Among the intersecting lanes that make up the Old Quarter, Hang Thung Street has long been a destination in itself. It was once lined with vendors selling humble goods, from handcrafted furniture to fish sauce by the bucket load. Those traditional traders have since been replaced by trendy fashion boutiques and fragrant restaurants, yet the street remains a hive of activity where cultures converge and senses are invigorated.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 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.
La Siesta Classic Hang Thung
Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi & North, Vietnam
Highs
- Brilliant location in the heart of the Old Quarter, a short walk from the top sights like Hoan Kiem Lake and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Staff are unfailingly kind and attentive, always on hand to help
- The spa and pool are a treat to return to after experiencing the hustle of Hanoi
- Their breakfast gets rave reviews for the varied and delicious spread of Vietnamese and international options
- Cool, clean rooms that suit all budgets
Lows
- Larger than most hotels in our collection, but we can vouch for the superb service at sisters La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Classic Ma May
- Some of the rooms don't have windows or look onto a wall
- Room décor feels a little bland compared to the sleek design that runs through the rest of the hotel
- The spa can get busy in the evenings so make sure you book treatments in advance
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.
- 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.
They 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 like the look of the Club Executive rooms for the incredible views of the city from their private balconies, and there are some connecting rooms that work well for families.
The ensuite bathrooms aren't particularly flashy but feature walk-in rainfall showers, La Siesta toiletries, large vanity mirrors and fluffy bathrobes.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Sitting pretty on the 11th floor, a meal at the Red Bean Central restaurant is said to be a highlight of any stay.
By all accounts, 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.
For lunch and dinner, expect authentic, high-quality 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: pan-seared sea bass in banana leaf, stewed lamb shoulder or pasta carbonara with smoked duck. 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. 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
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Meander the maze-like Old Quarter. Each street specialises in a different type of shop: for Vietnamese coffee try Hang Giay Street; for silk scarves, Hang Gai Street; for traditional handicrafts and art galleries, Hang Be Street
- Join the locals in the morning at Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular spot for T'ai Chi and jogging. Do a loop around the perimeter and visit Ngoc Son Temple on its island
- 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, water puppetry performances on Hoan Kiem Lake, 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