Where to sleep in Hanoi — the neighborhoods and the picks, siesta side to fiesta side.
Old Quarter — the 36 streets
Motorbike symphonies below, street food at every door — Hanoi undiluted.
Hoan Kiem south — French Quarter calm
Boulevards, the Opera House and grand-dame hotels.
Tay Ho (West Lake) — expat air
Lakeside cafés and space to breathe, ten minutes from the density.
Train Street note
The famous track-side cafés open per current rules — check locally, don't trespass.