Hanoi
Hanoi splits cleanly between the French Quarter around the Opera House and the newer town west of West Lake. Hoan Kiem still holds the Metropole, the old streets, and the tasting rooms worth a taxi. Starlake, the Daewoo new town in Xuan Dinh, is the practical base when Noi Bai and a west-lake evening lead the day. Book the airport transfer against Friday traffic, and keep a separate plan if dinner is back in the old city.