Distance: 2 km
The West Lake nabe beloved by expats, yogis and artists offers plentiful in summer sip stops and tastebud tantalizing treats, lest we forget the shopportunities for the socially conscious, then stretch out your aches and pains with a spa date. Umm, yes, please when do we start?
A. Kilomet 109
Small, indie Kilomet 109 packs a hefty style punch with its reimagining of Vietnamese silhouettes into collections that are both ethical and fashion-forward. Founder Thao Vu works with minority artisans who weave, dye and print fabrics, which are then hand stitched in her Hanoi studio.64 Quang An Tay Ho, +84 91 237 09 02, 10am-7pm Tue to Sun, kilomet109.com
B. La Studio
Take refuge where the plant-based Pollyannas flock to in this ramshackle vegan joint for wholesome, delicious meat-free fare that’s equally popular with carnivores. If you’re hankering for western bakery, the homemade breads, bagels, and cakes hit the jackpot. Order the tempeh bagel.
44 Ngo 31 – Xuan Dieu Quang An, +84 8 3330 0888, 8.30am-4pm Mon, Wed to Fri, 9am-4pm Sat & Sun, facebook.com/lastudio.vegancafe
C. Copenhagen Delights
Kiddiwinks will love these simple, stylish, multi-coloured threads, bedroom and dining bib-bobs almost as much as you do. Scandi-designed, locally made, they also have online shopping for when you’ve maxed out space in the travel trunk.
55 Xuan Dieu Tay Ho, +84 243 7184 395, 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat-Sun, copenhagendelights.com
D. Body and Soul
Get a bit of respite from the shoppers shoulder at this cute two-room mini ‘spa’ that’s a faff to find, but the lovely and multilingual Tra (she speaks Vietnamese, French German and English) and her sis are ace for massages, mani/pedi, facials and waxing. Appt only, strictly no walk-ins.
84 To Ngoc Van Tay Ho, +84 90 424 13 14, 9am-9pm daily, bodyandsoul.com.vn
E. Mad Society
Then shimmy over to this polished whisky n’ jazz sib to Mad Botanist (the gin specialist across town) plating up seasonal, ingredient-led Asian tapas amid Art Deco-era surrounds. Go for the set menu to enjoy new-wave Vietnamese cuisine with the wine-pairing.2 Dưong Tay Ho Quang An, +84 247 1099 298, 5pm-10.30pm daily, madsocietyhanoi.com
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: Kilomet 109
