Hotel de L'Opera Hanoi

Region

In the north of Vietnam, the most frequently visited destinations are Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is known for its centuries-old architecture, tree-lined boulevards and rich culture, much influenced by Chinese and French occupation through history. In Hanoi the Old Quarter is a mélange of busy streets where much trade still takes place, as it always has, combined with the modern influences of café culture, restaurants and designer boutiques. A lovely place to spend a few days.

Under three hours' drive from Hanoi or a seaplane flight away is Ha Long Bay, famous for the 1,600 or so dramatic limestone islands or pillars. Many choose to explore the waters of this area of outstanding beauty by traditional junk or kayak. Such is the appeal of the scenery and clear waters of this area, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Bay has become really quite busy. Therefore it is important to book onto a boat that takes a route away from other vessels if possible or there is also a lovely option in Lan Ha Bay south of Ha Long Bay, equally as beautiful but far quieter.

Heading off the beaten track 160 km to the west is Mai Chau, in Hoa Binh Province, where villages nestle in a fertile green valley flanked by mountains. Home to several ethnic minority groups and hill tribes, opportunities for walking, cycling, adventure abound. In the far north is Sapa, a mountainous region, known for outdoor pursuits, incredible photographic opportunities and ethnic peoples. In the northeast, bordering with China is Ha Giang, a rugged, mountainous and dramatically beautiful region where the chance to view magnificent landscapes and spectacular rice terraces awaits. This is a breathtaking region and pretty hard to access thus making it one of the poorest areas of the country.

Local Area

Sitting at the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter was the first settlement of Hanoi and is to this day the heart of the city, constantly buzzing from the early hours of the day until late in the evening.

The 36 streets of The Old Quarter are named after the products crafted, sold or services provided there. The names originate from the days of the guilds of those working there and to this day there are still areas where there are concentrations of particular wares and trades, although signs of modern times are certainly evident in the goods on sale.

Most shop fronts hide behind long narrow houses, where the families reside and these particular houses are aptly named tunnel houses.

Although many people walk in this area, the traffic is hectic and expect to avoid scooters and cars along the way! This historical area has plenty of hip cafés, bars, restaurants, bakeries, boutique shops and art galleries.

The Old Quarter is home to some very interesting sites too such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, in the centre of Ba Dinh Square and next door the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Not far away is the Governor's Palace, an ornate, colonial style yellow building and although entry is not open to the public, you can walk around the grounds and view the building. 

The House on Stilts, is a total contrast to this and was Ho Chi Minh's home on and off from 1958 through 1969. Built of teak in the traditional Vietnamese village-style, the House on Stilts was a simple home that represented Ho's communist ideals.