Culture and cuisine in Hanoi

Visit the Vietnamese capital's Opera House and sample offerings from Michelin-starred chefs in Senses of Capella

- Abel Ang

Location, location, location. Capella Hanoi is just steps from the iconic Hanoi Opera House, the Old Quarter resplendent with heritage buildings and trendy cafes, and Hoan Kiem Lake.

The hotel was inspired by the 113-year-old opera house and designed by American architect and interior designer Bill Bensley.

The property started life as an "une petite auberge", or humble boutique hotel, for those passing through town to catch a show at the Hanoi Opera House.

A guest loved the property so much that he bought and transformed it into the talk of the town. The hotel remained a focal point in Hanoi through the wars, when it served as a depot for explosives, as dust gathered on its crystal chandeliers.

This origin story is further embellished and told through pieces of original memorabilia such as costumes, theatre programmes and props displayed throughout the hotel.

The opera motif carries into the furnishings of the premier suite my wife and I stay in. The room has gilded gold accents and rich fabrics, creating a sense of opulence and extravagance, like we have just walked off the set of popular HBO opera period series The Gilded Age (2022).

As a lover of opera, the opera house is a must-see during my four-day trip in October - part of Senses of Capella, showcasing the best culture, cuisine and wellness experiences from the brand's eight properties.

This is the second edition of Senses, after it was held in Singapore for the first time in 2023.

The hotel group is an emerging luxury powerhouse that is rapidly expanding, with an additional 12 properties in the pipeline that will open between 2025 and 2028, including hotels in Taipei and Riyadh.

BACKSTAGE VISIT For over a century, the opera house has been a draw for music lovers all over Vietnam. Yet, to my chagrin, it is not open to the public unless there is a performance at the venue.