Located in the Ba Dinh district, the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts is definitely worth a visit. The museum showcases Vietnamese art of the 20th century, up to the seventies.

While the layout of the exhibitions is a bit crowded, the actual art is outstanding and there are detailed descriptions in English accompanying each piece. Typical of a communist country, there is a lack of works with innovative or controversial themes.

A lot of space is reserved for local techniques and art styles such as lacquer, silk painting, wood block and folk art. Explanations about these techniques are also provided in English. There are also interesting wood statues depicting daily life, or war events.

The top floor is dedicated to Buddhist sculptures and prehistoric artefacts, some of which are huge and striking. Most visitors are captivated by the statue of the 11th century goddess of mercy, and her 1000 arms and eyes.

The museum is housed in a beautiful colonial building, and there are some benches dotted around for when you need to a take a break. It is usually possible to wander around in peace, unless a tour group coincides with your visit.

There is a gift shop on site, selling modern works of well known artists, and also some of the pieces displayed in thematic exhibitions. If you wish to purchase a piece, the museum will register it and provide a certificate.

The warren of streets, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, is widely known as the ‘Old Quarters’. The streets date back to the 13h century, and the chaos found there echoes the past, when specialized trade guilds operated on designated streets. Despite being constantly bombarded with hawkers, motorbikes and cyclos while negotiating the area, most visitors fall in love with the quaint streets of the Old Quarters.

The streets are like branches of a tree stretching out over the area just north of the famous lake. The Old Quarter has always been the economic centre of Hanoi, and needless to say, is the oldest area of the city.

The communal houses are established by the guilds in each area. They function as small temples where locals can worship a local god, or the white horse which is a symbol of the city. Aside from these houses, there are also Buddhist and Daoist temples dotted along the jagged streets. The most notable structure is Bach Ma Temple, situated in the eastern quarter.

You may notice the more elaborate European style buildings, usually two story buildings with Western features, such as bay windows and high sloping roofs.

The Old Quarter originated from workshop villages governed by trades and guilds; today, streets are dedicated to a special type of product. Hang Thiec Street is the place to buy tin, Hang Via Street specialises in bamboo products, while other streets are lined with shops selling toys, laquerware or clothes.

The Hanoi Women’s Museum is located in a leafy courtyard on Ly Thuong Kiet Street. It is a modern building, which is fitting for the first national museum of its kind in Vietnam. The museum celebrates women’s contributions to the war and is fast becoming a cultural centre in Hanoi. The site is used for research and activities, mainly for women.

The building was designed by female architect, Tran Xuan Diem, and the project kicked off in 1991 after receiving financial aid from the Vietnamese Women’s Union and the Ministry of Culture.

After ten years of collecting items, the museum now houses an exhibition of over 3000 pieces. Obtaining the goods involved touring the length of Vietnam and persuading provincial women’s union offices to donate photos, memorabilia and goods belonging to local and national heroines.

The collection ranges from rice pots to rifles, and depicts the trials and successes of women, as well as hinting at details of their private lives. The second floor is dedicated to this more personal aspect, with Dong Son period jewellery and scenes of women carrying out domestic duties.

The third floor is dedicated to chronicling 65 years of the Vietnam Women’s Union. Colourful displays include solidarity posters from international anti-war feminist organisations, illustrating the powerful bond between women all around the world.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday, from 08:00 until 16:00.

West Lake covers a large proportion of the north and western area of central Hanoi. The area is home to a crop of housing developments, with the most luxurious homes located on the eastern shore. This section of Hanoi is steeped in legend and is home to a number of important pagodas.

Tran Quoc is Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, having been built in the 6th century. It is situated on Cayang Island in the centre of the lake. The prime minister of India gave Vietnam a branch of the Bodhi tree, which is the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment; this tree now grows in a courtyard at West Lake.

The temple was originally constructed as a centre for Dharma study, and was later used as an Imperial feasting ground. The structure has a visitor’s hall and a bell tower, and is home to a group of monks. Ceremonies for the dead take place on auspicious days, which visitors are welcome to observe; however, it is important to dress respectfully.

Further along the lake, Quan Thanh Temple is located close to the northern gate. This structure was built during the reign of Le Thai To King and is dedicated to the god who controlled Vietnam’s northern regions. This impressive temple features a triple gate, courtyard, and a 12 foot bronze statute of the god named, Huyen Thien Tran Vo.

Hoan Kiem Lake literally means ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’, and this stunning body of water is located in the heart of Hanoi. The lake is a focal point of the city, and one of the region’s most scenic locations.

The Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island, known as Jade Island, close to the north shore of the lake. This structure was erected in the 18th century and is in commemoration of the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao. A red painted bridge connects Jade Island to the shore.

Thap Rua is the small stupa resting on the small island in the centre of the lake. Despite being built quite recently in the late 1800s, Hanoians have utmost respect for the structure. Recent plans to paint the mossy structure were met with much disapproval from Hanoi residents.

The lake is the city’s favourite strolling ground, as well as serving as ‘lover’s lane’ after dark. Many locals use the lake area for exercise in the mornings and again just before sunset.

The lake is useful when navigating the city, as people often give directions in relation to it. The lake is also adjacent to the warren of streets housing hundreds of traditional handicraft shops, providing a peaceful sanctuary for exhausted shoppers.

