Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong & Gulf of Tonkin Holidays

What can you find in Hanoi and Halong Bay that you won’t find elsewhere?

Despite an eventful history marked by wars and natural calamities, much of Hanoi's architectural heritage survives intact, including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. As well as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel that dates all the way back from the 11th century, there’s the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the final resting place for Ho Chi Minh, a Vietnamese Revolutionary leader who Saigon was renamed after); the unusual One Pillar Pagoda; and the Temple of Literature that is dedicated to Confucius. Wander through fragrant markets; the colourful colonial district - or French Quarter); and the wonderful Old District with its shady, tree-lined streets which are all named after the businesses that traditionally call them home, from Shoes Street to the delightfully comical Underwear Street and Lazy Old Man Street (named after a doctor who used to practice here).

For total tranquility, spend some time at Hoan Kiem Lake in the city where you can watch locals practice the gentle choreography of Tai Chi Chuan as the sun comes up, see if you can spot the resident turtles as you cross the petit bridge to the 13th century visit Ngoc Son Temple which sits on its own little island, or simply stroll and stumble upon beautiful colonial buildings.

Hit the road and make your way through the lush verdant rice paddies to Halong Bay, making sure to stop at Haiphong Market on the way. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with its jade-coloured waters and distinctive limestone islands that create a natural skyline. Halong, or the 'Bay of the Descending Dragon', is a UNESCO World Heritage site on a Halong Bay holiday you can soak up the scenery as mountains meet the sea in this majestic bay containing almost 2,000 spectacular limestone islands and outcrops of various sizes. Viewed from above, Halong Bay resembles a geographic work of art, but the best way to experience this unique natural wonder is by meandering among the islands and inlets on a boat.

Who are Hanoi and Halong Bay holidays best for?

As a destination that offers a nice balance between busy city and beautiful countryside scenery, it’s an ideal location for anyone wanting to experience the different sides of Vietnam, whether on a honeymoon or family trip.

The best ways to discover Hanoi and Halong Bay

Take the time to discover Halong Bay over a few days on a traditional junk boat. Sleep on the boat overnight to enjoy a stunning sunrise from the middle of the bay.

Special things to do on Hanoi and Halong Bay holidays

- In Hanoi, once you've had your fill of history and culture, enjoy a stroll around some of the 18 lakes which, with their surrounding gardens and trees, are the lungs of the city. As evening approaches, the lakeshores become the venues for traditional water-puppet shows.

- Take a private guided tour of Hanoi's main sights, including temples, museums of the country's recent and ancient history, traditional old quarters and more recent tree-lined boulevards with their French colonial architecture. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and Hanoi Citadel. A walking tour of the Ancient Quarter or the '36 Streets' District is a particular must. This densely populated corner of the city was once a centre of commerce where goods were sold under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of sellers today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Ancient homes and temples are interspersed with fascinating shops.