STAYING IN HANOI

At just over 1000 years old, Hanoi can claim its place as one of the world's oldest capital cities. Hanoi's rich and sometimes turbulent history can be seen in the city's many cultural, historical and spiritual sites, which make for excellent sightseeing and help visitors understand more about the unique make-up of Vietnam's capital.

Life in Hanoi is less frenetic than in Ho Chi Minh City to the South, yet there's so much to see and do you'd hardly notice. Down every street and laneway, visitors are sure to find something to inspire and entice. Call into a streetside café for a caffeine hit of Vietnamese coffee, and soak up the chaotic bustle as scooters race down the street and vie for position with the constant blaring of horns. Or, enjoy a delicious Pho for breakfast while admiring the French-colonial, Chinese and Vietnamese co-mingling of history and architecture in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Beyond the obvious candidates like the Old Quarter and French Quarter, there is much more for visitors to experience. The Vietnamese government's continual improvement of the national capital has created flourishing boroughs throughout Hanoi that remain relatively undiscovered by the international tourist set, like the Chua Boc district close to Hanoi's two leading universities, and the Hai Ba Trung district with its thriving boutique fashion houses.

CRUISING HANOI'S BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS

Every travel guide will mention the city's Old Quarter and French Quarter, Hanoi's historic heart. Here, you'll find picture-perfect examples of French-colonial architecture and the highly Instagram-worthy Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn - a narrow alley known as the 'train street' in which a train passes through the middle of the alley with houses to either side. The Old Quarter and surrounds also play host to must-see sites like the 'Temple of the Jade Mountain' on Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Far from being homogenised into a single urban landscape, however, Hanoi is a city of boroughs, each with their own distinct character. Beyond the tourist trail, you'll find districts like Hai Ba Trung - a leafy, laid back area with boutique clothing stores, trendy cafés and pop up galleries. Conveniently close to your serviced apartment in Hanoi, the Tay Ho district borders the eastern side of West Lake and offers a more Western vibe, with luxury hotels including Fraser Suites Hanoi, high-end dining establishments and western-style cafes lining the shores of the lake.

HISTORICAL HANOI

Hanoi's long history has left its indelible mark in the city's many historical and cultural sites. Some of the most important are located around the shores of West Lake. Of special note is the lake's southern shore, where you'll find the Ngọc Hà district, home to the final resting place of perhaps Vietnam's most important historical figure, Ho Chi Minh. The mausoleum of modern Vietnam's founding father rests adjacent to other important historical sites including the One Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple built between 1028 and 1054 CE, the Hanoi Botanical Garden and the Presidential Palace. Located within a short walk from your serviced apartment and on the way to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, you'll find the Tran Quoc Pagoda, a tall pagoda dating back to around 544 CE set on a picturesque island. It's a place of quiet repose, a welcome break from the energetic walk around the lake.