Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has an aura of romance. And it is not just in the weathered facades of its French colonial villas or the incense curls in ancient pagodas. It is in the rhythm, which is a fine blend of its centuries-old trade streets, trendy cafes, buzzing markets, rooftop bars, and art galleries. The cultural heart of Vietnam, Hanoi, is not just a stopover but a destination that lingers long after you leave.

There is a moment, often in the early morning, when Hanoi feels entirely yours. A mist lingers over Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the city, normally a symphony of scooters and street-side chatter, exhales. This is the Hanoi that you will come to cherish —a city with a storied past, numerous lakes, historical and cultural treasures, and a vibrant present, offering quiet luxury beneath its kinetic charm.

where stories begin

Your journey can begin at The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the gold standard in historic luxury, with butlers in white gloves serving afternoon tea beneath antique ceiling fans. An icon dating back to 1901 which has welcomed the likes of Somerset Maugham, Graham Greene, and Angelina Jolie, it provides access to a private wartime bunker tour—a rare glimpse into Hanoi's more turbulent chapters. For a contemporary take on grandeur, the Capella Hanoi is an intimate, theatrical stay option, where the hotel’s concierge team is known for crafting bespoke city itineraries—be it a private temple tour or after-hours access to a local art gallery.

sights to see

Hanoi is a city that surprises, charms, and challenges. Founded in 1010 and originally named Thang Long, or “soaring dragon,” the capital has grown from swamplands into a heritage city. Your exploration should begin at its heart, with a guided early morning stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where locals perform tai chi as the city stirs to life. Crossing the scarlet Thê Húc Bridge to Ngọc Sơn Temple, you will come upon an atmospheric pagoda nestled on a small island. Standing at its edge, sipping a glass of sweet Vietnamese iced coffee, thick with condensed milk, let the guide enrich you with stories of Confucian philosophy and legends of the Lake’s mythical turtle.

Next, heading to the Temple of Literature, a meticulously preserved 11th-century complex that once served as Vietnam’s first national university, a private docent-led tour followed by a traditional tea ceremony in a nearby courtyard can be an elevated experience whose memory you will carry forever.

Wandering around Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter—a one square kilometre span comprising 36 streets—is a captivating experience as well. On a private cyclo (a type of pedal-powered rickshaw) tour through it, where craftsmen still hammer silver by hand and silk vendors welcome you into family-owned ateliers, the past comes alive—each turn revealing a slice of Hanoi’s rich cultural and commercial heritage. To the south of Old Quarter, which since the 15th century has housed artisans trading in goods unique to their street, is the famed French Quarter, and taking a drive around its spacious streets, verdant parks, restored cathedrals and villas, and high-end stores can feel like going back in time.

Before wrapping the day with another enduring legend—the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, inspired by the Neo-Gothic style of the Notre Dame de Paris and filled with worshippers and newlyweds, make an essential stop to get a glimpse of Vietnam’s modern history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, housing the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. The One Pillar Pagoda nearby, dating to 1049 and shaped like a blooming lotus, offers a peaceful glimpse into ancient Buddhist symbolism and cannot be missed.

for the artistic soul

To truly experience the artistic soul of Hanoi, visit the Water Puppet Theatre, where a tradition dating back to the 11th century comes vividly to life, as skilled puppeteers reenact village life in waist-deep water. Art lovers should explore the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum that houses the country’s foremost collection, such as ancient Cham artifacts and impressionist pieces, or enjoy contemporary works at Manzi Art Space (which is also a café), Six Spaces, A Space, and Nguyen Art Gallery.

Hanoi’s cultural scene also shines at the Vietnam Women’s Museum, where women’s history is honoured through traditional garments, artwork, and sculpture. The Vietnam National Museum of History also impresses with its elegant architecture and rich exhibits, including 4th-century wood carvings, Champa statues, and 19th-century engravings.

For hands-on creativity, try a lacquerware or calligraphy workshop. Or take in a private performance at the Hanoi Opera House—the largest theatre in Vietnam and another vestige of the city’s colonial elegance—where classical music and Vietnamese drama share the stage.

gastronomic delights

After a day of exploration, unwind with a luxurious Vietnamese massage at Akoya Spa at the Lotte Hotel, which offers sweeping views of the skyline. At sunset, sip cocktails on one of Hanoi’s rooftop bars or, for a quieter close, indulge in a glass of Grand Cru at The Warehouse, Hanoi’s premier wine boutique, followed by a moonlit ride through the city in a vintage Citroën, complete with silk scarves and champagne on board.

Hanoi’s culinary landscape offers luxury in many forms—from haute tasting menus to time-honoured street eats served with white-glove finesse. The city is famed for its street food, and you cannot skip this classic. Hotel concierges arrange private street food tours with a local chef, and you can sample pho at the popular Phở Thin or a sidewalk vendor, bún chả at a hidden courtyard eatery, or even at Bún chả Hương Liên, now widely known as Bun Cha Obama—from the time former US President Barack Obama shared a meal with adventurous TV chef Anthony Bourdain—or enjoy egg coffee at Giảng Café, served with linen napkins and a side of city history, or Café Pho Co, with views of the lake.

The city also boasts a growing collection of fine dining establishments. T.U.N.G Dining offers a creative tasting menu featuring dishes like wagyu with fermented rice. Hibana by Koki turns dining into a performance, while Chapter Dining & Grill crafts refined plates from local ingredients. Michelin-starred Gia Restaurant serves inventive Vietnamese cuisine in an Indochine setting, and Tam Vi reimagines Northern dishes. And, Green Tangerine, in a 1928 colonial villa, beautifully fuses French and Vietnamese flavours.

Mirroring Vietnam’s checkered history—with Chinese influence, French inspiration, and modern practicalities—Hanoi’s elegance lies in its layers. If you value meaningful sightseeing without compromising on comfort, Hanoi offers an experience that is both richly immersive and exquisitely refined. Here, luxury is not in five-star linen or gourmet menus—it’s in the quiet dignity of a scholar’s temple, the craftsmanship behind a hand-carved altar, and the unforgettable view of lanterns flickering against a centuries-old skyline.