Vibin' in Vietnam: Lantern-lit lanes and pretty pagodas

The wait is finally over. Your heart rate rockets, and your plane to Vietnam is ready for take-off! You set off on your adventure at full throttle as countless stars twinkle with the promise that your next couple of weeks in this incredible country will be packed with excitement. You lay back, close your eyes and dream about your adventures one last time before they finally come true!

After a night above the clouds, it's time to say...
'Xin chào, Vietnam!' You're finally in one of the most beautiful countries in Asia, one that's full of lively cities, picturesque rivers and exciting cultures. Now your dreams are finally becoming reality: 'Vietnam, here I am!' Almost as soon as you arrive, you're off to your accommodation. But why waste too much time in a hotel when the bustling city of Hanoi is just waiting to be explored?!
Your first mission? Hit the streets! The vibes? Incredible! The Vietnamese people have a zest for life that's so contagious you won't be able to stop smiling. Soak up the old-school energy as you wander the alleys of the enchanting Old Quarter, marvel at the iconic Vietnamese tube houses and try delicious traditional street food, such as bánh mì and the best pho you've ever had.

Everywhere you look, you find magnificent colonial buildings and pagodas! One of the many sightseeing classics you find here is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you're able to learn tons of interesting facts about the political activities of the country's former president. Right next to it, you find the bright yellow Presidential Palace and the former residence of the legendary politician Chua Mot Cot. And of course, as much as you can't do without a stop at Vietnam's most important literary temple, the same goes for the legendary One Pillar Pagoda! Surround by lively decorations, ornamentation and the hustle and bustle of the city, today, Hanoi has shown you its most beautiful side!

No one travelling to Hanoi should miss a trip to Train Street. Every day, within just feet of the surrounding buildings, a train makes its way through the colourful canyon of houses and the hustle and bustle of daily city life there. Sound crazy? It is! So grab a front-row seat in one of the many cafés and experience the must-see spectacle for yourself! And speaking of must-sees, the Long Bien Bridge, which was built in 1902 and became a symbol of resistance during the Vietnam War, is one of the city's icons you definitely have to see. And if you still don't have enough pics, Hoan Kiem Lake not only makes for the perfect ones, but it also makes for a great way to escape the city for a little while. Be sure to visit Jade Mountain Temple, too. You'll find it perched on a small island in the middle of the lake, and while exploring it, you'll discover the story behind the temple's second name: Turtle Tower.