For a truly Vietnam experience, it is to Hanoi the capital you must go. Being the grand old dame of Asia compared to most of her contemporaries, the city hypnotizes people with numerous of captivating blend of influences and styles. A rich cultural and historic heritage, a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, magnificent French colonial architecture, leafy parks and quiet lakes, a bustling old quarter, and a wide variety of tasty cuisine await travelers in Hanoi.

All year is fine to visit Hanoi. However it is worth to notice that the city is especially hot and humid (highs of 35 – 38 C degrees) between June and September though in December, January and February it tends to be cool (15 – 20 C degrees).

It is ideal to start your Hanoi discovery with a wander about the hurly burly of the Old Quarter that has been a cauldron of commerce for nearly 1000 years and get yourself fascinated by all the commercial bustle, street markets, chaotic traffic, shop-house architecture and plenty of colorful street vendors. Just standing aside Hanoi Old Quarter, regal colonial mansions lay in deep slumber under the greens of century-old trees. Elsewhere in the city are pagodas and temples, museums and mausoleum, café and shopping centers, all evolving in harmony with shady parks, quiet lakes and rivers.  

Touring around Hanoi is easy to moderate. Hardly can you find tiring while local beauties keep appearing lively before your very own eyes: hundreds of Hanoians gathering each dawn practice tai-chi, students wearing traditional dress ao dai cycling through, young chic showing cell phones in café and many others strolling, reading books, playing cards, selling and buying. All reflect a positive image of how gracefully an aged city rush toward the future.

Hanoians have mastered such a refined cuisine. Since food and beverage is now one of the highlights of a Hanoi stay, tourists have wide choices of menus, whether they like some of Hanoi delicacies or food of their native countries: European style café, Chinese dim sum, Italian spaghetti and even Japanese sushi serving in stylish surrounds. Hanoi is also a heaven for shoppers: fine arts, tribal handicrafts, intricate embroidery, lacquer ware, ceramics, sculpture, quality tailored silks, modern international fashions and much more offered at all budget.

Travelers to Hanoi can be attracted by numerous craft villages providing delicate handmade ceramics, silks, mother-of-pearl furniture, conical hat, traditional paintings and so on. Besides, there are also other highlights that can make a rewarding day trip: pagodas, ancient villages, the first recorded citadel Co Loa and Ba Vi National Park.