Whether it’s for an afternoon stroll, an ice cream or morning aerobics, the lake is a welcome oasis in the urban jungle of Hanoi.

The Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi is top of every tourist’s itinerary. The chilling atmosphere of the prison makes it a must-see.

The French constructed the prison during 1896, and it was originally used to hold political prisoners. In 1954, the Vietnamese took it over, and used it to hold their prisoners of war.

From 1964 to 1973, the prison served as a major POW detention facility. Some famous inmates included: Senator John McCain; Vietnam Ambassador, Pete Peterson; and Lieutenant Everett Alvarez, who was the first US pilot to be gunned down in Vietnam.

Accounts of events are told from the Vietnamese perspective through photographs and literature exhibited in a small room. The guillotine room is in the west wing of the prison, along with the female prisoners’ quarters.

A courtyard is in the centre of the site, and sections of underground tunnels once used as an escape route by Vietnamese revolutionaries, are still intact.

However, much of the original prison compound is gone, and ironically has given way to a brand new office block housing many foreign investors.

The prison has some English explanations, but having a guide is extremely beneficial.

Quick fact: The prison was commonly known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ among American prisoners of war. A Hilton hotel opened in Hanoi in 1999, but was named Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel.

Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi sits on the right bank of the Red River, over 1000 miles north of Saigon. The city is characterized by a distinct mix of east and west. Buildings from the French colonial period cast reflections in the water, while the lengthy Chinese dominance still echoes around the city.

· Hanoi is looking forward to celebrating its 1000th anniversary in 2010.
· The population of Hanoi leapt from 3.1 million in 2005, to 6.2 million in 2007.
· The famous Hoan Kiem Lake literally translates as ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’.
· Hanoi consists of 29 districts.
· In 1994 Hanoi didn’t have any five star hotels, now there are eight dotted around the city.
· In total there are 181 hotels in Hanoi, with more than 8500 rooms.
· The average temperature in January is 62°F, while in July it is 85°F.
· Hanoi was crowned capital of Vietnam in the 7th century and has experienced both French and Japanese occupation throughout its history.
· Hanoi is Vietnam’s main transport hub, with two airports and rail connections to China.
· The main public holiday in Hanoi is Vietnamese New Year which is usually held at the end of January or beginning of February.
· There are more than 600 pagodas and temples in the city.
· Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural centre boasting nine large museums as well as an array of galleries and entertainment venues.

The abundance of delicious food in Vietnam adds to its charm and appeal as a travel destination. Aromas waft from every corner of Hanoi and it is possible to find something to eat on every street. Sampling the local food is an exciting and fulfilling way to experience a new culture. An array of new flavours and taste sensations are just around the corner.

Despite the language barrier, it is possible to enjoy eating like a local. Carrying a phrase book may be useful, but as a last resort pointing should get you a plate of something. Most street vendors only serve one dish so you just need to communicate with your fingers how many servings you would like. If there is more than one dish, you can indicate you want the same as another diner.

Slurping a bowl of pho is a must-do while in Vietnam, but there are other noodle dishes worth trying such as bun cha, bun rieu and bun bo nam bo. Quan An Ngon is a great place for lunch. The picturesque courtyard makes an ideal setting for a leisurely lunch and there are so many different dishes to try.

Although hygiene levels are lower than the international standard, food is usually fresh and safe to eat. If you are concerned, take a moment to observe the vendor and their set up before ordering. The food cooked at street stalls is likely to have been purchased the same morning, so freshness is rarely an issue.

The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi was built in dedication to Vietnam’s highly respected leader. Ho Chi Minh was a powerful revolutionary and statesman, who initially served as Prime Minister, and finally as President of North Vietnam.

Vietnamese people feel indebted to Ho Chi Minh for having saved their country. As a token of their gratitude, this museum is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, as well as a city and mausoleum.

The museum is spread across five floors and was inaugurated in September 1990, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh Museum showcases a collection of military paraphernalia, photos from the Communist Party’s early victories, the August and October revolutions, the country’s resistance against Fascism and the imperialist movement led by Ho Chi Minh.

The most enjoyable way to view the museum is to start at the bottom and work your way up. The top floor features a stunning centrepiece consisting of a gargantuan gold lotus flower.

The Museum is a good example of Soviet architecture so visitors can look forward to enjoying the structure of the exhibition, as well as the interesting content.

The museum is located on Ngoc Ha Street, and is open every day except Mondays.

Located on the junction were Le Thanh Tong and Trang Tien Streets meet, the Hanoi Opera House is an impressive sight. The art noveau building was constructed at the turn of the 20th century, and is an iconic symbol of the city.

Building began in 1901 and was completed in 1911. The design is considered to be typical of the French colonial architectural monuments in Vietnam. It is actually a replica of the Palais Garnier, the oldest opera house in Paris.

Unfortunately the venue doesn’t host as many shows as it previously did, but if you’re lucky and your visit coincides with a one-off performance, you are in for a treat.

The Opera House has a large stage in the main auditorium, and a central staircase leads to another spacious hall on the second floor.

At the rear of the building, there are 18 make-up rooms, two voice training rooms, a library and a meeting room. The room opposite the stairway is adorned with massive mirrors.

The building is mainly used for state meetings, international conferences and major exhibitions. The Opera House is considered a national art work and a highly significant historical monument.

Even if you can’t enter the building, you can hang out with the locals on the steps outside, and have your photograph taken.