Love at First Bite: Unveiling Hanoi, Vietnam's Charm

• Wander through the enchanting Old Quarter: Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets lined with colorful shops and overflowing with delicious street food. Be sure to bargain for souvenirs and sample local delicacies like pho, banh mi and bun cha.

• Cruise on Hoan Kiem Lake: Rent a paddle boat and explore the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a central landmark offering stunning views of the city skyline. You can also visit Ngoc Son Pagoda, a peaceful temple on a small island in the lake.

• Indulge in a Vietnamese Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine by taking a cooking class. You'll get hands-on experience preparing traditional dishes like pho, spring rolls and banh mi, and you'll be able to enjoy your creations afterwards.

• Witness a Water Puppet Show: Immerse yourself in the unique art of water puppetry, a traditional Vietnamese art form dating back centuries. The puppets perform on a stage submerged in water, creating a magical and captivating experience.

• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay your respects to the founding father of modern Vietnam at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Be sure to dress modestly and follow the strict rules for visiting.

• Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: Step back in time and explore the ruins of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of power for Vietnamese dynasties for centuries.

• Shop at Dong Xuan Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market, the largest covered market in Hanoi. You can find everything from souvenirs and clothing to fresh produce and local crafts.

• Catch a performance at the Hanoi Opera House: Enjoy a stunning performance at the Hanoi Opera House, a beautiful French-inspired building that hosts opera, ballet, and other cultural events.

Day Trips:

Hanoi is a great place to book a one or two night cruise on Ha Long Bay. Cruise operators can usually pick you up in your hotel or in the Old Quarter. My top two recommendations for a luxury cruise are: Orchid Cruises or Stellar of the Seas.

Casual Eats:

• Bún chả Hương Liên: Craving that iconic Hanoi combo of grilled pork and rice noodles? This spot's got you covered! Don't leave without trying it.

• Banh Mi 25: Forget boring sandwiches! Dive into crusty baguettes overflowing with classic fillings like pate or adventurous options like lemongrass chicken.

• Chả Cá Lã Vọng: Feeling spicy? Sizzle your senses with this whitefish dish served sizzling hot with fresh herbs and noodles. It's a Hanoi must-try!

• Bun Bo Nam Bo: Want a refreshing pick-me-up? Dive into this flavorful mix of noodles, grilled beef and aromatic broth. Don't forget the herbs!

• Quan An Ngon: Food court adventure awaits! Over 100 stalls offering regional Vietnamese dishes - explore and discover your new favorite bite.

Upscale Dining:

• Gia: Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to a beautifully crafted Vietnamese tasting menu. Local ingredients transformed into artistic dishes - an explosion of flavor and tradition.

• Hibana by Koki: Watch flames dance and taste buds ignite! Witness teppanyaki masters work their magic on premium Japanese ingredients, creating juicy masterpieces.

• Tam Vi: Step back in time at this charming tea house. Savor authentic North Vietnamese cuisine, meticulously prepared and presented with artistry. A feast for the senses and a journey through history.

Drinks:

• Cafe Giảng: Coffee with a twist! Don't miss the unique egg coffee, a Hanoi staple since the 1940s. Prepare for a caffeine adventure.

• The Alchemist Cocktail Bar: Calling all mixology enthusiasts! Craft cocktails await, along with live music on certain nights - the perfect spot to shake things up.