Vietnam Bucket List: Dragon bays and sandy beaches

The long wait is finally over. Your heart beats faster and faster, and your plane to Vietnam is ready for take-off. As you jet off through the sky at full throttle, 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 one last time about all the adventures before they finally come true!

After a night above the clouds...
You're finally in one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. No boring days here, just endless vibes, from cool, buzzing cities to wild rivers and a culture that's flat-out unique. So long, dreams! Now it's time to make it real. ‘Vietnam, let's gooo!’ Almost as soon as you leave the plane, you head straight to your new home base. But let's be honest: why chill out in a hotel when the loud, colourful city of Hanoi is right outside? Put on your sunglasses and get going!
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.

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: Tortoise Tower.

Wherever you look, you come across magnificent colonial buildings and pagodas! One of the sightseeing classics is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you can learn all sorts of interesting facts about the political work of the former president. Right next to it is the bright-yellow presidential palace and the former home of the legendary politician Chua Mot Cot. Of course, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the most important literary temple in Vietnam aren't to be missed, either! Flamboyant flourishes, extra little embellishments and the hustle and bustle all around you – Hanoi has shown off its most beautiful side today!