Among the criss-crossing lanes that make up the Old Quarter, Hang Thung Street has long been a destination in itself. It it was once lined with barrel-makers and vendors selling humble goods, from handcrafted furniture to fish sauce by the bucket load. Those traditional traders have since been replaced by fashion boutiques and fragrant restaurants, yet the street remains a hive of activity where cultures converge and senses are invigorated.
Despite sharing a neighbourhood with sister Classic Ma May, this hotel is no carbon copy. Much like the street on which it sits, Classic Hang Thung has forged its own contemporary identity, designed to be a haven of cool sophistication and respite from the buzz outside. The 70 rooms and suites are pared back and calming, with vintage-inspired rattan furnishings and polished parquet flooring. There's a spa and courtyard pool, flanked by luscious foliage, for melting away the aches and pains of the urban explorer. Meanwhile, the restaurant and library bar provide a sophisticated end to the day, serving up high-class Vietnamese-fusion fare and cocktails. And if you should need anything else, be it train travel or guided tours, the charming staff are armed with the know-how to make your time in Hanoi a breeze.
Highs
- Brilliant location in the heart of the Old Quarter, a short walk from top sights like Hoan Kiem Lake and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Staff are kind and attentive, getting to know you by name and always on hand to help
- The plant-fringed heated pool with mood lighting and Jacuzzi jets was just what I needed after my long journey to Hanoi - pure bliss
- We couldn't wait to dig into the varied and delicious breakfast buffet each morning
- Cool, clean rooms that suit all budgets
Lows
- Larger than most hotels in our collection but the service here and at its sisters in Hoi An and Saigon always feels personal
- Some of the rooms don't have windows or look onto a wall
- Room décor feels a tad bland compared to the sleek design that runs through the rest of the hotel
- There are no loungers by the pool, only built in seating in the water and some chairs in the dressing room - no issue during our winter stay but may be annoying in the summer
Best time to go
There's never a bad time to visit Hanoi, but it's worth noting it has a different climate to the south. The summer (June-August) is hot and humid - expect regular downpours. Winter (December-March) is cool and dry, which makes navigating the streets more pleasant but you'll need to pack layers. Spring and Autumn are perfect, promising mild temps and sweat-free shopping.
Our top tips
Hanoi has some of the best food in the country, but it's not always obvious where to find it. Joining a street food tour will give you the inside scoop on the hidden gems and local haunts. Ours was a highlight of our 2-week trip.
- Luxury Hotel
- 70 rooms
- Restaurant & bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry Service
- Electric car charger
Rooms
The 70 rooms are pristine and tastefully simple. Plush beds dressed in polar-white linens take centre stage, while headboards, wardrobes, chairs and side tables all share the same walnut and rattan Art Deco design. Although not the most exciting stylistically, everything feels of the highest quality and ticks all the boxes for a city break.
Rooms come as doubles or twins (plus a couple of triples), ranging from the reasonably sized but windowless Superior rooms to the top-floor Owner's Suite with private rooftop garden. We particularly liked the Club Executive rooms on the 12th floor for the incredible views of the city. We stayed in a super-spacious Executive Suite on the 3rd floor, with a balcony overlooking the street and a huge bed that was heaven to sink into at the end of a busy day. There are also some connecting rooms that work well for families.
The ensuite bathrooms aren't particularly flashy but feature walk-in rainfall showers, La Siesta toiletries that smelt divine, large vanity mirrors and thick, waffle bathrobes.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
The Red Bean Central restaurant sits pretty on the 11th floor, serving up awesome cityscapes and sophisticated Asian-fusion fare.
The breakfast buffet is a brilliant place to start the day. A tantalising spread of continental and Vietnamese dishes is laid out each morning, from pho and fresh pastries to cereals and sushi. You can also get eggs as you like them, a fantastic array of juices (watermelon was our favourite) and that strong, delicious coffee the Vietnamese are known for.
For lunch and dinner, expect modern Vietnamese cuisine alongside some international crowd-pleasers. There are set menus that showcase traditional dishes, like beef in bamboo or Hanoi grilled fish, or a la carte options that cross continents, like stewed lamb shoulder or pasta carbonara with smoked duck. We really enjoyed our pan-seared sea bass in banana leaf, which came with a tangy passionfruit sauce and a sprinkling of steamed veg. The portions were a tad petite and prices are high (for Vietnam), but you can taste the quality. There's also a small (somewhat uninspiring) vegetarian menu, and a few safe options for picky little ones.
You're spoilt for choice if you choose to go out for food. From street stalls to family-run restaurants, the Old Quarter is packed with some of the best eateries in the country. Food tours are the best way to familiarise yourself, or ask the staff for their top picks; they'll be happy to make reservations if needed.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Kids' meals
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Meander the maze-like Old Quarter. Each street historically specialises in a different trade: for Vietnamese coffee try Hang Giay Street; for silk scarves, Hang Gai Street; for traditional handicrafts and art galleries, Hang Be Street
- Head down to Hoan Kiem Lake in the morning, a popular spot for locals doing T'ai Chi and jogging. Stroll around the water's edge and visit Ngoc Son Temple on its island (remember to cover your shoulders and knees)
- Don't miss a vibrant show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This is one of the country's oldest art forms and there a several performances per day
- Swing by the beaux-arts Opera House and extravagant Indochinese History Museum in the French Quarter, distinguished by grand boulevards and wide pavements
- When the bustle becomes too much, seek solace in the 11th-century Temple of Literature, once the site of Vietnam’s first university. Its gardens are serene at off-peak moments
- Book in for a pamper at La Spa; their signature 'four hands massage' sounds intriguing, and the treatments get rave reviews
- Hotel staff can book excellent street food tours, cookery classes, city tours, Halong Bay cruises, theatre performances and much more
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
- Well being
Kids
Families are welcome at La Siesta and the friendly staff are great with children, though the overall vibe of the hotel is more grown-up. Kids aged 5 and up are charged as adults.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The Executive Deluxe Connecting rooms are best for families of four. There are a handful of triple rooms and most other rooms can fit an extra bed and/or a baby cot.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting can be arranged on request.
Children's meals:
The restaurant provides a children's menu, along with some kid-friendly a la carte options (like pasta and pizza)
Kids Activities on site:
- Heated pool
Kids Activities nearby:
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Train street
Distances:
- Airport: 30-minute drive
- Shop: 1-minute walk
- Hospital: 15-minute drive
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
La Siesta Classic Hang Thung is at the heart of Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
By Air:
Fly into Hanoi Noi Bai International (23km).
From the Airport
Taxis are available, or you can arrange a transfer with the hotel.
By Car:
Driving in Hanoi isn't recommended, but if you want to explore the region, consider hiring a car. Please see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Need help planning your trip to Vietnam? Our Tailormade Trips partners can organise an itinerary that's designed around you.
Airports:
- Hanoi Noi Bai 23.0 km
Other:
- Beach 210.0 km
- Shops 0.4 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km