Travel
French Quarter Offers Tranquil Retreat Amid Hanoi’s Bustling Streets
Hanoi’s French Quarter provides a peaceful contrast to the chaos of the Old Quarter, offering wide boulevards, a scenic lake, and elegant hotels while still being within walking distance of the city’s historic core. This area not only serves as a haven for travelers looking to escape the crowded streets but also showcases the unique blend of French colonial influences and Vietnamese culture.
A Respite from the Old Quarter’s Bustle
The Old Quarter, known for its dense traffic, street food vendors, and lively tourism scene, remains a top choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s energetic atmosphere. However, the narrow streets have struggled to accommodate increasing tourism, leading to restrictions such as a ban on tour buses. Despite these measures, taxis and ride-hailing services continue to congest the area.
For those seeking a balance between Hanoi’s vibrancy and a more relaxed stay, the French Quarter presents an ideal option. With its spacious streets and colonial architecture, the district provides both historical intrigue and a more leisurely pace.
Exploring Hoàn Kiếm Lake
One of the French Quarter’s highlights is Hoàn Kiếm Lake, a tranquil oasis amidst the city’s constant motion. The lake’s iconic Turtle Tower, perched on a small island, and the Ngoc Son Temple at its northern end offer cultural and historical insights. A bright red bridge leads visitors to the temple, where the city’s noise fades into the background.
Morning visitors can witness locals engaging in tai chi, jogging, or Zumba sessions along the lake’s shore, providing a glimpse into daily life in Hanoi. The tree-lined pathways and occasional pop music drifting from exercise groups add to the charm of this urban retreat.
Savoring Hanoi’s Signature Egg Coffee
Vietnam is known for its distinctive coffee culture, and Hanoi’s specialty—egg coffee—was born out of necessity during the 1940s when milk was scarce. Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at the Grand Metropole Hotel, crafted the drink using whipped egg yolk, honey, and sugar, creating a rich and creamy beverage.
Today, visitors can sample this historic drink at Le Club Bar in the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or visit Café Dinh, a family-run establishment founded by Giang’s descendants, offering an authentic experience with a view of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
Luxury Stays in the French Quarter
The French Quarter is home to some of Hanoi’s most prestigious hotels, including the Capella Hanoi, a lavishly designed Art Deco-inspired retreat by architect Bill Bensley. The hotel celebrates opera culture with intricate decorations, memorabilia, and thematic interiors. Guests can enjoy Michelin-recommended dining at Backstage restaurant or partake in local craft activities such as pottery and lacquer painting.
Another iconic stay is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, a historic landmark dating back to 1901. This hotel has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history, hosting key political negotiations and serving as a shelter during wartime. Today, guests can tour the hotel’s wartime bunkers, unwind by the courtyard pool, or enjoy a yoga session on the rooftop terrace.
A Blend of History and Modern Comfort
Hanoi’s French Quarter offers an immersive journey through Vietnam’s colonial past while providing contemporary comforts. Whether strolling along Hoàn Kiếm Lake, indulging in Hanoi’s signature egg coffee, or staying in one of the district’s luxury hotels, visitors can experience a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation in this elegant enclave.
Travel
Rome Braces for Travel Disruptions Following the Death of Pope Francis

Travellers to Rome over the coming weeks should expect significant disruptions and closures at some of the city’s most iconic religious sites following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, died on Monday after suffering a stroke that led to a coma and subsequent heart failure. His passing has set in motion a series of deeply traditional rituals, including a funeral, public mourning, and the election of a new pope.
Among the immediate impacts is the closure of the Sistine Chapel, which will be used exclusively by the College of Cardinals for the conclave—the secretive process to elect the next pope. The Vatican announced the chapel will close to the public from April 28 and remain inaccessible until several days after the conclave concludes, likely reopening in mid-May.
Other nearby attractions will also see changes. The Vatican Museums will remain open except for April 26, when they will close to honor the Pope’s funeral. However, access to the Sistine Chapel will be suspended, and security will be tight throughout Vatican City. Tours of the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis are also suspended due to increased security measures as cardinals travel between the chapel and their accommodations.
