Pan Pacific a shining light in Hanoi

On the 20th floor of the Pan Pacific Hanoi, the dusk views stretch as far as the eye can see.

West Lake and Truc Bach Lake are immediately below you, with the city centre shining brightly in the distance.

What looks like a floodlit stadium is actually the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the great leader residing in splendour.

I'm sipping on a couple of cocktails and checking out the new tapas menu that accompanies every spectacular sunset.

The Summit rooftop bar is a magnet for those seeking views with a cocktail or two, and at sundown, there is the added bonus of magnificent sunsets and a cooling evening breeze on the outdoor terrace.

The Pan Pacific is a classic multinational hotel with a twist - its superb location on the city fringes of the Vietnam capital.

One afternoon I took a delightful lakeside walk, visited a pagoda and a temple and watched local fishermen hoping to catch a bite.

The Pan Pacific is a towering landmark with a bustling lobby, a selection of wining and dining options (a Korean breakfast? No problem. Indian eats? Step this way).

Modern design meets Vietnamese style here; in a tranquil location that's just a few minutes from the Old Quarter and other major attractions.

It's a big hotel, efficient, with guests from around the world.

There are 272 rooms and 56 serviced suites with all modern comforts.

Ask for rooms with views overlooking West Lake and the Red River, or opt for the Pacific Club rooms or suites, which have several benefits, including lounge access and use of a computer and printer.

Privileges include private check-in and welcome drink in the Pacific Club Lounge, which offers free beverages throughout the day; afternoon teas; refreshments and appetisers from 5:30-7.30pm; free boardroom use should you need somewhere to hold a business meeting; complimentary pressing for one suit and one shirt upon arrival and complimentary laundry service for up to two pieces of clothing daily - a real bonus if you've been travelling non-stop.

Dining is diverse with the choice of international and Asian dishes at Pacifica Restaurant on the ground floor - a busy international dining room - or the adjacent Song Hong Bar or fellow lobby cohort Pastry Corner.

Tucked away on the second floor is one of the culinary highlights: Ming Restaurant, which is regarded as one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Hanoi and harks back to the golden days of Sydney's Chinatown.

Established back in 1996, Ming is known for its excellent dim sum - I did my best to sample the range, but did opt out of sampling braised chicken's feet.

Signature dishes on the a la carte menu include the Eight Treasures shredded abalone with seafood broth; double-boiled bird’s nest and black truffle served with golden superior broth, jumbo tiger prawns with golden yolk creamy sauce; and steamed grouper in Szechuan chilli sauce.

All-you-can-eat dim sum and a la carte menus are available for both lunch and dinner and there is also a dim sum buffet.

Then there is The Summit Bar, which the hotel says offers "one of the best views in Hanoi".

Choose between inside or outdoor seating from 2pm to midnight. Think tapas like yakitori skewers, shrimp and mushroom croquettes and Korean chicken with pickles. 

Working flat out, I sampled signature cocktails including a Chinapolitan and a Tropical Island. A great way to mark sunset. 

Other hotel highlights include a fitness centre with personal trainers, gym, jacuzzi and sauna. There are also regular yoga sessions.

The swimming pool is heated and offers a covered option, while Santal Spa offers massages, facials and body treatments.

Staff right throughout the hotel are uniformly helpful and mostly multi-lingual.  

Pan Pacific Hanoi, 1 Thanh Nien road, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam. panpacific.com/hanoi

* The writer was a guest of the Pan Pacific Hanoi and Vietjet Airways, which flies from Ho Chi Minh City to major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and also connects Hanoi to Sydney and Melbourne. Economy fares start at around $250, while business class fares begin at $1,100, with frequent seat sales on offer. 

Hotel manager urges travellers to discover Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a fascinating destination and very much on my radar for a post-Covid visit.

The city's newest international luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, is ready to play its part in a post-pandemic renaissance as the city regains momentum as a hub for tourism.

In common with destinations around the world, Cambodia’s capital has suffered as the global health crisis slowed international arrivals to a virtual standstill for the past two years. But with the country now fully open to travellers, it is ready to showcase its credentials as one of the most dynamic drawcards in South-East Asia.

The Hyatt Regency opened in January 2021, when most of the world was battened down by the pandemic.

It has 247 guest rooms including 43 suites, and is the largest internationally branded hotel in the city.

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district of Doun Penh, the hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport and is within a short walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the riverside.

“Before the pandemic, Phnom Penh was making great strides as one of South-East Asia’s rising capitals,” said Herman Kemp, the hotel's general manager.

“It’s a dynamic metropolis that balances modernity with tradition. There’s alluring café society, bustling bars, and a thriving and eclectic restaurant scene. On the other hand, there’s historic architecture, bustling markets, a stunning location on the banks of the Mekong River and classic Khmer culture and hospitality.”

As guests pull into the hotel’s driveway, they are greeted by a heritage French heritage villa that contrasts with the modern main building.

The Colonial House is home to The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar. Other F&B options include Metropole Underground, an Art Deco-themed space that is Phnom Penh’s first subterranean venue, and FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar with city views.

Other hotel highlights include a 22-metre outdoor infinity pool.

“It’s been an extremely challenging couple of years for Cambodia, as it has been for countries everywhere,” said Kemp. “But we regard the future with optimism and are ready to give our guests a flavor of what makes this city so special.”