Take in the best of what Vietnam’s capital city has to offer without even leaving its Old Quarter
Stay
A five-minute walk from St Joseph’s Cathedral, the spacious, well-appointed rooms at O’Gallery Premier Hotel provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, while warm lighting, wood panelling and artful touches lend the hotel an understated, old-time elegance.
Eat
No trip to Hanoi is complete without at least one visit to Cha Ca La Vong, a restaurant with only one dish on the menu: grilled fish, served with turmeric, dill, fish sauce and noodles – cooked at your table. Smoky and complex, it’s a welcome change from the clean flavours of northern Vietnamese food.
14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem
Shop
Now run by fourth-generation owners, Tan My Design remains Hanoi’s top spot to pick up local embroidery, lacquerware and clothing. Although the brand dates back to the late ’60s, the designs here have a contemporary aesthetic, from chunky lacquer jewellery to colourful yet office-friendly silk sheath dresses.
Hong Kong Airlines recommends…
Great attractions
Steven Wang, general manager, Vietnam, on three can’t-miss spots in Hanoi
“Stroll past the Hanoi Opera House in the evening – it looks exceptionally beautiful when the floodlights are turned on.”
“Built in 1070 as a university, the Temple of Literature is a great example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.”
“The Museum of Ethnology is a fantastic spot to acquaint yourself with the 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home.”
