Hello my adventurous friends! Just got back from a wonderful trip to Hanoi and boy, do I have some tales to share! It all started on Friday night when we arrived in this pulsing city. We kicked off our adventure with a late dinner at KOTO Van MieuKOTO Van Mieu, a fantastic social enterprise restaurant that not only serves stellar Vietnamese food, but also gives disadvantaged youths a chance to learn some life-changing skills. A definite win-win!
Saturday morning we were up bright and early (kids, right?) and headed to the Ho Chi Minh MausoleumHo Chi Minh Mausoleum. It's not just an iconic Hanoi landmark, it's also a great spot to teach the kiddos some history. Post sightseeing, we chilled out at Cong CapheCong Caphe. Their coconut coffee - oh my! It's like a tropical hug in a cup.
In the afternoon, we were off to Hanoi Kids' Art CentreHanoi Kids' Art Centre. It's an amazing place where kids can indulge their artistic side. We left with some pretty impressive souvenirs made by our little ones!
Dinner was at Green TangerineGreen Tangerine. The French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine was divine and the kids loved the quirky vintage decor. We had hired a babysitter through a local agency, so post dinner, hubby and I stepped out to The Opera Night ClubThe Opera Night Club for a fun night out.
Sunday began with a leisurely stroll around the Hoan Kiem LakeHoan Kiem Lake, followed by a visit to the Temple of LiteratureTemple of Literature. We then headed to Pizza 4P'sPizza 4P's for lunch. Yes, pizza in Vietnam! But trust me, it's worth it.
Finally, we wrapped up our Hanoi adventure with a visit to the Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi Old Quarter. The kids fell in love with the vibrant streets and I must admit, I did too.
Hotels we recommend: Best Trendy Hotel: The Chi Boutique HotelThe Chi Boutique Hotel Best Luxury Boutique Hotel: Hotel de l'Opera HanoiHotel de l'Opera Hanoi Best Budget Boutique Hotel: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel TrendyHanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy Best BonVoy Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel HanoiJW Marriott Hotel Hanoi Best Hyatt Hotel: Park Hyatt SaigonPark Hyatt Saigon Best Hilton Hotel: Hilton Hanoi OperaHilton Hanoi Opera
Our favorite spots: Favorite Restaurants: KOTO Van MieuKOTO Van Mieu, Green TangerineGreen Tangerine, Pizza 4P'sPizza 4P's Favorite Coffee Shops: Cong CapheCong Caphe Favorite Attractions: Ho Chi Minh MausoleumHo Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi Kids' Art CentreHanoi Kids' Art Centre, Temple of LiteratureTemple of Literature, Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi Old Quarter