About Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam’s capital and second largest city retains its French colonial ambiance and is dotted with lakes and lovely parks. West of Hanoi are the Son La mountains, known for their sanctuaries, grottos, and pagodas. The traditional cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities still survive in the northern province’s mountains, but these regions might be inaccessible because of border disputes between Vietnam and China. If a visit to the northern mountains isn’t possible, travellers should be sure to visit the montagnard regions of Central Vietnam.

Also in the north is Halong Bay, which the Vietnamese consider a wonder of the world. This tranquil, magical bay is dotted with more than a thousand limestone islands, which rise from the water in dramatic rock formations and harbour extensive grottos and caves. The most notable of the caves of Halong is Dau Go, an extensive cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites that resemble a menagerie of birds and beasts.