St. Peter’s Basilica is currently hosting thousands of mourners, with the late pontiff’s body lying in state until April 25. Public access is possible from 7 a.m. to midnight on April 24, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 25. However, long queues and strict dress codes are in place. Parts of the basilica, including the dome, are closed to visitors, and all guided tours are suspended.
The Pope’s funeral is scheduled for April 26 at St. Peter’s Square and is expected to draw millions. Hotel and flight prices have already begun to climb in anticipation of the influx of visitors, many of whom are traveling to witness what is considered a historic and spiritual milestone.
Following the funeral, attention will turn to the election of the new pope. Tourists and faithful can witness the traditional smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney—black indicating no decision, and white signaling that a new pope has been chosen. Crowds are expected to gather in large numbers in St. Peter’s Square for this moment.
While some visitors may be disappointed by limited access to key religious sites, others are embracing the rare opportunity to witness the Vatican during a pivotal moment in modern Church history.
Travel
Travel Industry Faces Scrutiny Over Website Accessibility Failures
Travel
World’s Largest Cruise Ships Set to Make Waves in 2025
The cruise industry is gearing up for a landmark year in 2025, with several colossal ships preparing to set sail, promising unprecedented scale, luxury, and innovation at sea. With 17 new vessels expected to debut, five stand out as the biggest and most ambitious, redefining what it means to cruise in style.
1. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Leading the fleet is Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, a sister ship to the current record-holder, Icon of the Seas. Weighing in at a staggering 250,800 tonnes—slightly heavier than Icon—this floating city will embark on seven-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting popular Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations, including the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The ship features eight themed neighborhoods, 40 dining and bar venues, multiple pools, waterslides, and even a three-level Family Townhouse. Royal Caribbean has announced that Star of the Seas will begin full operations on August 31, with early “showcase sailings” offering shorter trips starting earlier in the summer.
2. Disney Cruise Line’s Adventure
Disney Cruise Line is launching its largest ship yet, Disney Adventure, in December. At 208,000 tonnes and 342 meters in length, it will carry around 6,000 guests. Based in Singapore, Adventure will offer three- to five-night cruises with no port calls—just immersive Disney entertainment at sea.
This ship will be the first Disney vessel based in Asia and will feature unique attractions such as a rollercoaster at sea, Marvel-themed experiences, and seven different “lands.” It is currently under construction, with a float-out planned for May and a maiden voyage scheduled for December 15.
3. MSC Cruises’ World America
Weighing 205,700 tonnes, World America is the second in MSC’s World-class series, following World Europa. From its Miami base, the ship will alternate seven-night Caribbean routes, including stops in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The 22-deck ship boasts 19 restaurants, 20 bars, a Family Aventura park with over-water swings, and an onboard waterpark. World America is already completed and will be officially named in Miami on April 9, with Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore as its godmother.
4. Princess Cruises’ Star Princess
Star Princess, a 175,000-tonne vessel, is Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-class ship and the largest ever built in Italy. Slated for delivery in September, it will initially sail Mediterranean routes before heading to the Caribbean and Alaska in 2026. Amenities include pickleball and basketball courts, expanded bars, and new dining experiences.
5. TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax
Already in operation, the 160,000-tonne Mein Schiff Relax entered service in March, focusing on wellness. With a spa, yoga deck, and over 30 dining venues, the ship currently runs Mediterranean cruises and will later shift to the Canary Islands.
Despite their grandeur, such mega-ships face challenges. Port capacity, local tourism limits—like those now enforced in Santorini—and environmental concerns around LNG fuel use are reshaping the future of cruising. With passenger preferences shifting post-pandemic, it remains to be seen whether “bigger is better” will remain the industry’s guiding mantra.
-
Business12 months ago
Saudi Arabia’s Model for Sustainable Aviation Practices
-
Business12 months ago
Recent Developments in Small Business Taxes
-
Politics12 months ago
Who was Ebrahim Raisi and his status in Iranian Politics?
-
Business10 months ago
Carrectly: Revolutionizing Car Care in Chicago
-
Business10 months ago
Saudi Arabia: Foreign Direct Investment Rises by 5.6% in Q1
-
Technology12 months ago
Comparing Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3
-
Politics12 months ago
Indonesia and Malaysia Call for Israel’s Compliance with ICJ Ruling on Gaza Offensive
-
Technology12 months ago
Recent Developments in AI Ethics in America