Northern Vietnam Travelers Recommend

The northern Vietnamese city of Hanoi is a beguiling mix of modern and ancient, Asian traditions and colonial legacies. Elegant balconied buildings front tree-lined boulevards, while cyclists and mopeds weave through the city’s narrow backstreets. Join the fans and discover the many sights and tastes of exciting Hanoi. Follow the scent of pho (noodle soup) wafting from cafes as you head down alleyways thronged with passers-by, shoppers and street stalls. Fuel up with super-strong, super-sweet coffee then plunge into the city’s sights. The Old Quarter is especially appealing, near Hoan Kiem Lake, and it’s a good area to hunt for tailors and souvenirs. Why not get your bearings on a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, or for something different take a Ho Chi Minh-themed walking tour to Uncle Ho’s mausoleum. Vietnam’s classic postcard shots of calm blue sea dotted with tree-clad limestone islands were most probably taken in World Heritage-listed Halong Bay.