Hanoi’s blend of beeping motorbikes, charcoal grill-scented sidewalks and crumbling French colonial architecture makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most alluring capitals. Known as the cultural, political and culinary heartbeat of Vietnam, it doesn’t take travellers long to fall in love with its charm.
Not as cosmopolitan or congested as its southern counterpart, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi allows travellers to dip their toe into the sensory overload of this fascinating country. Spend days strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake as locals practice Tai Chi, wandering the many manicured gardens of the famous Temple of Literature and perusing the goods on the 36 artisan-centric streets of Old Quarter. And when jet lag kicks in and bed comes calling, there are plenty of places to rest.
