Address: 15 Ngo Quyen street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel:+84 4 3826 6919
Fax: +84 4 3826 6920

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel
Tay Ho District
The words luxury, opulence, grandeur and elegance define the best Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. Intercontinental hotel offers a serene and sumptuous lifestyle to its guests. The prime location, attentive hospitality, exclusive facilities and seamless services of Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake hotel truly make everyone a privileged visitor. With contemporary Vietnamese design, vibrant color and modern conveniences, 359 guestrooms have been adorned at Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake

Add: 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 36270 8888
Fax: +84 4 3719 9999

Fraser Suites Hanoi
Tay Ho District

With its strategic location in Syrena Tower on Xuan Dieu Street, Fraser Suites Hanoi is a prime address for expatriates who desire a home close to the place of business, and yet offers a tranquil repose from the bustle of the city. The well-appointed Gold-Standard serviced residence is in the scenic Westlake district, the residential enclave preferred by foreign executives and their families.

Address: 51 Xuan Dieu, Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3719 8877
Fax: +84 4 3719 8811

Sofitel Plaza Hotel
Tay Ho District
Renowned as one of the most scenic hotels in Hanoi, the Sofitel Plaza is a familiar landmark on the city’s skyline. Rising 20 floors above the peaceful West lake District, the Sofitel Plaza Hanoi (formerly Meritus West Lake Hotel) overlooks beautiful West Lake (Ho Tay), Truc Bach Lake and the Red River. It is just minutes from the main commercial and cultural centres and close to top tourist attractions including the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum.

Address: 01 Thanh Nien, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3823 8888
Fax: +84 4 3829 3888

Shertaton Hanoi Hotel
Tay Ho District
Situated on the picturesque shore of Hanoi’s largest lake – West Lake, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel is 20 minutes from the airport and only 10 minutes from the city center. This prime position offers guests the peaceful solitude of the lush gardens, sweeping lawns and tranquil courtyards whilst having the convenience, bustle and excitement of downtown Hanoi only minutes away.

Address: 1 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3719 9000
Fax: +84 4 3719 9001

Nikko Hanoi Hotel
Hai Ba Trung District

Like other luxury hotels around the world, under the Nikko Hotels International flag Hotel Nikko Hanoi is operated by the JAL Hotel Company Ltd. Nikko family endeavors to offer the high quality service fostered through the long tradition of refined Japanese hospitality

Address: 84 Tran Nhan Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3822 3535Fax: +84 4 3822 3555

Hanoi Horison Hotel
Dong Da District
A five star hotel located in a prime and fast expanding area of Hanoi. The property is bordered by Cat Linh Street and Giang Vo Road assuring easy access to Embassies and Government Offices, Commercial Institutions, Tourist Attractions and nearby Giang Vo Exhibition Centre.

Add: 40 Cat Linh Str., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3733 0808
Fax: +84 4 3733 0888

Melia Hanoi Hotel
Hoan Kiem District
The luxurious 5-star Meliá Hanoi is located right in the city center of Hanoi, inside the diplomatic and financial district and close to main tourist attractions, entertainment and shopping areas: Most ministries and embassies are located within 1 km distance. Melia Hanoi has 306 well-furbished rooms and the largest pillarless Ballroom in Vietnam. From its 22 stories, guest can enjoy the view of the city which boasts many parks, rivers and lakes. Melia Hanoi offers excellent services with a touch of Vietnamese to make your stay satisfying and memorable

Address: 44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3934 3343
Fax: +84 4 3934 3344

Mercure Hotel Hanoi La Gare
Hoan Kiem District
Located opposite Hanoi Central Railway Station, Mercure Hanoi La Gare is an inviting oasis in the heart of the bustling city centre. Situated close to the Old Quarter, commercial precinct and ICE Exhibition Center, this Hanoi hotel features modern designand facilities, plus 102 spacious rooms, a French brasserie, internal courtyard and gym. Ideal for business and leisure guests, Mercure Hanoi La Gare offers easy access to Hanoi attractions including the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake

Address: 94 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3944 7766
Fax: +84 4 3944 8317

Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel
Hoan Kiem District

Situated adjacent to the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of Hanoi, the opening of the Hilton Opera Hanoi Hotel is music to the ears of business and leisure travellers alike. Inspired by the character of the famous Opera House opposite, this magnificent boutique-style hotel is a fusion of two long established traditions – gentle Vietnamese hospitality and graciousness, and the Hilton’s assurance of total reliability, impeccable service and first-class facilities

Address: 01 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi
Tel: +84 4 3933 0500
Fax: +84 4 3933 0530

Discover Mekong offers you a secure online booking of a large selection of Vietnam hotels and resorts. Whether you are looking for a budget small hotel in town or a luxurious resort with superb sea views in Vietnam, we are sure that you can find here at Discover Mekong.com. With long-standing relationship with Vietnam hotels, we are able to offer you at the highly competitive rates.

