Hanoi has plenty of culture to offer its visitors. Aside from soaking up the city life over a coffee in a street side café, there are plenty of outlets where visitors can experience the arts and music scene in Hanoi.

The city’s most popular cultural attraction is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Vietnamese lyrics recount ancient stories from Vietnam’s history while wooden puppets dance on the water. The puppets are tiny, so it’s best to push the boat out and buy first class tickets for a clearer view.

Hanoi’s Opera House also hosts regular performances. The building is also an art work in itself, dating back to the 1900s and featuring elements of Colonial design.

The Jazz Club in Hanoi is a buzzing hub, and a lively spot for a drink, food and amazing jazz. The band kicks off at 21:00 and finish at 23:00. This is typical of venue’s in Hanoi, as there is a curfew to conform to.

Other bars in the city host live music every night of the week, including the Green Lake, Loft Bar and Restaurant and Ly Club.

Hanoi has plenty of culture for visitors to experience and the scene is always growing.

Vietnam has more than 50 different ethnic minorities, most of which live in the mountains surrounding Hanoi and in the north of Vietnam. Hanoi is on the receiving end of the beautiful products these ethnic groups produce.

Villagers are excellent craftspeople, and are skilled at making products such as bamboo goods, basketware, lacquerware and table cloths. The rising number of tourists has spurred the groups to increase production, so Hanoi is now teeming with handicraft shops selling their goods.

The embroidered and weaved goods make ideal gifts or souvenirs, and are usually of exceptionally good quality. Embroidery is applied to table cloths, bed linens and lots more. The price of these goods depends on how much time has been spent creating them. More detailed pieces are often more expensive due to the work put in.

The Tribal Pan Flute Shop, on Hang Bac, sells authentic ethnic minority products, some of which verge on antique status. It is also possible to find some second hand clothing from the tribes, which are great buys.

Hanoi is the best spot for handicraft shopping in terms of choice; however, it is possible to find a wide range of the same goods in markets in Saigon.

Market shopping is one of the highlights of travel. Not only is a great place for finding little trinkets and one-of-a kind bargains, but the social element is also very appealing.

There are a number of thriving markets in Hanoi, which are popular with both tourists and locals. Locals swarm to markets to socialize as well as shop. This adds to the lively atmosphere found at most Asian markets.

Dong Xuan Market is a massive shopping mecca selling everything under the sun, and all at dirt cheap prices. The market is spread over three floors so put aside plenty of time for rummaging.

The Weekend Market is even more of a social affair, so if you are on a mission to shop it is best avoided.

Hang Da Market is a smaller outfit, but it has a good selection of items for sale. Here you can fine wine, flowers, high quality clothing and imported foods.

Remember to barter with the seller as the prices are marked up very high for tourist customers. Bartering should be kept lighthearted and offers should be made with a smile. This is the way to get the best results for all parties.

Hanoi is a fantastic shopping destination. The city boasts excellent shopping facilities and the competitive prices make it an even more fun. Many visitors to Hanoi are attracted to the city due to its fantastic shopping scene.

A varied range of goods is on offer in Hanoi, ranging from intricate handicrafts to designer label handbags. The choice is broad, and there are many irresistible bargains to be found. In Hanoi’s Old Quarter’s, entire streets are dedicated to selling a certain type of item.

Market shopping is a highlight when visiting any country in Asia. The vibrant trading centres are part of every day life and well worth experiencing. The social element of the market means it is possible to visit without any intention to shop. However, it is rare to leave empty-handed.

Hanoi is more a traditional shopping centre than commercial Saigon. The city’s close proximity to the many ethnic minority villages means there are lots of handicrafts and souvenirs for sale on the city’s streets.

The Old Quarter is the best shopping district, and there are some fantastic finds to be unearthed. Many craftsmen and artists reside in Hanoi, so it is often possible to buy directly from the person who crafted the item.

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Massage is a great way to relax both mentally and physically. Hanoi has some famous streets where massage parlours have been passed down throughout the generations, such as Le Duan, Cua Nam and Quan Thanh. There are also excellent massage centres at the Institure of Acupuncture and the Institute of Traditional Medicine.

A crop of massage shops has sprung up throughout the city, due to the increased demand for the service. Whatever your budget, it is possible to enjoy a good massage in Hanoi.

A variety of massages are on offer including Thai, Swedish and aromatherapy. Always have a look at the certificates on the walls to check which type of massage your therapist has trained in.

Thai massage involves a lot of kneading and manipulation, and yoga-like stretches. Swedish massage is gentler – oils are massaged into the skin using circular motions. Aromatherapy is similar, using essential oils to promote relaxation and well being.

You can ask your masseur or masseuse (therapists are usually female), to adjust her technique according to your preference. Don’t be afraid to inform them if you are finding it too hard and would prefer a softer massage.

Some other massages involve milk or aloe vera being massaged into the skin, this is healing and replenishing for sunburnt skin.

