With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam’s capital is also the country’s most atmospheric and beguiling city. There is an energy and charm here arising from the genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition. Enjoy a showcase of synchronised t’ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake; stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets with traders and hoards of scooters weaving in and out, and don’t miss the chance to see a water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter.
Hoi An is a historic riverside town on Vietnam's central coast, around 30 kilometres south of Da Nang. Once a prosperous trading port, the town is home to a remarkably well-preserved Old Town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ochre-coloured buildings, ornate temples, wooden merchant houses and atmospheric lantern-lit streets. The town offers a distinctive blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine and traditions. Travellers can wander the narrow lanes, explore the bustling market, take a boat along the Thu Bon River or cycle through the surrounding countryside and rice paddies. Hoi An is also known for its tailors, making it popular for custom-made clothing, while nearby An Bang Beach offers an opportunity to combine cultural sightseeing with time on the coast.
