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North Vietnam is a cool terrain that enchants with majestic mountains, cascading rice terraces, and grand heritage buildings that have survived the test of time. The country’s capital, Hanoi, has a history that stretches back over a thousand years and is sure to enamor any culture enthusiast. Fans of architecture will also marvel at the plethora of French colonial architecture that transports you back in time.
If you’re the type of traveler looking for more than just a bed, checking into hotels that offer a fascinating backstory is easy thanks to the variety of boutique hotels in the north. Whether you’re looking to sleep in a time-honored heritage building or want to base yourself on the doorstep of historical sites, countless gems in Hanoi, Hue, and Sapa offer a tasteful blend of cultural heritage and contemporary comfort.
To take in the quaint and rustic atmosphere of the north with a solid side of culture, these MICHELIN-selected hotels turn a simple stay into something special.
RELATED: Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Timeless elegance at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. (© Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
This is the world’s first Sofitel Legend hotel, a designation from the French chain that’s reserved only for stately heritage hotels and palaces around the world. Befitting its esteemed title, certain suites have been named after famous personalities who have previously checked in, from actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin to writers Graham Greene and Somerset Maugham. Situated in the heart of Hanoi, just a stone’s throw away from the French Quarter, all 358 rooms and suites from both the Heritage Wing and newer Opera Wing tastefully blend modern luxury with colonial Indochine elegance. Make the time to dine at Le Beaulieu, a MICHELIN-listed French restaurant that serves centuries-old classics like lobster bisque.Insider tips:
Begin your day with a signature Metropole breakfast and Vietnamese coffee, before a stroll through the hotel garden. For a trip down memory lane, explore the Heritage Wing with its historical skylight and grand staircase, which has remained unchanged for over a century, or embark on the “Path of History” bunker tour, which offers a glimpse into the hotel’s storied past. Finally, sip a cocktail in the colonial-era Bamboo Bar and enjoy fine dining at Le Beaulieu, which has been serving discerning diners in Hanoi since 1901.
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Azerai La Résidence in Hue. (© Azerai La Résidence)
Azerai La Résidence
A riverside oasis in the old imperial city of Hue, Azerai La Résidence was once a Governor’s mansion built in 1930. At its resort-like grounds with Art-Deco style buildings, guests can soak up a historical atmosphere with views of the Hue Imperial City right across the Perfume River. The setting takes guests back to a colonial era, with its grand staircase, four-poster beds, and balconies framed with French doors. Nature plays a significant role here, with an expansive tropical garden and a 4-meter saltwater pool that parallels the river, offering quiet pockets for relaxation.Insider tips:
Start your day with a sunrise stroll to the Imperial Citadel and other surrounding UNESCO landmarks that bring Vietnam’s imperial past to life. You can also enjoy a private Azerai river cruise on the fabled Perfume River, venture out to explore the serene beauty of Tam Giang Lagoon — the largest brackish water lagoon in Southeast Asia — or tee off at some of Central Vietnam’s finest golf courses.
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Enjoy a stunning view from your hotel room at Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery in Sapa. (© Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery)
Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery
Akin to staying in a palace in the clouds, Hotel de la Coupole is the first modern luxury hotel in the mountain town of Sapa. Its French Indochine façade is hard to miss, while its interiors — a blend of haute couture and hilltribe fashion — pack a maximalist energy. All 249 luxurious rooms feature bright pops of color, while more indulgent options offer spacious balconies and oversized bathtubs. Don’t miss their enormous indoor pool under pink chandeliers, where guests can swim while overlooking the misty Sapa Valley.Insider tips:
While the hotel radiates European elegance, its soul is deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Northern Vietnam. Keep your eyes peeled for ethnic-inspired patterns, subtly woven throughout the hotel’s interior design and staff uniforms, relax in a traditional Red Dao herbal bath, and savor the bold, aromatic notes of the signature Pho cocktail.
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A grand tale of opera stars in every corner of Capella Hanoi. (© Capella Hanoi)
Capella Hanoi
Opera fanatics will appreciate the drama of Capella Hanoi. Spectacularly reimagined by American architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, much inspiration is drawn from opera in the Roaring Twenties, set just steps from the Hanoi Opera House and the historic Old Quarter. Across its 47 rooms and public spaces, colorful details pack every corner, with operatic memorabilia ranging from costumes to vintage photographs on display. The grand Opera Suites on the top floor let you live out your “Madame Butterfly” or “Turandot” dreams in spacious opulence. At the 2024 MICHELIN-selected Backstage, bold renditions of Northern Vietnamese cuisine complement the restaurant’s theatrical décor.Insider tips:
Start your day with an aromatic coffee cupping class, then immerse yourself in the artistry of local workshops in the hotel’s Living Room. As evening falls, let the enchanting sounds of live jazz transport you to a reimagined 1920s opera, creating memories that linger long after your visit.
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