Although homosexuality isn’t illegal in Vietnam, it is just swept under the carpet and ignored. Many gay Vietnamese people conduct their lives with a spouse and family despite their homosexual desires. Gay life is enfolded with traditional values, framed by the current communist social system.

The ‘gay lifestyle’ known in the west is non-existent in Vietnam, so most of Hanoi’s gay population are in the process of raising a family and don’t frequent public places where they may be subject to gossip. Meaning Hanoi has a very limited gay nightlife scene.

The internet is the main communication tool between working gays in Hanoi. However, there is always an element of danger meeting people in this fashion. Many gay tourists are scammed and crimes happen, so caution is imperative.

There are some private gay tour operators, which offer visitors the chance to visit the sights of Hanoi with a group of gay travellers. These groups also stay in designated ‘gay-friendly’ hotels, recommended by the operator.

In general there is no trace of a gay scene in Hanoi, so the only way to meet local gays is on the internet. It is important to make friendly contact first and definitely avoid dashing into anything.

One of the joys of travelling in Asia, is the cheapness of relaxing health and body treatments. Massages, manicures and facials can be enjoyed for a fraction of the cost of the same treatment back home. Whether you are a budget backpacker or a flashy jetsetter, you can indulge yourself while in Hanoi.

Hanoi is home to a multitude of day spas. These independent businesses are dotted around the city, and provide a heavenly sanctuary for weary travellers. Spas and beauty salons in Hanoi usually offer the entire package of head-to-toe grooming services.

Massage is a great way to ease tired muscles after strenuous trekking, climbing or simply carting heavy luggage around. Guests can choose from a selection of massages, which usually includes Thai (manipulative), aromatherapy and Swedish (oil).

Manicures, pedicures and foot massage are readily available throughout Hanoi; however, if you are interested in having a custom designed facial to suit your skin, it is recommended you visit one of the larger spas.

There are also resort spas in Hanoi, where you can spend more than a day pampering yourself. Romantic couples’ programmes are also available, which is ideal for honeymooners. Lovers can enter a sensory paradise and enjoy the relaxing bliss together.

Hanoi’s night life is mainly concentrated around the Old Quarters, and although it is tame compared to neighbouring capitals like Bangkok, there is still fun to be had. There are enough expats and tourists present all year round to ensure a lively scene, which isn’t limited to weekends or any given day.

The evenings usually kick off in the early evening at Bia Hoi Corner, just north of Hoan Kiem Lake. Here, you can find the local bia hoi cheaper than anywhere else. It is slightly watered down, but it still tastes fine and is a bargain at 1,500VND cheaper than other bia hoi outfits.

Around the corner a handful of good bars offer a relaxing environment for travellers, complete with pool tables and daily drinks specials. Bars in this area are a great way to meet other travellers and exchange stories and advice. Some establishments, such as the lively Irish bar, manage to push closing time into the wee hours.

There are some good live music venues in Hanoi; however, there is usually too much focus on blaring out the latest Vietnamese pop ballad to keep locals happy. Minh’s Jazz Club on Luong Van Can Street is an exception and a must-see for all jazz lovers.

Hanoi has a nice selection of bars and pubs, and a healthy expat community means keeps them above float all year round. Bia Hoi is a must-try while visiting the city; this local brew is actually quite refreshing and very cheap. Bia Hoi is drank at streetside bars, and is served by the pitcher.

After a refreshing pitcher of bia hoi, there are plenty of friendly bars to move onto to in the Hoan Kiem district. This is the main area for nocturnal outings, with a wide selection of bars where visitors can keep the candle burning into the wee hours.

Hanoi’s night scene is tame in comparison with other capitals, such as Bangkok. Most establishments close at midnight; however, there a few who ignore the curfew is the craic is good, namely Hanoi’s Irish bar on Duong Thanh Street.

Many bars in the Hoan Kiem district offer daily drinks specials, happy hour promotions, and alcoholic prizes for pool winners. The atmosphere is good in these joints, and punters are sure to meet other travellers for some lively banter and exchange of stories.

Locals and westerners seem to frequent different venues; however, there are some bars were the crowd is becoming more mixed.

Hanoi is most definitely a ‘foodie’ destination. The street food industry is a culture in itself. You can find clusters of vendors in certain areas as certain times, but grabbing some street food is usually an instantaneous quick fix. If there isn’t any signage in English, just point at what others are eating and wait to see what arrives. Diners are rarely disappointed.

At the high end of the scale, diners are treated to a wide range of fine international cuisine cooked by accomplished chefs. It is possible to find a variety of authentic international dishes in Hanoi, and usually for a fraction of the price back home.

Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, you will find a wide choice of quality, and sometimes quirky, eateries. A restaurant full of Vietnamese diners is usually a sign of a well established, quality business. Most restaurants in this area serve a selection of both Vietnamese dishes and western fare.

West of Hoan Kiem Lake has a high concentration of Italian restaurants, while to the east an assortment of high-end establishments caters for Sofitel Metropole guests. Here you can find the city’s most upmarket eateries where diners can enjoy a mix of continental and Vietnamese food, for around US$30 per head.