A handpicked selection of the finest things to buy, fab places to try and fun things to do in Singapore

Hanoi Highlights

Skip outta town

15 February 2009

Right now is the best time to visit this vibrant, artistic city before it get's like a sauna from May to Sept... hot and sticky! So pack those bags and take note...

STAY
Splurge at Sofitel Metropole, or the Hilton Hanoi Opera. Or go for a smaller boutique experience at the recently renovated Church Hotel. We stayed at the brand-spanking-new boutique Cinnamon Hotel, which is a real gem just behind the church.

DINE
French baguettes are the best at Paris Deli on Phan Chu Trinh. For more refined French head to the lovely Green Tangerine (48 Hang Be) or Le Beaulieu. Try the famous Bobby Chinn, when you need a Chinese fix.
For fresh Vietnamese munch go to Quan Anh Ngon, 19 Phan Boi Chau St, and eat with the locals. Want something more upmarket? Go to Emperor, 18b Pho Le Thanh Tong, ph. 826 8801 but book in advance.
You can't go wrong with the renowned Sofitel Metropole Chocolate Buffet.

PLAY
Whilst Hanoi doesn't quite have the Singapore nightlife, there are some quaint watering holes like Le Pub (25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem - just down the road from Green Tangerine), Maos Red Lounge, (7 Ta Hien) and Minhs Jazz Club (31 Luong Van Can St) and then head to Solace (Chuong Duong Do) to dance the night away.

SHOP
Shop shop shop! On Hang Gai you will find beautiful porcelain plates at Hanoi Moment and funky threads at Van Loi. Seek out Ana Mai for some French lingerie (108 Hang Trong), and just around the corner is Mosaique Decoration on Nha Tho, along with Things of Substance and a number of other little boutiques. Finally turn left as you walk towards the Church for Nah Chung st, where you will find Creation for homewares like fabulous silk bedspreads.

GIVE
Visit Koto (59 Van Mieu Street, Dong Da District), this place trains street kids to work in hospitality. There's a roof top bar that overlooks the famous temple of Literature.

GO NOW
Tiger Airways has 2-for-1 deals to Hanoi right now!

Hanoi Highlights | 15 February 2009 at 10:00 AM

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