Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam but it is only the second biggest city in the country. It has managed to escape somewhat unscathed by the conflicts that have troubled Vietnam in recent history. It is a former French colony, and the French influence is quite strong in the older parts of the city. It is a rather bustling metropolis with development progressing at a breakneck speed. Despite widespread urbanisation, it remains an Asian city at its core and is a fine place for a holiday.
Hanoi is not just a terrific shopping destination it is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife. The city, which is normally busy during the day, kicks into a higher gear at night. Spots frequented by the night owls include the 1911 Bar; the Cama Atk Bar, which also has performances of alternative music; the Dragonfly Bar, a great place to dance; and Hanoi Rock City, a bar, club and live music venue all rolled into one.
Of course the local night scene is not limited to pubs and nightclubs. One can hardly leave the city without catching a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (this is a ‘must do’ especially for families with children). One should also try to take in a performance at the Hanoi Opera House and catch a film at the Cinematheque.
As a thriving tourist destination, the city has very good infrastructure to cope with its numerous visitors. Restaurants and lodgings are abundant and one can find places to suit various budget. Although many restaurants serve Vietnamese cuisine, one can find a fair number of restaurants that serve cuisine from other countries as well. Travel may pose a bit of a problem as foreigners sometimes struggle to master the local bus system.
One can overcome problems related to travel by staying at a place like Somerset Grand Hanoi. They offer Luxury Apartments Hanoi in a central area, close to attractions such as the Fine Art Museum and the city’s Opera House. Combining the facilities of a hotel with the quiet intimacy of a home, it is the ideal option for travellers looking for long term Hanoi accommodation.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+