Add : 72 Ma May

Tel : 3 8280 315

A popular Old Quarter restaurant. The food is indeed tasty and cheap IF you can get a table at New Day. During lunch there’s a yummy buffet which is perfect for large groups sharing food. A full meal with a few beers for no more than 150 000vnd (US$8). Dish rate starts from 30,000 – 60,000 vnd

Quan An Ngon
18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 04 3942 8162

Well-known establishment featuring the cuisine of rural Vietnam. Street food style minus the grungy setting means it often plays host to tourists. Always packed, Ngon is ideal for large groups as prices are cheap and the variety is massive.

Sen Restaurant
Add: 10, alley 431, Au Co St.
Tel: 7199242-9135235-Fax: 7199856
Price range: Medium

Best option for groups: buffet of Vietnamese street dishes in spacious open air surroundings. It costs from 130.000 vnd to 160.000 vnd per person

Com Chay (for Vegetarian)
79A Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 04 3942 4140
Straight down the road from the train station, tucked away in a maze-like series of alleys is one of Hanoi’s most well known vegetarian restaurants. Prices range between US$3 and US$7 for large portions of tofu and fake meat-based dishes. A popular spot for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Highway 4
5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem; 54 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung
www.highway4.com
Popular place serving traditional Vietnamese food and more unusual dishes like crocodile, sparrows and fried crickets. Invigorating rice wines, home brewed spirits and liquors also crowd the menu with friendly atmosphere

Food costs from US$2 to US$ 5. Hot pot costs US$12

Brother’s cafe
Add: 26 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3 7333866
Decent buffet. Most pleasant courtyard, beautiful traditional Vietnamese indoor decor. This old temple is now restored into a nice classy charming restaurant with a quiet patio.
They serve a delicious and fulfilling free buffet with national dishes, all kinds of soups, fish, veggies, meat, desserts…Buffet costs from US$15 vnd per person

Cha ca La Vong (Sauteed fish) Restaurant
Add: 14 Cha CaSt.

Tel: 3 8253929

A fish restaurant long popular with tour groups serving the unique kind of grilled fish made famous on Cha Ca street. Excellent bun bo and a good setting also make it a great place to head with a bunch of friends.

Le Tonkin
Add: 14 Ngo Van So St. Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 9433457
Fax: 9433731

One of the no longer rare restaurants in Hanoi serving decent Vietnamese fare in a picturesque French colonial villa. Entrees in the $4 to $6 USD range, and nicely prepared and presented. Restaurant is a combination of indoor and outdoor seating, with a covered patio as well. Set menu costs from US$12 exclude drinks

Ding Lang
Add: 1 Le Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3 8286290 – Fax: 3 8255265

Prime view over Hoan Kiem lake. Decent traditional Vietnamese dishes. Live traditional music at dinner. Food cost is quite high.

Quan Hai San Ngon
199A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho
Elegant seafood restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Grilled okra, clams, salads and seafood rice cooked in clay pots are popular choices. An outside fountain and an ornate Asian pond in the front yard makes for a calm atmospheric meal. Mains range from around VND150,000.

Just two day : No worries if you’re a little tight on time. Prepared in advance to help you catch the flavours of Vietnam in a short period of time, the package offers carefully-selected tours – from the grandeur of temples to the World Natural Heritage

Day 1: Full day Hanoi city tour: Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex in the morning include: the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, his humble “house on stilts”, take a short walk to the unique One-pillar-pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. After have break for lunch in restaurant, we drive to the Ethnology Museum. Finish the day with a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. For last-minute souvenirs, pay a visit to Dong Xuan market for an endless range of gifts.

Alternatively, end your first day by spending your one night in Hanoi exploring the city’s sizzling nightlife. Check out bar & pub in Hanoi!

Day 2: Full day cruise in Halong bay: Visit Vietnam could not be complete without stopping by Halong bay. 3 hours scenic drive crossing paddy fields and villages, 4 hours 4-hour fantastic cruise on a traditional junk through the emerald waters and 3 hours back to Hanoi. The trip will let you experience a change in local life, from the city to rural area in the Red River Delta before heading to the natural wonder of Halong Bay.

