"Drink with the Locals at a Bia Hoi There are more local bia hoi hot spots in Hanoi , but the strip of venues at the crossroads of Ha Tien and Luong Ngoc Quyen is justifiably famous for its buzzing atmosphere and cross-cultural mash-up. Beer is slightly more expensive than at other bia hois, but it still comes in at around 50 cents for a glass. A bargain by any estimation."

"Czech Out Some Quality Pilsners One of the longest-established microbreweries in Vietnam, Hoa Vien is also one of the best. A range of Czech-style beers are available here including a very acceptable pilsner as well as some darker options. There's a decent beer garden, meanwhile, and various hearty central European treats to soak up the alcohol."

"Mingle with the A-List at Hanoi's Classiest Bar In terms of its restaurants and bars, Hanoi is generally a pair of comfy slippers to Ho Chi Minh City's full on bling sandals. There are notable exceptions to this rule, however, with one being this citadel of swank. The ultra-modern bar commands amazing view over the city, there's a small dance floor and even a VIP room if you really want to splash out."

"Bar Betta You Bet Both Bar Betta and Tadioto were among the stalwarts in the now-defunct Zone 9, an arty area which revolutionized Hanoi 's nightlife for a short time before being shut down. The original Bar Betta, however, is still a sterling choice for a drink with retro decor, cool cocktails, and a well-chosen soundtrack."

"Shucking Up a Storm at Don's For some of best views (and food) in Hanoi , try the top-floor verandah at this West Lake institution. The climb to the fourth floor can be an effort -- especially during the sweltering summer months -- but it is worth it worth the laid-back ambience up-top. Wash down some of Don's Canadian and French-grown oysters with one of the judiciously selected bottles of wine."

"Cocktails Above the Old Quarter The Old Quarter is known more for its tourist-friendly cafes and pubs than its classy lounges, but Avalon makes a fair stab at applying the glitz. Six floors above ground level, this spot oozes exotica in everything from its furniture to drinks such as a lemongrass and lemon leaf-infused vodka."

"A Rave Up By the River Phuc Tan is something of a dive. In a city where things tend to shut early this is generally the last port of call for when the evening drags on a little bit longer than is perhaps advisable. Nevertheless, there's a lot to like about the venue. Its strongest selling point (aside from the flexible opening hours) is its location by a branch of the Red River."

"Take it To The Top of Hanoi One of Hanoi 's newest hotels, the Korean-run Lotte Hotel is also one of the most noticeable towers in the city. As such, the views from its rooftop bar, the Top of Hanoi, are as impressive as you would expect. Seating is perhaps a little more utilitarian than you might want in such a setting, but the outlooks over the city make up for any discomfort."

"A 1901 landmark inHanoi’s French Quarter, the colonial-style Sofitel Legend Metropole has long been a celebrity magnet, welcoming presidents, ambassadors, and literary and cinematic royalty into its marble lobby.Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene both wrote books here ( The Gentleman in the Parlour and The Quiet American , respectively); Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard celebrated their honeymoon at the property; and Jane Fonda and Joan Baez took to the bomb shelter beneath the hotel during air raids (book the complementary Path of History Tour, held every day at 5 and 6 p.m., for a chance to see where they hid out). The 364 guest rooms are divided between two wings: The historic Metropole section has decor shaped by French architecture and Vietnamese culture (think wood floors, louver windows, bird-cage lampshades, and porcelain light fixtures); the newer wing, opened in 1996 just across the traffic circle from the Opera House, has a strong Neoclassical edge with rooms in dramatic red, black, and white.With its green awning, filigree ironwork, and outdoor wood-deck seating, La Terrasse has the feel of a Parisian café, while Le Beaulieu restaurant serves classic French fare and a decadent Sunday brunch. Spices Garden showcases Vietnamese flavors, and three drinking dens—sleek Angelina, gentlemanly Le Club Bar, and poolside Bamboo Bar—appeal to every kind of spirits lover. Between the central courtyard garden and the pool sit the SoFit gym and Le Spa, with eight rooms for soothing East-meets-West treatments."