Hanoi's past as the capital of Emperor Ly Thai and later of French Indochina has given it much to boast of. Remnants of French and Chinese occupation peek out at you between the streets, as the present-day capital of Vietnam plays catch up, leaving the horrors of its history behind yet retaining the heritage influences.

The French first established Sapa as a hill station in 1922, and today it is one of Vietnam's well-known holiday & adventure destinations. The tall mountains surrounding deep valleys and rice terraces carpeting the hillside are a breathtaking sight. The hills are home to several indigenous tribes, whose villages you can trek to and learn of their culture.

Easily accessible from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts tourists from across the world. The overnight cruise here is a once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable experience. Spend a night on a junk, float among the natural karst formations that tower above you, and discover gorgeous caves and hidden lagoons.

Ninh Binh in North Vietnam is home to the famous Tam Coc-Trang An complex of karst formations rising up from the ground. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best experienced with a boat ride, with rice paddies on either side, water beneath the boat, and karsts surrounding you. It's transforming rice paddies in harvest season are a gorgeous sight to behold.

On a second round to Hanoi, you can focus your time on getting to the locals and their lifestyles. Cruise through the city on a Vespa Tour, enjoy the street food and beer culture on a walking tour or simply check out the multiple art galleries all over town.