Hanoi

Vietnam’s charismatic capital is a city of contrasts, where French colonial architecture meets vibrant street life and tranquil lakeside pagodas. Rich in culture and culinary depth, it offers an evocative, elegant introduction to northern Vietnam.

Hanoi captivates with its layered charm. As Vietnam’s capital, it’s a city steeped in history yet vibrantly alive in the present. At its heart lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful focal point surrounded by banyan trees and steeped in local legend. From here, the Old Quarter unfolds, a maze of timeworn shopfronts, buzzing cafes and colourful markets where every turn brings a new sensory delight.

The city’s architecture speaks to its complex past: grand boulevards and faded pastel villas recall French colonial elegance, while historic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and the scholarly Temple of Literature offer insight into Vietnam’s cultural soul. What’s more, the dining scene is exceptional, from Michelin-rated restaurants to street-side stalls serving northern delicacies and fragrant bowls of pho. It’s certainly a city to savour – graceful, engaging and full of surprises.