Hanoi - The Capital of Vietnam

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 Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influenced culture.  

At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade, also known as the 36 Streets, a collection of small scale artisan villages evolved into craft guilds, and the streets were named after the products they made. Besides, there are many famous temples and pagodas to visit, including The Temple of Literature, the first national university of Vietnam, constructed 1,000 years ago in the 11th century. There is also the Đồng Xuân Market, where tourists can buy street food or household goods. Visitors seeking a thrill can visit the “train street,” and feel the rush of a train blazing past their coffee shop as they enjoy the delicious local specialty, egg coffee. 

Moreover, Bat Trang Pottery Village is a good place to visit near Hanoi. Located in the southeast of Hanoi, the Bat Trang Pottery Village has been making pottery in the traditional way for over 500 years. According to local legend, Emperor Gia Long gifted the community with a wall plaque honoring Bat Trang for their contribution to the construction of the Imperial City of Hue in the early 1800s. A visitor to Bat Trang can see all kinds of glazed pottery, but in the past the craftsmen specialized in brickmaking. Enjoy a visit to the local museum, and wander around the tight alleys nuzzled behind shopfronts, brimming with pottery, teapots, dinnerware and urns. 

 Quang Ninh province is located in the north-east of Hanoi. It takes 3-4 hours to get there and the most famous destination in the province is Halong Bay. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 

The name Hạ Long means "descending dragon”. Halong Bay is famous for the unique formation of nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets. Staying 1 night on the cruise is something every tourist must try to do while traveling in Ha Noi. While visiting Ha Long Bay, you can go walking inside Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), with three large chambers filled with strange rock formations, or hike up to the top of the mountain on TiTop island to see the breathtaking view of the island paradise, enjoy cooking class, Taichi class in early morning and kayak also.

Therefore, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are running to the top searching for worthy destinations instead of Ha Long Bay. They are much less touristy. Bai Chay beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with a beautiful blue ocean, white sand and fresh seafood.

 Ninh Binh was the capital of the Vietnamese people from the 9th to the 11th century, through 3 dynasties: Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly. The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital of Vietnam was built over 1000 years ago by the Dinh Dynasty. 

Ninh Binh encompasses two areas: a world heritage site (Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.) and a world biosphere reserve (Con Noi - Floating Island). Ninh Binh is identified as a popular tourist area with rich and diverse potential. Additionally, climbing up to the top of Mua Cave to see the breathtaking views. Then sitting on a rowing boat in Trang An Landscape Complex or Tam Coc - Bich Dong to see the majestic natural scenery, limestone mountains, small caves and beautiful architecture. 

If you’re pressed for time and can’t dedicate two days and one night to visit HaLong Bay, then Ninh Binh is an excellent alternative. Only two hours from Hanoi by car, you can spend one day sightseeing. 

Lao Cai is located about 300km north-west of Ha Noi at a dizzying 1600 meters (5000 feet) above sea level. Lao Cai is known as the Foggy City and is one of seven areas in Vietnam that receives snow every year: rare weather in a tropical country. Sapa is the most popular destination in Lao Cai. In Sapa, you can experience the diverse culture of many different minority ethnic groups such as Mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Xa Pho, Kinh, and Hoa. Moreover, Sapa, Bat Xat, Muong Khuong, Bac Ha, Simacai, Van Ban, Bao Yen, or Bao Thang are good places to visit, with less tourists and more adventure. 

Famous among Vietnamese for its cool climate and rich diversity of ethnic groups, Sapa will be the center of any northwest itinerary in Vietnam. Fansipan Mountain, or the Roof of Indochina, sits at 3143 meters (10310 feet) above sea level. Connected by a 6-kilometer cable car to Sapa, the journey to the peak takes only 15 minutes. Visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and natural scenery. Near Sapa is Cat Cat village, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, known for its local craft market. Finally, couples will surely love visiting the “love market” held every Saturday evening in Sapa’s city square. Young bachelors and bachelorettes come from around Sapa to find potential sweethearts, and spend the night dancing and wandering around the market, buying and selling items. 

Another popular destinations in Sapa are Stone Cathedral, Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van Village, Ta Phin Village, Dragon Mouth Mountain (Ham Rong Mountain), Silver Waterfall (Bac Waterfall), O Quy Ho Pass, etc