LAST YEAR, 12.6 million international tourists chose Vietnam as their holiday destination, with numbers increasing threefold since 2022. Maria Boyle explores the country's lantern-lit towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, delectable cuisine, and one of the best beaches in the world.
Here are her best places to stay and things to see and do on a family journey across the country. Stop 1: Hanoi Stay: Located in the heart of the old city and only a minute's walk from the Opera House and Hoan Kiem lake, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.
com is the place to stay in Hanoi. Built in 1901, the hotel’s history is weaved into the city, having hosted royalty, presidents, and film stars. Charlie Chaplin honeymooned here in 1936, and Mitterand, Chirac, Catherine Deneuve, and U2’s Bono and The Edge have all been guests.
Our rooms were in the hotel’s restored and newly refurbished Heritage Wing. Interiors ooze luxury, blending French colonial with Vietnamese influences. Rooms are spacious, beds incredibly comfortable, Italian marble bathrooms have walk-in showers, free-standing tubs with Balmain amenities.
The hotel has everything you need to get over jet lag including a spa, gym, outdoor pool, and seating. There are plenty of lounges to relax in plus six bars and restaurants to choose from. Breakfast is either a la carte breakfast or buffet - our girls loved the latter given its endless choice of freshly baked pastries, juices and smoothies, a menu of co.