Hanoi, VietnamHanoi's oldest pagoda, dating to the 6th century, perched on a tiny island in West Lake. The 11-storey tower is photogenic at any time, but at sunset when the lake turns gold, it's extraordinary.
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The spiritual and geographic heart of Hanoi. The lake (meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword") is steeped in legend. The red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple on a small island. The morning tai chi sessions around the lake are unmissable.
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Vietnam's first national university, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. The Temple of Literature is a superb example of traditional Vietnamese architecture - five walled courtyards with lakes, gardens, and stone steles honoring doctoral graduates.
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The preserved body of Ho Chi Minh lies in state in this imposing Soviet-built granite mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square - where he declared Vietnamese independence in 1945. A deeply significant site for Vietnamese people; visitors must dress conservatively and maintain silence.