Curated Travel Guides to Unexpected Places

Hotel Château de Hanoi

Hidden along one of the Old Quarter’s meandering lanes, Hotel Château de Hanoi transforms a heritage building into a contemporary haven. The boutique property balances its historic bones with modern sensibilities – think minimalist rooms warmed by timber floors and thoughtful lighting, creating calm spaces above the bustling streets that tempt afternoon naps after exploring […]

Aira Boutique

Along tree-lined Tran Phu Street, Aira Boutique Hotel stands as a modern urban retreat. Its 60 rooms and suites combine clean lines with warm touches – think hardwood floors, custom furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the spaces with natural light. Families particularly appreciate the connecting room options, while business travellers gravitate to the higher-floor […]

Hotel de Lagom

A new addition to Hanoi’s hotel scene, Hotel de Lagom brings Scandinavian serenity to the Old Quarter’s chaotic charm. The Swedish concept of ‘lagom’ – meaning just right, or perfectly balanced – infuses every aspect of this boutique property, where natural materials, subtle lighting, and clean lines blend with French colonial touches to create a […]

The Cocktail Bar

While most seekers hunt for hidden basement bars, this spot takes a different approach to disguise: masquerading as a simple park café in a leafy city centre square. By day, it blends seamlessly with the continental café culture of outdoor tables and coffee sippers. But as dusk falls, warm lamplight and flickering candles transform the […]

Bar Kolo

In the basement a residential building, Bar Kolo’s UV lights transform an ordinary underground space into a glowing wonderland of neon art and psychedelic decor. This late-night haunt (open until 5am) strikes a perfect balance between underground party den and welcoming hangout, with its Italian owners fostering the kind of familiar atmosphere that makes first-time […]