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Hanoi is often remembered for steaming bowls of phở and the constant buzz of motorbikes, yet behind its tree-lined boulevards and French-era facades lies a quieter, more extravagant side where Vietnam’s most luxurious experiences unfold. This guide gathers the crazy expensive things to do in Hanoi that are worth the splurge, each one verified for real prices and exclusivity so you can plan a once-in-a-lifetime celebration or simply see how far the city’s luxury scene has evolved.
Michelin Star Dining
Hanoi’s street food scene might grab the headlines, but a few hidden dining rooms take Vietnamese cuisine to a level where every plate feels like theatre. Behind quiet doors, chefs create multi-course journeys built on rare ingredients and precise technique.
Hibana by Koki – Capella Hanoi
This intimate teppanyaki counter seats only fourteen guests around a polished cedar bar. The chef works in near silence, searing A5 Wagyu and live abalone while the scent of yuzu drifts through the air. A tasting menu begins around 5.5 million VND per person and rises to 11 million VND with premium sake pairings, each course served with the care of a private performance.
Gia Restaurant
Gia sits on a quiet street near the Old Quarter, its minimalist space lit by the warm glow of an open kitchen. The ten-course menu changes with the seasons, offering dishes such as river prawns with fermented rice or a dessert of young coconut and lime leaf, blending Vietnamese tradition with modern technique. Prices are not listed, but diners know to expect a bill that surpasses most fine dining in the city.
Ultra Luxury Stays
Beyond Hanoi’s busy streets are hotels that turn a night’s rest into an experience of their own. Step past the marble lobbies and the city noise slips away, replaced by spacious suites, refined service, and price tags that rival a week-long vacation.
Sofitel Legend Metropole
Grand Prestige Suite
Inside the Opera Wing of this century-old landmark, the Grand Prestige Suite spans 176-square-meter space with a separate living room, dining area, library, and private spa room. American oak furnishings and a blend of neo-classical and modern design frame garden and courtyard views, while a French-style bathtub, steam shower, and Club Metropole privileges including breakfast, high tea, evening cocktails, and 24-hour concierge service complete the setting. A night here starts around 200 million VND (about US$8,000).
Capella Hanoi
Grand Opera Suite
The Grand Opera Suite is Capella Hanoi’s most opulent one-bedroom retreat, a 194-square-meter space inspired by Madama Butterfly where Vietnamese accents meet French art-deco style. An open-plan living and dining room for ten guests, a fully equipped kitchen, a private outdoor bar, and a marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub make it ideal for entertaining. Rates begin at about 150 million VND (around US$6,000) with breakfast included.
JW Marriott Hanoi
Presidential Suite
On the city’s western lakefront, the JW Marriott’s Presidential Suite stretches 320-square-meter in glass and polished stone. Heads of state have stayed here, enjoying discreet service and panoramic views. The nightly rate is about 150 million VND, and the living room is large enough to host a private concert or a diplomatic meeting.
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Presidential Suite
Set on its own pier above West Lake, this suite opens to wide water views and the scent of lotus on the breeze. Sliding doors connect the generous interior to private terraces, creating a sense of seclusion only minutes from the Old Quarter. Stays start at roughly 90 million VND per night.
For more ideas on where to base your Hanoi getaway, see this guide to the best areas to stay in Hanoi before you book.
Private Flights
For the most dramatic perspective on northern Vietnam, leave the streets behind and take to the air or the water. Whether it is a helicopter charter across the Red River or a seaplane gliding down onto Ha Long Bay, these journeys trade city noise for open space and unforgettable views.
Private helicopter from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
From Gia Lam Airport, a private helicopter climbs over the Red River and reaches the bay in about 40 minutes each way. The full charter for up to a dozen passengers costs around US $16,000, offering sweeping views of rice fields and limestone karsts before you step off near the marina for a yacht connection or day cruise.
Seaplane flight to Ha Long Bay
Hai Au Aviation operates scheduled seaplane flights from Noi Bai International Airport to Tuan Chau Marina. The journey lasts roughly 60 minutes, including a low-altitude scenic pass over the bay’s limestone peaks, and costs about 11.7 million VND per person one way.
Jade of River Luxury Cruise on the Red River
Closer to the capital, the Jade of River offers a three-hour sunset dinner cruise with live music and fine dining as the city lights reflect on the water. Tickets start near 1 million VND per guest, while private charters with extras such as a jacuzzi, private chef, and bespoke entertainment are available at higher rates on request.
High End Shopping
Hanoi’s bustling markets are famous, but the city also caters to travelers who see shopping as an art of indulgence. Inside marble arcades and hushed courtyards, international fashion houses and watchmakers offer private fittings and limited editions that can rival the cost of an entire vacation.
Trang Tien Plaza
Steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, this grand arcade gathers Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Rolex under one elegant roof. Soft lights reflect off marble floors as private attendants guide you through new-season collections and rare pieces. Prices often climb into the tens or even hundreds of millions of VND, especially for exclusive releases.
Metropole Arcade
Inside the Sofitel Legend Metropole, the Metropole Arcade houses Hermès, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille boutiques around a quiet courtyard. Here you can try on a timepiece worth hundreds of millions to over a billion VND or run your fingers across a silk Hermès scarf that costs more than a domestic flight. Champagne service and private appointments make the experience feel like joining an exclusive club.
Exclusive Events
Hanoi’s artistic heart can feel entirely your own if you are willing to invest in a private experience. From coveted concert seats to intimate performances, the city’s cultural scene offers indulgences that combine tradition with a sense of exclusivity.
VIP International Concert Tickets
When global acts perform at My Dinh National Stadium, top-tier seats disappear fast. During the Blackpink “Born Pink” tour, VIP tickets sold for about 9.8 million VND, a price that included early entry, a private lounge, and a prime view of the stage.
Metropole New Year’s Eve Gala
Each December, the Sofitel Legend Metropole hosts festive dinners and countdown celebrations with live music, multi-course menus, and champagne toasts. Prices for gala packages vary by seating and menu, and special tables or VIP spots are typically in the 5–6 million VND range per guest, depending on the year’s program.
Private Opera House or Water Puppet Performance
Both the Hanoi Opera House and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre accept private bookings for groups or special occasions. Standard performances are usually 300,000 to 1.5 million VND per ticket, while a fully private show or box rental requires a custom quote and can cost significantly more based on the scale and program.
A splurge that honors Hanoi’s living heritage
True luxury in Hanoi is more than rare wines or marble-lined suites. It is the chance to touch the stories of the people who built this city, from the merchants who shaped the Old Quarter to the ancestors who raised the ancient citadel of Co Loa. Spending on experiences that preserve this history turns a splurge into something far richer than a price tag.
The Ride to the Lost Kingdom – Cycle Hanoi to Ancient Cổ Loa captures that spirit. Guided by locals, you cross the Red River, ride through quiet villages, and arrive at the site where Vietnam’s earliest kings once ruled. Each pedal stroke carries the heritage of generations past and leaves you with a story to bring home.
