Shopping: Hanoi offers great opportunities for shopping especially around the perimeter of the Hoan Kiem Lake and in the Old Quarter. In fact each of the 36 ‘Hang’ streets in the old commercial district are dedicated to a single theme, so a wander around the old town can be quite charming. In the latter destination, you’ll find street after street selling all kinds of knick-knacks with locally made handicrafts among the most popular products with tourists. Fitness: there are a number of choices if you are into keeping fit during your holiday; reputable hotels often carry their own gymnasiums while a small selection of municipal centres are also available. The hotels generally offer free access to their gyms for resident guests while others can enter on payment of the required fee. Hoan Kiem Sport Center on Nha Chung and Khuc Hao Sports Club on Ly Thuong Kiet will permit access to visitors but don’t expect anyone there to speak any English. Swimming: take a dip at a pool owned by one of the reputable hotels such as the Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi Horison Hotel, Daewoo Hotel or Hilton Hanoi Opera. | 
