Museums are an integral part of any country’s national identity and preserve the history and development of the country. They are a place to learn and gain insight into the local culture and background. Hanoi’s museums have a distinct focus on conserving the art culture of Vietnam, as well as artifacts from Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

The Museum of Ethnology is one of Hanoi’s most interesting and enjoyable attractions. The Museum is renowned throughout the country for not only conserving and exhibiting the culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, but is also devoted to helping researchers in their studies.

The Vietnam History Museum exhibits a range of items which depict the country’s historic developments. The collection includes prehistoric tools, dynastic thrones and sculptures of mythical creatures, and is considered a national treasure of Vietnam.

The Fine Art Museum in Hanoi, traces the origin of Vietnam’s artistic culture and houses an impressive collection of around 10,000 artworks. The museum consists of 16 showrooms, separating the work into categories such as ethnic minority, Bronze Age, Paleolithic Age, Feudalism, and Fine Arts before the August 1945 Revolution.

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum should be top of your must-see list while in Hanoi. The museum documents the brave women who played a significant role in the social and political history of Vietnam. Four floors of artifacts and photographs depict women taking part in national activities, as well as women’s achievements in the fields of education and healthcare.

Vietnam has around 54 ethnic minority groups, most of which reside in isolated mountain villages in the north of the country. The colours, embroidery and weaving of their clothing distinguishes each group.

Villagers are highly skilled craftspeople, and create an array of products such as bamboo goods, lacquerware, basketware and table linens, as well as embroidered fabrics. Due to the ever increasing influx of tourists, many goods can be found in markets and souvenir shops in Hanoi.

The embroidered and weaved goods are usually of an exceptionally high standard, and make ideal gifts or souvenirs. Embroidery is applied to cushion covers, bed linens, wall hangings, table cloths and lots more. The price is usually an indication of the amount of time spent and work involved producing the goods.

Hanoi’s best kept secret is a shop called Tribal Pan Flute on Hang Bac. The shop sells only the most authentic ethnic minority products, some verging on antique status. A wide range of second hand clothing such as Hmong skirts and Dao neck drapes are for sale, as well as old printing blocks and tools used in the weaving process.

Craftlink, a prominent non-profit making organisation in Vietnam, works to protect the country’s traditional crafts and ensure ethnic minority villages receive a fair profit for their goods. The Craftlink shop is located on Van Mieu and stocks a variety of beautifully crafted items.

Many visitors to Hanoi organize their trip to coincide with one of the city’s many festivals. An array of spirited events and lively festivities take place annually, mainly in honor of Buddhist philosophy, historic happenings and key dates in the lunar calendar. It seems like there is always a reason for celebration, and the people of Hanoi embrace each occasion with passion and vitality.

Mid Autumn Festival marks the arrival of the autumn moon and is a time when parents spoil their offspring with gifts and treats. The city’s streets beam with a happy façade, adorned with flags and smiling faces.

Do Son Buffalo Festival is more disturbing than entertaining for many foreign onlookers. After buffaloes fight it out in the ring, the winning beast is beheaded; all in the name of religion.

Thay Pagoda Festival, located just outside the city, is dedicated to To Dao Hanh – a monk who was the patron saint of water puppetry. Not surprisingly festivities are based around the art of water puppetry, with a string of performances to entertain the crowds.

Lang Festival is also in memory of the monk To Dao Hanh, this time a traditional oriental dragon dance initiates a procession at Lang Village and leads it along the Lich River. The atmosphere is electric among the swarms of locals who attend this event.

Co Loa Festival pays tribute to the nation’s King An Duong Vuong who founded the first Vietnamese kingdom and Co Loa Citadel. Onlookers can expect to experience a variety of colorful and cultural displays taking place, such as cheo theatre, cock fighting and wrestling competitions.

Hanoi provides an ideal base point for a variety of day trips, allowing visitors to escape the chaos of the city and discover the realm of beauty that lies beyond.

Ba Vi National Park is just over an hours drive from Hanoi and provides a stunning vista over the Red River Delta. The park is home to a diverse ecosystem and visitors can enjoy the thriving flora and fauna at close range on an organized tour, or by exploring at their own pace.

The magnificent Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas situated 40 kilometers from Hanoi, are also a sight worth beholding. Thay Pagoda consists of a number of Buddhist pagodas and a Taoist temple which houses many precious religious relics and statues. The central pavilion provides the ideal stage for the legendary water puppetry performances, which take place during the festive months. The 17th century hilltop Tay Phuong Pagoda, reached via 239 steps, is of great classical architectural significance and the aerial view from its base is breathtaking.

One and half hours drive from hustle and bustle of Hanoi, Hoa Binh provides a lush and tranquil retreat. A relaxing cruise along the River Da is a great way to experience the beauty of this rugged region of northern Vietnam and also provides an opportunity to meet interact with the ethnic tribal communities who reside in the mountains.

Often referred to as the Perfume Pagoda, Chua Huong is a cluster of Buddhist temples in a remote mountain side location, two hours from Hanoi. City dwellers make an annual pilgrimage to the sacred site, which is reached by a 45 minute boat journey through paddy fields and some truly spectacular scenery.

Hanoi is undoubtedly a vibrant city, but if you stray off the beaten path to discover the magic that lies beyond, you will most definitely be rewarded.