The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams. Chinese and French colonialism have left their mark on the city’s architecture, replete with pagodas and European neoclassicism.
But the recent history on display is a key part of any trip to Hanoi: the city’s national museums, war memorials, and the “temple” to education at its university offer fascinating glimpses into the country’s proud self-identification.
Between the can’t-miss attractions in Hanoi, spend time walking its crowded, motorbike-dense streets. Sample delectable street food and regional cuisines from all over the country, and spend your nights people-watching with a drink and a seat at a sidewalk table.
You can get to Hanoi from all over the world via flights. You should consider using a flight scanner to get good flight prices if you want a cheaper trip.