I was in Hanoi in March, and 2-3 days is not enough time. I was there 10 days and that was not enough time. The 5* hotels in Hanoi are quite distant from the center of tourist activities - the Old Quarter. I stayed in 3* and was very well pleased - paid $35. at the Gia Thinh Hotel on Hang Bac near the Lake. Hanoi is a walker's city and very interesting. I used Hanoikids (free guides) for 2 days - wonderful!!!!!

I'm going back next winter - Vietnam is really special.