Enjoy a half day orientation of Hanoi, its tree-lined streets with beautiful French colonial architecture, including the exquisite, recently restored Opera House. Pass Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ after the legend that surrounds it, en-route to one of the city’s many fascinating museums.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat built in 1070. Then head to the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) for an insight into the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Browse the traditional costumes on display which represent each of the ethnic groups.

Later, explore the Old Quarter with its labyrinth of streets by cyclo. They are often named after the materials they sold such as Tin Street, Sugar Street and Paper Street. Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by.