By Kathleen Pokrud
Hanoi, the cultural capital of Vietnam, has long been a favoured tourist destination. After hearing about its blend of ancient traditions and modernity, I finally had the chance to visit.
A short flight from Bangkok brought me to Noi Bai International Airport in the early evening. The long stretch of dark fields along the highway gave me a false sense of the countryside until I arrived in the bustling downtown area. The vibrant scene of multiple motorcycles navigating alongside cars, punctuated by the sounds of honking, characterized the lively city.
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As a first-time visitor, I was told the Old Quarter is a must-see attraction, showcasing the rich history of Hanoi. It was easy to hail a Grab taxi and the waiting time was much shorter than in Bangkok. Exploring the area, I found that some streets dated back to the 13th century. The Old Quarter has been heavily influenced by French colonial architecture mixed with traditional Vietnamese temples and ancient buildings. As suggested by many visitors to Hanoi, I agree that exploring on foot is the best way to experience the narrow streets, although traditional cycle rickshaws provide a unique option.
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During a few hours walking around the Old Quarter, I experienced street markets offering souvenirs and textiles from local factories at very attractive prices. Strolling down to Hoan Kiem Lake, there is a beautiful temple on an island, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk.
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An intriguing attraction in the city is the recently relocated Vietnam Military History Museum. Luckily, it is housed in the same area where I stayed at the Sheraton Hanoi West Hotel. Constructed by the Ministry of National Defence, this extensive museum features outdoor displays of weapons and war remnants. It houses a rich collection of military artifacts detailing Vietnam’s resistance history.
No visit to Vietnam is complete without tasting local cuisine. In 2024, I wrote an article on Vietnamese cuisine (https://www.eliteplusmagazine.com/Article/931/Vietnam__Promising_New_Culinary_Destination) which was included in the Global Culinary Stories book launched last year. Vietnam is renowned for its street food, including pho, banh mi, spring rolls and savoury pancakes. Vendors in Hanoi serve a variety of tasty local dishes, and tourists can enjoy Vietnamese coffee in cafés throughout the Old Quarter, which transforms into a lively area with bars and live music at night.
This visit was made possible by a courtesy stay at the Sheraton Hanoi West, a business hotel recently rebranded under Marriott Bonvoy, located in the new industrial area of Hanoi and just steps away from the city’s main stadium.
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