Hotel De l’Opera

The Hotel de l'Opera has a restaurant to suit every taste and occasion. Decorated with red pinstriped chairs and crystal lights, Cafe Lautrec serves a brasserie-style menu and a fantastic all-day high tea, whilst Satine Restaurant offers delicious Vietnamese dinners. For evening libations, the wistful La Fee Verte provides absinth-based drinks, all enjoyed in elegant white alcoves. During the day, head to the third floor, where there is a spa and pool looking out over the Opera House.

Taking its cue from the Belle Epoque era, suites are sumptuous and richly-adorned with bold feature walls, ornate tables, and velvety finishes. The beds are plump and large - a pillow menu and blackout curtains will ensure a great nights sleep - whilst bathrooms have a classic look with Hollywood-style vanity mirrors. Some rooms overlook the atrium, while the L'Opera Suites have a generous lounge and dining area with views of the city. The Opera House is particularly grand at sunset.

Venture out to take in the soaring French architecture and scenic, tree-lined boulevards (stop for a steaming cup of Vietnamese coffee), and learn a little more of Vietnam's past at the Military History Museum. Then, discover the charms of the Old Quarter. Cross the scarlet Rising Sun Bridge to visit the Ngoc Son Temple and watch the giant soft-shell turtles who glide below. Catch a show at the Water Puppet Theatre, stroll through the stalls along Paper Street and pick up some delicious street food.