Distance: 1-2.5 km
With its colonial-era architecture, leafy boulevards and absence of crowds, the French Quarter is one of the most walkable of Hanoi’s districts. Continue on to Hoan Kiem Lake to clock up those steps.
A. Ly Club
Old-world opulence abounds in this charming French manor with sumptuous Indochina decor, leafy patio and luscious Gallic-Viet plates.
4 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem, +84 24 3936 3069, 7am-11pm daily, lyclub.vn
B. Le Spa du Metropole
Madame Sofitel’s elegant colonial retreat riffs on bygone days with its dark woods, panelled walls and latticed doors. Visit as a day guest to enjoy a wide array of top-to-toe treatments.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, +84 24 3826 6919, 10am-10pm daily, sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com
C. Press Club Hanoi
Once the distinguished haunt of writers, journos and literary types, nowadays you’re more likely to find after-work bees buzzing to DJ beats, and bevvies on the roof.
12 Ly Dao Thanh, Hoan Kiem, +84 904 067 686, 8am-11pm daily, hanoi-pressclub.com
D. Tadioto
This low-fi, shab-fab drink, dine n’ art mash-up pulls in Hanoi’s creatives with its strong libations and laid-back, jazz-funk atmos.
24B Tong Dan Street, Hoan Kiem, +84 24 6680 9124, 9am-11.45pm daily, facebook.com/tadiotohanoi
E. Hanoi Opera House
Standing proud at a major intersection, Hanoi’s iconic opera house is pic-pretty but annoyingly only open for occasional performances. When it is, be sure to snag a ticket to peek at the ravishing interior.
1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, +84 24 3933 0113, hanoioperahouse.org.vn/en
F. Thuy Design House
Get fit to flex Auntie AmEx on this Hanoi-born designer’s beautiful ao dai, tunics and jackets, hand made in rich brocade or vibrant, painterly patterned silk.
9 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, +84 24 3937 8323, thuydesignhouse.com
G. Ha Linh Thu
Intimate girly boudoir of sensual, slinky silk or plush velvet frocks, palazzos and blouses in rich hues and surprisingly fash-forward cuts.
6 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, +84 24 3266 8184, facebook.com/halinhthufashion
H. Kumquat Tree
This rouge-hued siren beckoned in-the-know Hanoites way before the speakeasy trend hit hard.
1 Nguyen Khac Can, Trang Tien, +84 98 268 53 35, 7.30pm-11.30pm daily, facebook.com/kumquattreehanoi
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
