Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is a city rich in history and culture. Amid the bustling streets and serene lakes lie a number of historic and iconic hotels that not only offer accommodation but also a journey through time. Two of the most famous establishments are Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Hoa Binh Hotel. Both hotels, with their unique ancient architecture and long history, offer a sophisticated blend of luxury and heritage, making them perfect for travelers looking for an abundant experience.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, established in 1901, is an iconic French colonial-style hotel in the heart of Hanoi. Known for its rich history and luxurious accommodations, it has been a residence of choice for celebrities, dignitaries, and heads of state. The hotel combines old-world charm with modern comforts, offering guests an unparalleled experience in the capital of Vietnam.
Location: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Transport:
– From Noi Bai International Airport: Approximately 30 km (about 45 minutes by taxi or shuttle service). The hotel offers a luxury car service for seamless airport transfers.
– From Hanoi Railway Station: Around 2 km (about a 10-minute drive by taxi or cyclo).
Directions: Centrally located in the French Quarter, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Opera House, and various embassies and government offices.
Entrance: No entrance fee; the hotel is accessible to guests and visitors, especially those interested in its dining options and historical tours.
Things to Do:
– Hotel History Tour: Participate in the daily guided tour, which delves into the hotel’s storied past, including a visit to the wartime bunker used during the Vietnam War.
– Dining:
– Le Beaulieu: A renowned French restaurant serving exquisite cuisine and fine wines.
– Angelina: An upscale Italian restaurant and bar known for its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere.
– Le Club Bar: Offers a delightful afternoon tea service and live jazz performances in the evening.
– Bamboo Bar: A poolside bar that serves light snacks and refreshing beverages in a lush, tropical setting.
– Spa: Le Spa du Metropole offers a range of treatments, from traditional Vietnamese massages to contemporary therapies, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation.
– Swimming: Enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool, surrounded by lush greenery and comfortable loungers.
– Events and Performances: The hotel regularly hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and live music performances, enriching guests’ experiences.
Photos:
– Capture the elegant facade, the lush courtyard, vintage cars at the entrance, the wartime bunker, and historical artifacts displayed within the hotel. Don’t miss the striking architectural details and the charming colonial decor.
Review: Highly praised for its luxurious amenities, historical significance, and exceptional service. Guests frequently highlight the hotel’s attention to detail and the immersive historical experience.
Best time to visit: Spring (March to April) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the city.
Price: Rooms range from $250 to $1,000+ per night, depending on the room type and season. The hotel offers various packages and promotions throughout the year.
Hoa Binh Hotel
Built in 1926, Hoa Binh Hotel is another significant historic hotel in Hanoi. It features charming colonial architecture and offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities. Its strategic location in the French Quarter makes it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Location: 27 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Transport:
– From Noi Bai International Airport: Approximately 30 km (about 45 minutes by taxi or shuttle service).
– From Hanoi Railway Station: Around 2.5 km (about a 12-minute drive by taxi or cyclo).
Directions: Positioned in the French Quarter, within walking distance of major attractions such as the Hanoi Opera House, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, and various embassies.
Entrance: No entrance fee; available for guests and visitors.
Things to do:
– Exploration: The hotel’s location in the French Quarter makes it ideal for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Hanoi Opera House, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, and various galleries and shops.
– Dining: The on-site restaurant serves a variety of local and international cuisine, offering a comfortable dining experience. The breakfast buffet is particularly popular among guests.
– Business Facilities: The hotel features several meeting rooms and a business center, making it suitable for conferences and events. High-speed internet and other business services are available.
– Relaxation: The hotel’s bar and lounge provide a cozy setting for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a selection of cocktails, wines, and local beverages.
Photos:
– Highlight the colonial architecture, the spacious lobby, the elegant dining area, and nearby historical sites like the Hanoi Opera House and the French colonial buildings.
Review: Known for its charming architecture, strategic location, and good service. Guests appreciate the historical charm combined with modern comfort, as well as the friendly and helpful staff.
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, with mild temperatures and less humidity.
Price: Rooms range from $80 to $200 per night, depending on the room type and season. The hotel often offers discounts for longer stays and early bookings.
Hanoi street
– Transport Tips: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available and convenient for getting around the city. Walking is also a great way to explore the French Quarter and Old Quarter, with many attractions within a short distance. For a more traditional experience, consider taking a cyclo ride, especially in the Old Quarter.
