Hanoi & Ha Long Bay holidays

Hanoi has is fair share of skyscrapers and sleek, modern architecture, but nothing beats the charm of the Old Quarter. It’s one of the city’s top attractions, so a wander round these motorbike-lined streets should be the first thing you do. Take a walking tour to learn about the area’s history and French colonial architecture, or simply soak up the buzzing atmosphere over a Vietnamese coffee.

Perhaps a more grand example of French architecture in Hanoi, the Hanoi Opera House is also worth adding to your itinerary. The outside is a sight to behold, particularly when it’s illuminated in the evening. And, the inside is even more impressive, with its marble staircases and crystal chandeliers. Pop in for a visit, or plan to see an exciting performance in the evening.

No area in Vietnam is more iconic than Ha Long Bay. With its majestic-looking limestone towers that poke through the water, the scenery here is truly spectacular. You’ll need to travel a bit beyond the shore to see Ha Long Bay’s full beauty, so we’d highly recommend a boat tour. You can opt for a quick daytrip or, for added fun, you can book onto an overnight cruise.

Cruise itineraries vary, but depending on which tour you pick, you can enjoy on-board cooking classes, fishing excursions, and complimentary kayak hire for you to go exploring around the islands, caves and grottos. If you have the time, snorkelling and coral diving are also great to do here. Or, you can simply sit back with a cocktail and take in the magnificent view from aboard your cruise ship.

There are hundreds of religious buildings for you to discover in and around this corner of Vietnam. But, many of the area’s most beautiful temples and pagodas are located right in the heart of Hanoi city. The Temple of Literature is a perfect example, with its tranquil gardens and fascinating history. Founded almost 1,000 years ago, Vietnam’s first national university lies within these beautiful grounds.

Top of your Hanoi sightseeing list will most likely be the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, which surrounds the impressive Ngoc Son Temple. Cross over the red-painted bridge and spend some time admiring the intricately-designed pavilion, before stepping inside to see the ancient bronze relics.
Hanoi’s temples are open to all, but it’s worth taking a look at Vietnamese clothing etiquette before you go to ensure your visit runs smoothly. 

A Hanoi and Ha Long Bay holiday promises to be filled with adventure whatever time of year you visit. But, in this part of Vietnam, you’ll get the best weather in either spring or autumn. It won’t be quite as hot and humid as it is in the summer, and you’re most likely to avoid any potential downpours or storms. The water won’t be too cold at this time either, so you can swim or snorkel your days away over on the coast.

That being said, summer is actually the busiest time of year, with many Vietnamese families travelling to Ha Long Bay for their holidays. Lunar New Year is a popular time too, and there’ll be plenty of events and festivals for you to get involved in. This lively atmosphere might be just what you’re after, but for fewer crowds, consider planning your trip a little later in the year.