Get lost in Hanoi’s old quarter in Vietnam

Vietnam has an incredibly varied and beautiful landscape. Its climate varies from the relative cold of Hanoi in the north to the tropical climate of Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) and Phnom Penh in the southern reaches of the peninsula. The great link between the countries in Indochina is the huge snaking Mekong river which provides some awe inspiring river cruising options, particularly on Halong Bay and along the Mekong Delta River.

Hanoi, the landlocked capital of Vietnam, is famous for its ancient architecture and vibrant culture with influences from Southeast Asia, China and France. The Old Quarter, a bustling, congested square kilometre, closed behind heavy wooden gates until well into the nineteenth century, is home to narrow streets arranged by trade and small temples dotted around. Today, it is considered the main business hub and one of the best tourist spots in the city, offering an impressive insight into the complex and long history of Hanoi, alongside rife modernisation. Beautiful tree-lined boulevards and grandiose lakes overlooked by faded French villas conjure up images of Hanoi’s colonial past and Đồng Xuân Market is the place to go to sample some of the country’s delicious street food.

Halong Bay is absolutely stunning: allow your eyes to swim through the azure waters of this magical place, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the water like gigantic dragon’s teeth.

Prior to the arrival of the French, Hoi An was Vietnam’s ‘window on the world’. Tucked away amongst the back streets are the houses of merchants from Asia and Europe, lured from afar by the prospect of high-grade silk and porcelain.

Once you have fully absorbed the culture and sights, a stunning array of beaches on Phu Quoc await.