Decaying colonial buildings in Yangon, Myanmar
Trail through Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar to explore the best of Southeast Asia’s exotic wonders.
Hanoi, Vietnam
There are two ways to discover the beauty of Hanoi; one is to dig tirelessly into its colonial history and heritage; the other is to appreciate the city’s fresh cosmopolitan vibe.
St. Joseph Cathedral’s neo-Gothic style has been compared to the Notre Dame in Paris
With most of its traditional post-war infrastructure still intact, Hanoi emanates a rustic, quaint energy throughout the capital. The Old Quarter, a labyrinth of streets lined with a mélange of charming French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture, is the best starting point for a cultural immersion in this city.
Walk across the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge to the Temple of the Jade Mountain
Weave through the manic of the streets, bustling with merchants selling ethereal silk prints and well-crafted ceramics, before you let your wanderlust spirit bring you to the mysterious Hoan Kiem Lake. Here, the magical myth of Golden Turtle God awaits. Sweat it out by circling the lake to take in the best of what nature has to offer—the heat is quintessential Hanoi.
Did You Know?
The former Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed “Hanoi Hilton” by the American pilot POWs during the Vietnam War, still keeps most of its original equipment.
Maison Centrale, also known as Hoa Lo Prison or “Hanoi Hilton”, was the centre for interrogation and torture during the Vietnam War
Prisoners’ clothes, torture tools, and other significant items such as Senator John McCain’s flight suit, are on display while you make your way down the eerie walkways to the prisoner cells.
Where To Stay
Surround yourself with interesting history at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, just minutes away from the famous Opera House in the French Quarter.
Immerse yourself in the wrought iron details and stately wood panelling of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The classic white façade, stately corridors, and chandelier-lit lobby have witnessed lovers Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard giddy with love during their honeymoon, and English novelist Graham Greene penning pages and pages of The Quiet American. Soak in the atmosphere by sipping champagne and people watching at La Terrasse, the chic Parisian-style sidewalk café.
