Hanoi is one of Asia’s most vibrant and charming cities, this lively area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers, it’s a great place to explore with lots of photo opportunities around you. Take a walk, immerse yourself in sights, sounds, smells and adapt to the local atmosphere.

Begin with a visit to the memorial complex for the historical figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. Here you can visit the Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and his humble house on stilts where he lived the last 11 years of his life. Nearby is the small One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples built starting in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong.

Continue to another city landmark, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university built since 1076 where Vietnamese intellectuals were educated for over 700 years and the names of those who received the Doctor Graduate through the royal exams still remain on huge stalks of stone that rise on tortoise shoulders.

Picturesque West Lake and Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda must be visited before lunch at local restaurants.

Then, visit the fascinating Ethnological Museum, which is a research centre and public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. Enjoy a bike or cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter also know as the “36 Streets of Hanoi”, dotted with ancient temples in a maze of narrow streets lined with colourful shops and stalls, French colonial buildings and tree lined boulevards, tranquil lakes and pretty pagodas, stylish cafes and bustling street life.

Finally, enjoy the traditional representation of the typical Water Puppet show before dinner with local flavours.