Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and more than 1,000 years old, since Emperor Ly Thai To moved the royal court to Thang Long in 1010. It keeps the calm of old shade trees, lakes and French-colonial streets while buzzing with modern life and street food.

Top sights

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple – the heart of the city, loveliest at dawn and on weekends when the surrounding streets are closed to traffic.

• The Old Quarter – the 36 guild streets, each named after a traditional trade such as Hang Bac (silver) or Hang Ma (paper votive goods).

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070.

• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace – the Ba Dinh Square complex.

• Hoa Lo Prison and the Museum of Ethnology – two history and culture stops well worth the time.

Food you should not miss

Beef pho, bun cha, La Vong grilled fish, bun dau mam tom, Thanh Tri rice rolls, egg coffee, Thai-style sweet soup and sidewalk iced tea. Eat where the locals queue, and join a food tour if you want to dig deeper.

Best time to visit

Autumn (September – November) is cool and sunny with blossoming milk flowers. Spring (February – April) is mild with many festivals. Summer is hot, humid and rainy; winter can have a few cold days.

Getting around

Noi Bai International Airport is about 30 km from the centre (35 – 45 minutes by car). In the city you can use taxis, ride-hailing apps, buses, or simply walk around the Old Quarter.