– Entrances & Tickets: Most historical sites in Hanoi have entrance fees ranging from $1 to $5. Hotels themselves do not charge entrance fees, but it’s good to check if you plan to participate in any special events or tours.
– Best Time to Visit Hanoi: Spring (March to April) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, with the most pleasant weather, avoiding the hot summer and the wet monsoon season.
– Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit early morning or evening for a serene walk around the lake. The picturesque setting is perfect for photography, especially with the iconic red Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.
Turtle Tower
– Temple of Literature: Explore Vietnam’s first university, a beautiful historical site with well-preserved architecture and gardens. It’s a great place to learn about Vietnamese history and education.
Temple of Literature
– Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay respects to the founding father of modern Vietnam. Note that the mausoleum has strict visiting hours and dress code. The surrounding Ba Dinh Square and Presidential Palace are also worth a visit.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
– Water Puppet Show: Attend a traditional water puppet performance, which is a unique cultural experience of Vietnam. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake is the most famous venue.
Water Puppet Show
– Old Quarter: Wander through the bustling streets, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy street food. The narrow streets are filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, offering a lively atmosphere.
Old Quarter
– Long Bien Bridge: Visit for stunning views of the Red River and a piece of history, especially at sunrise or sunset. The bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, is a symbol of resilience.
Long Bien Bridge
– St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Admire the Gothic architecture in the heart of Hanoi. The cathedral is especially beautiful during the Christmas season when it’s decorated and filled with festive cheer.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
– Ethnology Museum: Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through well-curated exhibits and outdoor displays of traditional houses.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
– West Lake (Ho Tay): A large freshwater lake with scenic views, upscale cafes, and restaurants. The Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi, is located on a small island in the lake.
West Lake
– Day 1: Arrive and check in at your hotels. Explore the Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show in the evening. Have dinner at a local restaurant in the Old Quarter.
– Day 2: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the One Pillar Pagoda. In the evening, dine at one of the fine restaurants in the French Quarter. End the day with a visit to the Hanoi Opera House if there’s a performance.
– Day 3: Take a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda or Halong Bay. If you prefer staying in the city, explore the Hanoi Opera House, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, and the Ethnology Museum. Enjoy dinner at Angelina or Le Beaulieu at the Sofitel Metropole.
– Day 4: Spend your last day visiting any remaining attractions, shopping for souvenirs in the Old Quarter, and enjoying a relaxing spa treatment at your hotels. Take a leisurely walk around West Lake and visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
– Accommodation: $80 to $1,000+ per night, depending on your choice of hotels and rooms type.
– Meals: $10 to $50 per meal at high-end restaurants; street food can be much cheaper, around $1 to $5 per dish. Consider exploring both local eateries and fine dining options.
– Transport: $20 to $50 per day for taxis and entrance fees. Renting a scooter can be an adventurous and economical option, but ensure you are comfortable with the traffic conditions.
– Tours: Guided tours and day trips range from $30 to $100 depending on the destination and inclusions. Booking through reputable agencies or directly through your hotels are recommended for the best experience and safety.
Both Sofitel Legend Metropole and Hoa Binh Hotel offer unique and historic experiences, providing a blend of luxurious and comfortable stays while immersing guests in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Hanoi. Enjoy the elegance and heritage of these iconic hotels as you explore the vibrant city of Hanoi. Whether you choose the hotels of the Metropole or the charm of Hoa Binh, your stay in Hanoi will be a memorable journey through history and modernity.
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We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.
Email:northvietnamtour@impresstravel.com or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
What’s included in this trip :
3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED
|
Destination |
Room Type |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
|
Hanoi 3-star Hotels |
Adamas Deluxe City |
ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/ |
|
3-star Halong Bay Cruises |
Swan Cruise Deluxe |
SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/ |
4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
|
Destination |
Room Type |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
|
Hanoi 4-star Hotels |
The light deluxe with window |
THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/ |
|
4-star Halong Bay Cruises |
Sealife Suite Canbin |
HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY Refer: www.sealifegroup.com |
5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
|
Destination |
Hotel Category |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
|
Hanoi 5-star hotels |
Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel |
APRICOT HOTEL HANOI Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch |
|
5-star Halong bay Cruises |
Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret |
MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY Refer: https://margaretcruises.com |
The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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