Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Come ready to wander. The streets are full of small discoveries, from food and flowers to shopfronts, architecture and the everyday theatre of city life.
OUR HANOI & BAI TU LONG BAY
Always look up. Then slow right down.
Hanoi was a brilliant city to explore on foot. We stayed at La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa, which was wonderfully located for the Old Quarter and the places we wanted to see. Between flower sellers, temples, busy streets and little cafés, there was always something to catch our eye.
We also found ourselves looking upwards all the time: Hanoi has rooftop bars and restaurants everywhere. Then we headed out for a couple of days aboard the Prince with Indochina Boats, cruising Bai Tu Long Bay — quieter than Ha Long Bay, and every bit as spectacular, with limestone cliffs rising from emerald water.
FROM OUR CAMERA
From Hanoi’s rooftops to Bai Tu Long Bay.
THE OLD QUARTER
A city that rewards wandering.
Produce spills onto the pavement, flower sellers brighten the streets and everyday life unfolds just beyond the shopfronts. We loved the energy of the Old Quarter and the fact that so much of it was within walking distance of our hotel.
HIDDEN DETAILS
Look beyond the bustle.
Temples, ornate gateways and small details sit alongside the city’s constant movement. We enjoyed taking our time and letting the streets lead us from one discovery to the next.
HOAN KIEM
A little breathing space.
Hoan Kiem Lake and its famous red bridge offered a greener, calmer side of the city — a welcome contrast to the lively streets around it.
BAI TU LONG BAY
The baby dragon.
Bai Tu Long Bay is often described as the “baby dragon” to Ha Long Bay’s “dragon”. We were really pleased we chose it: the scenery was epic, but the bay felt quieter, with limestone cliffs rising from emerald water and room to appreciate the view.
LIFE ON BOARD
Kayaking, quiet beaches and open water.
We discovered a lovely quiet beach and went canoeing straight from the boat. The food was plentiful, the scenery changed around every bend, and the days had that rare feeling of having nowhere else to be. I even tried sleeping under the stars on deck — until the rain sent me back to the cabin.
WHEN TO GO
Choose the season
Northern Vietnam has distinct seasonal changes. Check conditions for your dates, particularly before an overnight cruise, when weather can affect the experience on the water.
THE FEEL
Contrasts
Expect busy streets, rooftop terraces and a lively food scene in Hanoi, followed by quiet coves, emerald water and dramatic limestone scenery in Bai Tu Long Bay.
GETTING AROUND
On foot and by boat
Hanoi’s central sights are easy to explore on foot. For the bay, arrange the transfer with your cruise operator and allow the boat journey to set the pace.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Places we loved.
Hoan Kiem Lake
A lovely counterpoint to the surrounding streets. Walk the lake edge, take in the red bridge and enjoy a quieter view of the city.
La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
A brilliant base within walking distance of the places we wanted to visit. The rooms were well appointed, the rooftop was popular, and the spa massages were excellent. The team also kindly upgraded the kids’ room after our website outreach.
Blank
A really good spot for food and atmosphere, with a live DJ and the sort of lively energy that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Hanoi Garden
A lovely courtyard restaurant and a great place for the kids to try Vietnamese food in a relaxed setting.
Saha
A lovely little coffee shop near the hotel, and a good place to try local egg coffee.
Prince by Indochina Boats
Our two days cruising Bai Tu Long Bay included extraordinary limestone scenery, a quiet beach, canoeing and plentiful food — a memorable way to experience the quieter side of the bay.
Hanoi Train Street
A memorable stop back in the city. The kids put bottle caps on the tracks and brought home a flattened souvenir after the train had passed.
FROM THE JOURNAL
A trip of two very different rhythms.
In Hanoi, we were always looking up for the next rooftop, finding a good meal or stopping for egg coffee. Blank brought food and a live DJ; Hanoi Garden gave us a lovely courtyard setting; and the hotel spa was a welcome pause between exploring.
Then came two days aboard the Prince in Bai Tu Long Bay: quiet beaches, canoeing, plentiful food and limestone cliffs rising out of emerald water. My attempt to sleep under the stars ended with a retreat to the cabin in the rain. Back in Hanoi, Train Street and the kids’ flattened bottle-cap souvenir brought the trip back to street level.
MORE FROM OUR CAMERA
More from our time in Vietnam.
OUR MAP
Hanoi & Bai Tu Long Bay.
From Hanoi’s Old Quarter and rooftop spots to the quieter waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, this was a trip of contrasts — and one we’ll remember for its food, family moments and extraordinary scenery.