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This charming capital city in Northern Vietnam has a decidedly old—fashioned feel not unlike a set from a foreign film.

With its narrow old streets, French architecture and cafe society, roaming around this relaxed yet busy city can take you back to the ambient past of the Orient.

One shouldn’t have to worry about getting a guide in this delightful city, as Hanoi is filled with little surprises in every street, all waiting to be discovered. It is best to explore the city on your own —by foot, or by cyclo, those tireless three—wheeled bicycles favoured by the locals. Be brave though, as crossing the road in Hanoi can be quite a challenge with the inexorable motorbikes zooming in and out of every corner.

Most of the streets and boulevards in Hanoi are lined with shady trees, spacious parks and picturesque lakes a welcome change from the concrete jungles of most Asian cities.

It is easy to keep yourself occupied in this gracious city, and just as easy to simply do nothing but perhaps watch the world go by from a coffee shop’s terrace. The latter seems to be a popular pastime in this city nonetheless, and you are bound to find the locals happily sipping their sweet, potent brews at all hours of the day. In Hanoi old Quarter, coffee connoisseurs can easily find the infamous CHON or Weasel Coffee, whose delectable flavour supercedes the ungainly way it was produced.

If you can manage to get up at first light, seeing the city come to life is an experience not to be missed. As the sun rises, light dazzling on Hoan Kien Lake, the joggers and Tai Chi fill a postcard perfect scenario, and soon enough, the vendors with their colourful wares appear in the cobblestone pavements, while the smell of strong Vietnamese coffee fill your lungs. Ah, if only all mornings could be like this!

After a bracing breakfast of Pho, exploring the Old Quarter of the cultural capital, is a wonderful way to soak up some of Hanoi’s heady atmosphere. This ancient area is a maze of winding streets, each of which is named after a particular trade or item sold in that street. A tradition upheld by the city’s artists guild since the 13th century, the streets hold treasures in its countless narrowly—shaped shops, from religious paraphernalia to silks and jewelry, and these days, the old merchant’s district is also home to many art galleries, restaurants, and of course, sidewalk cafes.

If you are still in need of more history, Hanoi will not disappoint with the large number of temples, museums, pagodas, and even government buildings to visit. High on the list of sights is, ’Uncle Ho’s’ final resting place, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum on Ba Dinh Square.

Here lies the well—embalmed body of Vietnam’s beloved leader, an eerily somber place where a strict dress—code and respectful conduct is required. Further along at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, you’ll find all things to do with the great man himself, from personal memorabilia to military documents.

For a glimpse of well—preserved 11th century Vietnamese architecture, look no further than the Temple of Literature, considered the sacred seat of learning in Vietnam. This is an oasis away from the hurly burly of city, where you can stroll through the pretty courtyards, imagining the heated scholarly debates that took place here hundreds of years ago.

Although this is no doubt a city on the rise, with more construction and tourist—savvy enterprises rapidly being built as we speak, Hanoi remains a city that holds the old traditions close to its heart.