Ancient Hanoi & Timeless Halong Bay

Hanoi: Notable landmarks

Delve into the city’s rich and ancient history by visiting its solemn temples. Centrally located, the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Ngoc Son Temple are a good place to start.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter gives visitors the perfect opportunity to get lost in its maze of lively streets. Explore local shops selling an array of goods or grab a café seat to observe the rhythms of the neighborhood. If you’re feeling brave, you can experience the exhilaration of a locomotive rumbling past on Train Street.

Those interested in more recent history can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, Ha Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), and the Vietnam Military History Museum.

Hanoi’s vibrant food scene fuels locals and visitors alike. Tuck into a neighborhood eatery and enjoy favorites like Pho, Bun Cha, or Banh Mi. For a haute cuisine experience, make a reservation at one of Hanoi’s multiple Michelin-starred or recommended restaurants. Finish with a nightcap at one of the city’s trendsetting cocktail or rooftop bars.

Halong Bay cruise options

Sailing Halong Bay in a traditional, Junk-style boat can make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Vintage décor featuring rich woodwork and vibrant fabrics complement sweeping views from spacious teak decks. The Indochine Premium of Indochina Sails is an excellent option.

Cruising on a modern, luxury yacht feels like a 5-star hotel on the water. Amenities like swimming pools, spas, and fine-dining restaurants allow you to experience the natural wonders of Halong Bay while enjoying opulent accommodations. The Grand Pioneers yachts are elegant and refined.

For travelers in a group or looking for a more bespoke experience, there’s a wide range of boat sizes and styles to meet almost any charter need. Friends and family experience the majesty of Halong Bay while every detail is personalized to their preferences.

Fine dining

• Gia: Michelin one-star restaurant since 2023 and one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, the multi-course menu features seasonal dishes in an elegant setting inspired by Vietnamese culture and tradition.

• T.U.N.G. Dining: Chef Tung’s innovative tasting menus are comprised of refined dishes that celebrate Vietnamese ingredients and take diners on a culinary journey that engages all the senses.

Casual dining

• Hong Hoai’s Restaurant: Located in the heart of Old Town, this restaurant has a relaxed family atmosphere and features an extensive menu of Vietnamese and vegetarian cuisine. For those looking to dive further into Vietnamese cuisine, the restaurant teaches cooking classes as well. Students select a menu, shop for ingredients at a local market, and then learn to prepare authentic dishes under the direction of the restaurant’s chefs.

• Hanoi Weekend Night Market: Large and lively market taking place on Fri–Sun nights in Hanoi’s Old Town. This market offers a vast array of options to sample Vietnam’s vibrant street food cuisine. Be prepared for a busy and crowded atmosphere and keep an eye out for busy food stalls specializing in a limited number of dishes.

• Pizza 4Ps: Pizza may not be the first thing that comes to mind on a trip to Vietnam, but this chain with multiple locations in Hanoi (as well as Ho Chi Minh City) features gourmet brick-oven pizzas that customers rave about—just look at the Google reviews. Traditional favorites and local flavors are complemented by contemporary, high-concept dining rooms.

Drinks

• Le Ciel Sky Bar: Take in a bird’s-eye view of Hanoi from the rooftop of the L’Hotel du Lac. The menu features a wide selection of drinks to be enjoyed in their comfortable, outdoor space.

• Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab: Innovative and unique craft cocktails in a vintage lounge setting create the perfect atmosphere for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Live music by local artists enhances the ambiance of the space, inviting guest to stay awhile and enjoy.

• Pasteur Street Craft Beer: Hanoi outpost of a Ho Chi Minh City-based chain of taprooms and brewpubs that feature domestically crafted beers and bites to accompany. This is a great place to stop in for some refreshment while exploring historic Hanoi.