Welcome to one of the world's oldest capitals, beautiful Hanoi in Vietnam. Whether travelling to Hanoi for business or leisure, enjoy a stay in Frasers' luxury serviced apartments in central Hanoi, with stunning views of Hồ Tây (West Lake) and surrounding gardens. Hanoi offers something for everyone, from the beautiful mingling of French-Colonial and Vietnamese architectural influences and charm of the Old Quarter, to flavourful and healthy food, historical and cultural sights, rooftop bars and quirky urban discoveries.
Fraser Suites Hanoi offers sophisticated serviced apartments accommodation for discerning corporate travellers, couples and families. Located in the Syrena Tower on Xuan Dieu Street and close to many of the top things to do in Hanoi, the property features 184 Gold-Standard, fully furnished and spacious residences within an exclusive residential enclave. Connected to the Syrena Shopping Centre, guests can be assured of city living at its most convenient.
At just over 1000 years old, Hanoi can claim its place as one of the world's oldest capital cities. Hanoi's rich and sometimes turbulent history can be seen in the city's many cultural, historical and spiritual sites, which make for excellent sightseeing and help visitors understand more about the unique make-up of Vietnam's capital.
Life in Hanoi is less frenetic than in Ho Chi Minh City to the South, yet there's so much to see and do you'd hardly notice. Down every street and laneway, visitors are sure to find something to inspire and entice. Call into a streetside café for a caffeine hit of Vietnamese coffee, and soak up the chaotic bustle as scooters race down the street and vie for position with the constant blaring of horns. Or, enjoy a delicious Pho for breakfast while admiring the French-colonial, Chinese and Vietnamese co-mingling of history and architecture in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Beyond the obvious candidates like the Old Quarter and French Quarter, there is much more for visitors to experience. The Vietnamese government's continual improvement of the national capital has created flourishing boroughs throughout Hanoi that remain relatively undiscovered by the international tourist set, like the Chua Boc district close to Hanoi's two leading universities, and the Hai Ba Trung district with its thriving boutique fashion houses.
When staying at your serviced apartments in Hanoi, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the best Hanoi has to offer.
Every travel guide will mention the city's Old Quarter and French Quarter, Hanoi's historic heart. Here, you'll find picture-perfect examples of French-colonial architecture and the highly Instagram-worthy Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn - a narrow alley known as the 'train street' in which a train passes through the middle of the alley with houses to either side. The Old Quarter and surrounds also play host to must-see sites like the 'Temple of the Jade Mountain' on Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
Far from being homogenised into a single urban landscape, however, Hanoi is a city of boroughs, each with their own distinct character. Beyond the tourist trail, you'll find districts like Hai Ba Trung - a leafy, laid back area with boutique clothing stores, trendy cafés and pop up galleries. Conveniently close to your serviced apartment in Hanoi, the Tay Ho district borders the eastern side of West Lake and offers a more Western vibe, with luxury hotels including Fraser Suites Hanoi, high-end dining establishments and western-style cafes lining the shores of the lake.
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its freshness and healthiness - the blending of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French culinary styles are often subtle and the results delicious. Hanoi is the originator of Vietnam's default national dish, Phở, and you can barely turn a corner without running into the fragrant scents of Phở broth simmering in a streetside vendor's pots. Phở Ga is considered truly 'local' - it uses strips of shredded chicken instead of beef as the main protein.
The influence of French cuisine - a culinary watermark leftover from the days of French colonial rule in Vietnam - is readily apparent in Hanoi's wealth of quality French bakeries. One of the best bakeries at blending French and Vietnamese styles is Madame Hương on Lý Thường Kiệt in the Old Quarter. The venue serves up traditional Vietnamese pastries as well as French favourites, using time-honoured techniques.
Hanoi's long history has left its indelible mark in the city's many historical and cultural sites. Some of the most important are located around the shores of West Lake. Of special note is the lake's southern shore, where you'll find the Ngọc Hà district, home to the final resting place of perhaps Vietnam's most important historical figure, Ho Chi Minh. The mausoleum of modern Vietnam's founding father rests adjacent to other important historical sites including the One Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple built between 1028 and 1054 CE, the Hanoi Botanical Garden and the Presidential Palace. Located within a short walk from your serviced apartment and on the way to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, you'll find the Tran Quoc Pagoda, a tall pagoda dating back to around 544 CE set on a picturesque island. It's a place of quiet repose, a welcome break from the energetic walk around the lake.
The misty mountains and lush green valleys of Ba Vi National Park beckon, only a 1.5-hour drive from your serviced apartment in Hanoi. The park's three peaks - Dinh Vua, Tan Vien and Ngoc Hoa - frame an area of diverse natural beauty; a mix of landscaped ancient farmlands, tropical jungle and the fast-flowing Da River. Visitors to the park often enjoy the relatively easy hike to the summit of Tan Vien, where a shrine from the 11th century stands devoted to the Mountain God and the view is truly spectacular. On a clear day, the view stretches all the way back to Hanoi. Walking the park's many trails allows visitors to see the vast array of species of flora and fauna that call Ba Vi home. The local Dao people have used many of the species of plants for medicinal purposes going back centuries.
Arriving at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, the best way to arrive at your apartment in Hanoi is by allowing the staff at Fraser Suites Hanoi to arrange an airport transfer to pick you up from the airport directly. Alternatively, you may wish to catch one of the official taxis that leave directly outside the terminal, or one of the private minibuses for around 40,000 VND.
Once in Hanoi, there are many ways to get around the city. Hanoi's main attractions are all nearby each other so the more adventurous can don a day pack and walk around the city, or catch one of the city's numerous taxis or buses. One of the quickest and cheapest ways to zip about is on a motorcycle taxi, with most rides being about 30,000 VND.