The atmospheric former French hill station of Tam Dao nestles amongst forested hillsides rising up from the rice fields of the Red River Delta just 90km from Hanoi. Tam Dao, meaning three islands, describes the three magnificent limestone peaks that appear whenever the clouds clear.The European-managed Mela Hotel has 20 comfortable guestrooms with balconies offering panoramic views of the mountains and forests. Some of the rooms have their own fireplaces while others are equipped with radiators for cool winter evenings. Not only does the Mela provide the best accommodation in Tam Dao but it also has the best eating-place in town, the Bamboo Restaurant. As its name implies the Bamboo Restaurant is furnished with bamboo as well as local handicrafts. The amazing thing about the Bamboo Restaurant however is its incredibly extensive menu offering everything from a bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup to French cuisine, pasta dishes, couscous and even an excellent fish and chips! There is also a well-stocked bar and a terrace for al fresco dining on summer evenings.