7 things you must do in Hanoi

With its charming buildings, green spaces and excellent shopping, Vietnam’s capital city deserves a place on your bucket list

- LAURA JACKSON

1 Walk the old quarter

Get your bearings in the city with a wander round the labyrinth of 36 streets that make up the Old Quarter, near the Red River. The area is packed with historic landmarks, including the 19th-century faux Gothic St Joseph’s Cathedral and bustling undercover markets. Don’t panic if you get lost (and you will) – chances are you’ll find yourself back where you started, without even realising it!

2 Sleep in style

Situated on the edge of the Old Quarter, most of the city’s sights are walkable from the Mövenpick Hanoi (movenpick. com). Rooms are all polished dark wood with silver accessories, beds so comfortable that you’ll struggle to actually get up, and a refreshing walk-in rain shower that blasts away the dust of the streets. Ask in advance and the hotel will arrange a pick-up from Noi Bai airport.

3 Eat on the cheap