Luxury holidays in Hanoi

This northern outpost, however, has a thousand-year history that dates back long before the colonial era and its more recent communist past. Nowhere is this more palpable than in the Old Quarter, the historic heart of Hanoi. Follow your feet down sidestreets or let a cyclo take the strain while the neighbourhood’s rich tapestry weaves its magic around you. With its designer dining, bold boutiques and buzzy bars, Hanoi is going places fast.
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When to go

Hanoi is prone to wet, chilly winters so you might want to avoid November to February, although this is the best time to travel in the south, where it’s warm and dry. The summer monsoon brings hot, humid weather. April, May and October are the ideal times to visit. A lot of businesses shut up shop during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), which falls in January or February depending on the lunar calendar.

Getting there

  • Planes

    The main airport, Noi Bai International Airport (www.hanoiairportonline.com), serves Hanoi and is about 45km from the downtown area. Direct flights route here from Asian capitals and a few cities in Australia and Europe. Domestic flights connect Hanoi with most Vietnamese cities.

  • Trains

    Hanoi is home to the Reunification Express (www.vr.com.vn) connecting the north and south of the country, hugging the coast to and from Hué, Danang and all points south; nightly sleeper berths are available. There are also luxurious night trains to Lao Cai, gateway to the popular northern hill station of Sapa.

  • Automobiles

    Self-drive is not possible in Vietnam, but that will come as a relief when you see the heart-stopping Hanoi traffic. A car with driver can be arranged if you are planning an epic odyssey south.

  • Taxis

    There are lots of taxi firms in Hanoi, but ensure you hire one with a meter. There are still cyclos (three-wheeled pedicabs) and xe oms (motorbike taxis) roaming the streets, but overcharging is the norm.