A few months ago, workers renovating the Bamboo Bar at Hanoi’s historic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel hit a snag: they struck the roof of a long-buried air raid shelter that had all but been forgotten. After excavating more than two metres of earth and reinforced concrete, the workers jack-hammered through a 278mm-thick ceiling: below was around … read the full post

When visiting Hanoi, most tourists stay in Old Quarter, and for good reason: it’s here that the majority of the hotels, Westernised restaurants and souvenir shops are located and of course it has heaps of character, local life and the attraction of Hoan Kiem Lake. But if you’re the sort of traveller who likes to buck the trend other … read the full post

A review of some of the hostels offering dorm beds in Hanoi

The Sapa Rooms Hotel in central Sapa is run with a socially responsible philosophy: it is committed to working with, and supporting, local communities. It also recruits staff trained by KOTO, the training and employment centre for street and disadvantaged youth. But its social responsibility is matched by a high quality hotel and restaurant that makes it worth a visit even for … read the full post