently warm 27-32°C (81-90°F), but the heat is amplified by the high humidity, which also makes insects like mosquitoes thrive.

· Autumn is a pleasant 19-28°C (66-82°F). It’s less humid, making it the perfect time to visit Hanoi.

· Winter temperatures are a mild 14-22°C (57-72°F), but it can again get uncomfortably humid.

GETTING AROUND

Around Hanoi, you can choose from taking taxis, cyclos (pedicabs), or even riding on the back of a motorbike. The buses are very cheap, but it may be difficult to understand and be understood.

WHAT TO MISS

· Stay safe. The crazy motorbikes whizzing around Hanoi can be dangerous. If you’re crossing a street on foot, simply walk steadily at a constant pace and in a straight line. This seems daunting (and it is) but you’re much safer this way than trying to anticipate the erratic traffic.

· Stay alert when taking taxis. While most are safe, the occasional driver has been known to dump passengers on the street without warning and try to take off with their luggage.

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