Good Morning Vietnam

It was either a scream or a squeal … not sure which really, but I do know that it was with pure joy that I opened the door of my room at Hotel de l’opera in Hanoi, to discover a sumptuous sanctuary with every lavish touch a weary traveler could desire. With what can only be described as the biggest bed I’ve ever seen I admit I did do a running dive bomb. Well I didn’t quite get up on my first attempt because it was a little high for these short legs, but I made it on the second run up and sank into the softest, plushest bed I’ve ever slept in. Complete aaaaah.

The bathroom too is exquisite and features exotic details and L’Occitane toiletries. Not only do all rooms and public areas at Hotel de l’Opera feature free wifi, but laptops can be connected to plasma TV’s right from the bedside – so if you do have to work, it’s a comfortable experience.

But I guess that’s what you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre. Part of the MGallery of Memorable Hotels by Accor Hotel Group, as its name suggests Hotel de l’opera oozes operatic glamour in the heart of Hanoi, and is just a short walk to the 100 year old Hanoi Opera House.

Hanoi is an enchanting city with many scenic lakes and leafy boulevards where the traffic is out of control. I can’t remember if there are any road markings, but if there were it wouldn’t matter … because it’s every man, woman and child for themselves in this fast paced city. Crossing the road is an experience – you feel like you’re literally about to take your life in your own hands – however you learn quick how to get across intersections that have no lights and traffic flying in at least 4 different directions. The tip is walk steadily, don’t change your pace, and for God’s sake, don’t stop!

Buy: Vietnam is renowned for it’s lacquerware and is available all over Hanoi in traditional and contemporary styles. If you don’t find what you like, keep looking. You will find it.

Get Around: A tuk tuk is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city and really soak up the ambience – you’ll get over the scary traffic chaos and actually find it quite amusing.

See: Stroll around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.

Getting there: I flew Thai Airways from Brisbane to Bangkok overnighting at Novotel’s Suvarnabhumi aiport hotel. It’s a fantastic overnight spot and super close to the airport by shuttle bus. From Bangkok the flight to Hanoi is just two hours. So it is well worth considering a side trip to Vietnam while you’re up in this neck of the woods. I love Thai Airways because the service is efficient, friendly and nothing is a hassle.