Hanoi — the charm of the North Abundance of lakes, pagodas and motorbikes!

There is not a lack of things to do and see in and around Hanoi, North Vietnam’s charming capital city.

Ironically, this city of fiercely independent people possesses an unmistakable European feel. Hanoi’s faded elegance is of course part of its legacy of many years of French occupation. Lakes, pagodas, temples and some gorgeous old French buildings dominate the city.

And then there are the motorbikes — many thousands of them vastly outnumbering cars. Staying in the old part of the city allows easy access to many attractions — and there’s a large variety of very reasonably–priced hotels.

Vietnamese cuisine is unique — light, subtle in flavor and healthy — and there are plenty of good French and even some Italian restaurants, as well as modern Asian styles.

Shopping is fun, too. There are many streets in the old quarter, each usually specializing in a particular style of product — silk, tailoring, lacquerware, ceramics, embroidery, art, ethnic minority goods, homewares — just to name a few. The cyclo is a perfect way to get around when your legs are tired.

Some great museums — the Museum of Ethnology is definitely worth a visit — to glean a look into the cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups (mostly from the northern mountainous regions) some excellent reconstructions of houses and interiors as well as dioramas depicting various activities and crafts. Then there is the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Stilt House and Museum. Just don’t forget a cocktail on the rooftop bar of the Sofitel for watching the sunset over West Lake!

The now internationally famous Thang Long Water Puppets are a must-see. With three shows every night, it is a truly entertaining and unique performance. It is best to get tickets in advance.

If you have time, there are various spectacular attractions nearby — such as the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay (best done on an overnight boat trip) and Sapa, the former French hill station with dramatic mountain scenery (although this one really needs two to three nights).