Hanoi

Known as the oldest university, the Temple of Literature and its five courtyards retains a scholarly atmosphere and makes a peaceful respite from Hanoi's busy streets. Pay homage to the late Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his 'house on stilts' and learn why "Uncle Ho" is such a respected figure to the Vietnamese. Vietnam is a culturally diverse country and the fascinating ways of life of her 54 ethnic groups can be seen at the Museum of Ethnology.

To check out the budding arts scene, pop into the dozens of art galleries that stock works ranging from traditional to modern. Enjoy a water puppet show - a unique cultural form of North Vietnam? For early risers, head to Hoan Kiem Lake and observe Vietnamese in their synchronized Tai Chi moves. On fine afternoons, stroll through the French quarter, sip an aromatic cup of coffee on the sidewalk and observe the bustling street life.

If you have more time to spare, there are many interesting locales in Hanoi's outskirts that are lesser visited by tourists. Tam Coc - with its series of limestone rock formations jutting out from a sea of rice paddies, is a scenic and surreal place to visit. Nearby Hoa Lu also offers similar landscapes of rocky outcrops - no less spectacular when compared to Tam Coc - as well as 10th century relics from when the area was the capital's country.

To learn about Vietnam's pottery history, a visit to Bat Trang Ceramic Village should be on the list. For lovers of indigenous crafts, the Van Phuc Weaving Village lures visitors with its bewildering range of silk products.

Explore the rustic landscapes by cycling around the city's northern outskirts in Dong Ho Village, which is also famous for its painting styles that depict the traditional Vietnamese village lives. Follow the trails of Vietnamese pilgrims and embark on a 2-hour trek up Huong Son Mountain to Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong), with lots of photographic opportunities along the way.