Hanoi

When on holiday in Hanoi, Vietnam, let your imagination guide you rather than your itinerary. History buffs will adore the city's many past lives. Hop onto a Vespa and spend a few days absorbing historical sites. The Tran Quoc Pagoda is said to offer the most astonishing sunsets in the world. The one pillared structure was built in the sixth century, and forms part of a Buddhist temple surrounded by watery landscaping. It houses a Bodhi tree that grew from a cutting taken from the original Indian tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The Vietnam Women’s Museum honours the contributions female citizens have made over time politically, ethnically and artistically. The city also has museums paying tribute to Hanoi's artistic, literary and military heritage. The Old Quarter has a 2000 year history which is beautifully demonstrated through its architecture. A walk through its bustling marketplaces, cafes and stalls is the ideal way to experience local gastronomy.  The Old Quarter has effortlessly linked the ancient and modern worlds through relics, art and cuisine, which are best observed at a lazy pace on foot. Participating in street trade places you in the midst of a tradition that has existed in this particular web of streets for a thousand years.

Hanoi's legends are as prominent as its real world history. The Hoan Kiem lake is home to a legend in which a turtle deity stole an emperor's enchanted sword. It was later reclaimed and used to defeat the Chinese Ming dynasty. Ironically, the lake is one of the few ecosystems supporting a critically endangered soft shell turtle species. Today, the lake attracts daily joggers, chess fiends and newlyweds seeking panoramic photographic backdrops.  Ha Long Bay is home to a legendary gathering of jewel-breathing dragons, which were sent by the gods to defend the land against invaders. Temples naturally attract a substantial number of legends, giving tours an element of enchantment. The Tower of Hanoi's legend tells of the temple's priests who were assigned a mathematical puzzle when time began. According to myth, when the puzzle was solved, the world would disappear. One of the most charming ways to learn about local legends is through the traditional art of Water Puppetry. These shows encourage the spirits to bring rich harvests. They depict short skits featuring dances by mythical creatures and tales of ancient village life. No holidays in Hanoi, Vietnam are complete without amusing encounters with this thousand year old tradition.

Hanoi, Vietnam holidays during the rainy seasons between January and September give travelers the opportunity to enjoy the atmospheric monsoons typical of the region. Between October and April, the arid season comes with cooler winter weather.

Monsoons and Heat Waves

Hanoi, Vietnam holidays during the rainy seasons between January and September give travelers the opportunity to enjoy the atmospheric monsoons typical of the region. Between October and April, the arid season comes with cooler winter weather. Whilst summer and spring are the most dominant seasons, the transitional springs and autumns come with slight variations. Between February and April, the climate is a comfortable average of about 17 degrees Celsius. Naturalists are treated to lush landscapes and vibrant colors which form a vivid backdrop for the Tet festival. The beauty of autumn fills hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam with adoring couples seeking romantic backdrops for their personal love stories. Temperatures are slightly warmer between September and November, when Autumnal palettes paint the city in fiery oranges and yellows.

New Year Celebrations

The most festive time to take a holiday in Hanoi, Vietnam is over the Tet holiday when the city becomes alive with festivities, food and sparkling lights. The lunar New Year brings streets to life, but it also draws hordes of visitors. Sedate travelers prefer to take a Hanoi, Vietnam holiday at any time except Tet, but travelers who are less easily intimidated love the electric atmosphere of the capital during February. This is the time to head to President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square, where decorations, performances and cultural displays are at their best. The Old quarter becomes filled with locals bustling between flower stalls in search of the perfect petals to decorate their homes with. Foodies adore the celebration for its amped up cuisine offerings at Hang Duong and Hang Buom.  An escape from the celebrations is best done in the company of Mother Nature, who demonstrates some of her finest creations at Van Long nature reserve. Overnight trips allow visitors to sleep under the canopy of the jungle. Bamboo boat tours let you explore the reserve, its primates and people. Hanoi, Vietnam hotels inside reserves give you a more luxurious way to enjoy the silence.

Autumn Romance

Hanoi's first world resorts, spas and hotels take autumnal romance to its greatest heights, which is only one of the reasons couples choose the capital as a wedding destination during its most beautiful season. The French architecture and cuisine contrast against the old and new world of Vietnam, creating the ultimate atmosphere for honeymooners. Patisseries, cafes and spas in the French Quarter offer all the first world luxury a couple could wish for in a village that is a sedate and welcome break from the usual bustle of the Old Quarter. Foodies in search of Michelin stars find their temptations in the capital, since it is renowned as Vietnam's finest gastronomical experience. Liquor, cakes and teas receive their flavour from blooms and spices. Jasmine, lotus and chrysanthemum offer delicate fragrances to Hanoian dishes.

Winter Quests

Cooler temperatures and the absence of rain make winter the perfect season for staying at a Hanoi, Vietnam hotel close to the extreme natural landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This highly diverse stretch links ethnic villages, rice paddies and cultural minorities with rocky pathways and mountain ranges. Fit travelers with a penchant for adventure will find ample extreme slopes to mountain bike across in the Mekong Delta. Those who prefer to tackle mountains on foot take on the slopes between Hin Village and Canh Nang Town. The Red River makes for cultural kayaking, taking you to several minority villages on a trip that can extend into weeks.

Summer Luxuries

Summer's naked sun and electric storms create a milieu that seems to necessitate a level of luxury and proximity to the coast. When seeking a luxurious hotel Hanoi, Vietnam offers some of its finest high end accommodation at Halong Bay. Beach goers are naturally attracted to the islands along the bay, which offer many deserted stretches of pristine sand and coastline away from the bustling Bai Chay area. Sung Sot Cave transports travelers into a fantastical environment beneath the ground. A clear pond in the depths of the cave allow for kayaking and swimming in a mysterious 'royal garden.' .Those who are happiest beneath the sea will find some of the most teeming marine populations at Long Chau Island. A traditional Junk boat adds a dash of exoticism to undersea adventures.