Landmarks & Museums
Hanoi's French Quarter lies to the southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake, which was previously an administrative center for the French colony of Indochina. The area is filled with beautiful French architecture such as the Grand Opera House, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the State Bank of Vietnam and the historic Hotel Metropole.
There are also many nice high-end hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops.
Truly feel Hanoi like a local in its beautiful autumn by riding a scooter or a bicycle along the three-lane boulevard of Phan Dinh Phung. Enjoy the shade from the old green tree line and breathe in the aroma of Alstonia flowers along the way.