The Early Bird Discount will be applied for the following tours:

Impressions of Vietnam (10 days): The 10-day trip takes visitors on a journey from north to the south, visiting the sights and attractions across the country along the way. Highlights of this tour include an opportunity to experience one of the natural wonders of the World – Ha Long Bay. For those interested in history, the tour explores the former Vietnamese imperial capital of Hue and the ancient trading-port town of Hoi An. For the culturally inclined, there is the opportunity to witness first hand the life and workings of the floating markets of the Mekong Delta.
Full Price: from US$ 1,074/person. Early Bird Price: from US$ 967/person

Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia (13 days): This 13-day tour combines Vietnam’s principal attractions with an in-depth exploration of the country’s major attractions, cities and destinations. The journey ends with Asia’s most memorable sight – the Temples of Angkor. This is a journey for those seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s culture and landscape, with a look into the enchanting country of Cambodia’s history, both past and present.
Full Price: from US$ 1,459/person. Early Bird Price: from US$ 1,313/person

Treasures of Indochina (14 days): The Treasures of Indochina tour takes in three of Indochina’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites: Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, Luong Prabang in Laos and Cambodia’s Angkor temple complexes. Crossing from Vietnam into Laos and then on to Cambodia, visitors get to witness the different languages, cultures, cuisines and lifestyles of the peoples of Indochina. Inspired by cultural diversity, this tour provides a fascinating, once in a life time opportunity to experience the best Indochina has to offer.
Full Price: from US$ 1,877/person. Early Bird Price: from US$ 1,689/person

All Discover Mekong’s small group tours are operated on a weekly basic. Each departure has a maximum of 12 persons per group. The company guarantees departures for a minimum of 2 people traveling together.

In the early years of its colonial administration in Vietnam, the French Government intended to build a church when planning the construction of the city. In August 1876, the Saigon Bishop launched a contest for designing a cathedral. Architect J. Bourad’s design surpassed 17 others and was selected for construction m 1877, which was completed in 1880. He himself was the successful bidder and directly supervised the work.

All necessary materials, from cement to steel rods and screws were brought from France. Especially, the tiles to cover the facade ordered from Marseille (France) were without any mortar coating, and always maintain a rosy-red brilliance, with neither dusts nor moss and lichens. Hence, the church’s overall radiance and resplendence against the background of the shady green perennials.

With a length of 93m, width of 35.5m and its height of 57m (from the ground to the bell tower), the cathedral, not as large as it may look, commands a great appeal, not only for its classical beauty of Romanesque gothic architecture but also for its original interior and uniquely rare antiquities.

First, its set of six huge bells, with a total weight of 28,850 kg, sounding the six musical notes, so, la, ti, do, re and mi, were manufactured in France and carried over to Saigon in 1879. In the tower on the right are hung the four bells so, do, re and mi, and in the tower on its left, the two bells la and ti.

The decorative designs on each bell are very delicate, and the so bell is among the biggest in the world with a weight of 8,785 kg, diameter of 2.25 m and height 3.5 m (up to its hanger). The so bell, like the bass in the choir, resounds only once a year on Christmas Eve.

To sound the bell, it is necessary to have three or four robust men to stamp the starter that it can swing as high as its hanging bolt, then turn on the three-phase electric device for the motor to go on. On Sundays and at festivities, three bells are tolled, but on week days, only one bell is, the mi or the re, at 5am and 5.30 pm.

Despite the lack of the bell fa, when the five bells sound together at the same time, it is a marvelous concert, with low and high melodies unlike any other church bells. The melodious tunes can be heard as far as 10km as the crow flies.

The giant clock under the vault between the two bell-towers is another rare antiquity. An R.A., it was made in Switzerland in 1887, weighing more than 1,000 kg. This rough old-timed apparatus has told exact time for 125 years now, however, its sounding device is not operating due to its old spring.

The Cathedral’s interior is composed of the central nave and two aisles, with two chapels attached. All its ornaments and decorative patterns are in the Romanesque and Gothic style, elegant yet solemn. Its high altar is made of monolithic marble featuring engravings of six angels supporting the canon table and the pedestal of three compartments, each being a carving describing a religious relic. Each chapel, stained glass window, or vault is a work of art and all these are engulfed in gentle light that gives you a sense of holy peace and devotion.

In front of the cathedral lies a large park, with two paths cutting each other to form huge cross. In the centre of the park stands a marble state of the Blessed Virgin, 4.2m high, weighing 3.5 tonnes. Her arms embrace the globe with a cross, her feet stamp on a snake, expressing a wish to bring peace to all humanity. For this very reason, the statue is also called the Virgin of Peace.

A work of art by artist G. Ciocchetti, it was displayed in 1959, hence its name of the Notre Dame de Saigon (its maiden name used to be the State Church, which had been erected and managed at the expense of the French Government).

In 1960, the Vatican Holy See established the Vietnamese Religious Orders, with three bishop residences in Hanoi, Hue and Saigon. This cathedral then bore the name of Saigon Bishopric Cathedral, and in 1962, the Vatican promoted it to Basilica, hence its full name Basilica Notre Dame de Saigon.

For 125 years, Notre Dame has been not only a place for the Catholic congregations to perform services and celebrate ceremonies, but has also turned into a homely icon of the Saigonese as well, a favorite destination for visitors to this southern city which features abundant sunshine all round the year.