HANOI AND NORTH VIETNAM
Take in some of Vietnam’s most famous locations; the bustling capital of Hanoi and atmospheric Halong Bay as well as more off the beaten track destinations in northern Vietnam.
Hanoi is a fascinating city and a delightful mix of colours, smells and sounds. This is the place to get an authentic taste of life in Vietnam. Visit the charming French quarter, contrasted with the ancient temples and pagodas. Explore winding alleys and discover hidden parts of the city on a search for delicious street food.
Hanoi is the cultural centre of Vietnam and a perfect place to soak up everything from music and folklore to art and literature. Enjoy a spot of shopping as you discover the city’s artisans and the bustling Dong Xuan Market. For a more relaxed experience of Hanoi, escape the hustle and bustle on a cycle ride through the network of tranquil lakes.
From Hanoi, head out to the coast for one of Vietnam’s most awe-inspiring sites. Halong Bay is made up of over 2000 limestone islets and plinths rising out of the azure waters. You cannot fail to be captivated by this stunning place. Our favourite way to experience Halong Bay is on a luxury junk boat. Sail past caves and sandy coves, taking in the stunning natural beauty from the comfort of your luxurious and authentic traditional boat. You can also enjoy some excursions to floating visits, hop onto a kayak or just jump into the clear waters for a refreshing swim.
For a smaller and quieter experience, visit Lan Ha Bay. The more tranquil neighbour is an extension of Halong Bay but in a different province. Fewer boats visit here, giving you a more peaceful experience. Soak up the tranquillity as your luxury boat glides past islands, caves and floating villages. Enjoy a spot of swimming or snorkelling or just marvel at the atmospheric beauty in this truly special part of Vietnam.
Heading on to dry land, northern Vietnam offers some excellent trekking opportunities. The town of Sapa is a former French hill station and the gateway to numerous trekking routes through beautiful countryside. Admire the valleys of cascading rice fields and lush greenery, stopping at charming villages where local hill-tribes come to sell their handicrafts. This region is home to the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, known as the roof of Indochina. Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam and offers a real challenges to hikers with the right equipment.
The ancient royal capital of Ninh Binh is home to fascinating relics dating back to the Tran dynasty in the tenth century. The real draw here however is the surrounding countryside. One of the biggest draws here is the village of Tam Coc. Known as ‘Halong Bay on land’ for its striking limestone formations that rise out of the rice paddies. Explore by boat here, visiting caves and spotting monkeys as you admire the lush landscape.
For the most off the beaten track experience, the northern highlands are a wonderful experience. Think ancient hill tribes, untouched rivers, spectacular mountains and forgotten caves. This is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and enjoy a truly authentic experience of rural Vietnam.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Sofitel Metropole – Hanoi
Located just moments from the Opera House in Hanoi’s French quarter, this luxury hotel makes the perfect base from which to explore the city of Hanoi. Combining impressive heritage with contemporary comfort and style and exceptional service, it is the place to stay. Guests can take a refreshing dip in the delightful pool or indulge in a spa treatment after a day on Hanoi’s bustling streets. The hotel’s famous Le Beaulieu bar is the perfect place to relax with a cocktail before dinner. (Historical wing is under renovation from May 2022 until 31st Aug 2023)
Hotel La Siesta Ma May – Hanoi
A luxury oasis in heart of Hanoi’s old quarter and a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. This is a stylish boutique hotel with a warm welcome and the best in Vietnamese hospitality. Guests can dine on a range of Vietnamese and international dishes in either of the two restaurants or relax with a cocktail in the stylish bar. At the weekends, the local street hosts a lively night market which is fun to explore.
Hotel Capella – Hanoi
Perfectly situated moments from Hanoi’s Opera House and old town, this is a sophisticated hotel combining art nouveau design with traditional Vietnamese touches. Each of the 47 suites is individually designed with operatic memorabilia. Dine in classic Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist, enjoy a signature cocktail in the bar or for the daring, choose the immersive Japanese dining experience, Koki. Indulge in a relaxing massage in the beautiful spa after a day exploring charming Hanoi.
Paradise Elegance – Halong Bay
A sleek, modern vessel that fuses contemporary styling with Vietnamese design concepts, the Paradise Elegance is a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Halong Bay. Boasting a piano bar, day spa and wellness centre, butler service and the full range of dining options, the Elegance is a work of art, the experience exquisite, the journey flawless. There are 31 cabins on board and each is designed with a private balcony separated from the bedroom by glass doors and transparent windows to help you enjoy the views.
Avana Retreat – Mai Chau Valley
A stunning luxury retreat deep in a tropical forest three hours from Hanoi. Made up of 36 individual bungalows, suites and private pool villas dotted on a verdant hillside, each living space opens onto the surrounding mountains. The restaurants serve delicious dishes using fresh, local produce and guests can enjoy private dining for a special occasion. Facilities include a stunning three level infinity pool and blissful spa. This is a truly gorgeous hotel.
Hotel De La Coupole MGallery – Sapa
A luxury hotel combining French haute couture with Vietnamese hill tribe style, a delightful mix of chic and traditional. Each of the 249 rooms and suites offer balconies with views of Sapa town, the mountains, gardens or rice paddies. Guests can dine on refined French cuisine using local ingredients and even choose delicacies from the in-house patisserie. The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to end the day with views over stunning surroundings. This is a charming hotel in a beautiful mountain retreat.
Topas Eco Lodge – Sapa
Topas Eco Lodge is a real mountain hideaway. Perched up high and surrounded by hill tribes, lush paddy fields and rolling hills, it offers spectacular views over the Sapa Valley and the Hoang lien Son mountain range. Named as one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, it is involved in several sustainability projects. The 25 bungalows are charming and sympathetically designed to fit in with the environment. It is worth rising early for the spectacular sunset from your balcony.
Tam Coc Garden Resort – Tam Coc
Set in one of the most scenic locations in Vietnam, Tam Coc is surrounded by rice fields and on the doorstep of the beautiful waterways of Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. The resort offers a choice of 16 rooms across 8 independent bungalows, each with its own private terrace and views of the limestone karsts or rice fields. Eco and cultural tourism are very important here and the resort works hard to ensure your stay is authentic and conscious. Dine on produce fresh from the organic garden and indulge in an herbal foot bath after a day exploring.