Image courtesy of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Where to stay

The Sofitel Legend Metropole needs little introduction. A charming French Colonial building and opened in 1901, it served as the American Embassy in Hanoi during the Vietnam War and a haven for dignitaries seeking shelter from the blasts; it still boasts the underground bomb shelters to prove it. The hotel is comprised of two wings — an old and a new, which have very different atmospheres. If you’re hypnotised by history then you’ll be sure to get a kick out of the dark wood interiors, colonial ceiling fans and simple furnishings of rooms in the Metropole wing. If you’re all about white, bright and breezy, opt for a room in the new Opera wing.

Sofitel Legend Metropole, 15 Ngô Quyền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi; +84 4 3826 6919

Image courtesy of Home

The best of Vietnamese cuisine

The dining scene in Hanoi hasn’t reached the level of sophistication of other Asian capitals, but there is a wealth of wonderful Vietnamese food — both on the street, and in upscale establishments — on offer. Our favourite meal was at Home, a beautifully restored former French residence in the Truc Bach neighbourhood. Here, scrumptious steamed, and make-it-yourself fresh, rice paper rolls rule. Ask for a table on the terrace to enjoy the balmy night air and the dulcet tones of a local jazz band.

Home, 34 Chau Long Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi; +84 4 3939 2222

Image courtesy of ThinkStock/PisitBurana

Soak up coffee culture

For great coffee, visit Café Runam, a European-inspired café with beautiful décor. The balcony looks out to the bustling scene of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Get the traditional drip coffee, which comes with a Phin filter — a speciality of Vietnam.

Café Runam, 13 Nha Tho Street,| Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, +84 8 3825 8883

Image courtesy of tuckraider/iStock

Get on a bike

Sail through Hanoi’s leafy French Quarter on a cyclo, or bicycle rickshaw. We know it sounds cheesy — a bicycle built for two, and all that — but it it’s a major endorphin rush. Breeze past historical monuments like the grand Opera House, erected at the turn of the century, and admire the historic architecture in shades of saffron along the tree-lined boulevards.

Photo by Madeleine Ross

Don’t stop exploring

Graduate to the grungier, chaotic streetscapes of the Old Quarter for some excitement. This area is the ancient merchants' quarter, a congested square kilometre made up of winding laneways, colourful stalls and street vendors. Don’t miss St Joseph’s Cathedral, a neo-gothic beauty which echoes Notre Dame.

Image courtesy of lena_serditova/iStock

Go green

If you’re up for a bit of a day trip, head down to Ha Long Bay. It’s a three and a half hour bus ride from Hanoi and is a requisite stop for nature lovers. The caves and unique rock formations have been named one of the Modern Day Seven Wonders of the World.