Hanoi

Sitting on the banks of the Red River, the Vietnamese capital has had a turbulent past, fought over by dynasties and empires alike. Chaotic and charming in equal measure – every dynasty has left a trace of one type or another – it is emerging from the gloom with a fast-growing population and an increasingly open, modern outlook.

Must See:
With more cultural sites than anywhere else in Vietnam, there’s plenty to choose from – so start your journey at the Temple of Literature, founded as a Confucian temple in 1070.

Must eat at:
Book a table and treat yourself to a slap-up feed at Emperor in the French Quarter for a slice of high quality Vietnamese authenticity – in your choice of locations. It’s heady, atmospheric – and totally delicious.

Must be there for:
Launch your very own Tet Offensive and be sure to visit Hanoi in late January/early February for the annual Tet (or Lunar New Year) festival, a city-wide celebration marked by fragrant flowers, fabulous fireworks and food, glorious food.

Well-travelled tips:
· Learn the Vietnamese version of the Green Cross Code when crossing the road - move slowly, but don’t stop... and let the traffic flow around you!
· Make time to go to Halong Bay. This World Heritage Site is genuinely unique and an extraordinary place to visit – it’s truly ethereal.

Visa:
British citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam. For full information, please visit http://www.vietnamembassy.org.uk/consular.html