InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Start your day the Vietnamese way with a cup of Vietnamese coffee ("café sua da"), experience the hive of activity since sunrise and watch life go by. Hanoi is special because life happens on the street: all the talking, eating and bargaining activities. Enjoy yourself the peaceful atmosphere and historic beauty of Hoan Kiem lake (the Restored Sword lake) with the 18th-century Turtle Temple located in the center of the lake. Walk across the legendary red-painted The Huc bridge to enter into Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Island) where time stands still. Then lead to views of Ho Chi Minh Complex with the unique One Pillar Pagoda and the impressive Presidential Palace. Finish the morning by visiting the first university of Vietnam from the 11th century - Temple of Literature.

Spend the afternoon shopping in the crowded Old Quarter covered by countless shops which offer good value Vietnamese ceramics, silk, lacquer ware and linens. Immerse yourself in the area around Nha Tho Street resembling Paris's Marais. For the more custom-minded and bargain-conscious, we would like to recommend checking out the fabric markets of Hom Market and Dong Xuan Market. Tailors along Hang Gai Street can meet your even toughest demand varying from a traditional Aodai silk tunic and pants to meticulous Western-style suits. Take your time to stroll and discover all the famous and traditional Guild streets of The Old Quarter. Each street was originally named after, and linked to, an artisan trade that flourished over six centuries ago.

Unwind after a long day of living like a local and shopping to your heart's content by taking in a Thang Long Water Puppet theater. A unique traditional performance of Northern Vietnam. Afterwards, take a walk to Ta Hien. The street stretches only 200 meters and is one of the most crowded streets in the Old Quarter. Ta Hien offers both old Hanoi and modern Hanoi. The street is also known for the best Vietnamese street foods such as "nem chua", Vietnamese bread and noodles with draft beer that we called "bia hoi".