Larissa Waterson, a writer from Nine, an Australian leading news and current events websites advises travelers that there are many westerners flocking to Vietnam’s token tourist hotspots, including Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay and Da Nang – places that have a lot to offer, but nothing quite like the bona fide cultural fusions of the nation’s capital Hanoi and the undisturbed waters of a little island called Phu Quoc.

“Great for relaxing in the sunshine but if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, Hanoi is the place to go,” the author wrote.

Nine has given some pieces of advice for travelers what to do in Hanoi. “The Old Quarter is rich with charming architecture, ancient pagodas, some of Vietnam’s best street food and an array of vibrant markets. And the best way to see the sights of Hanoi is on foot or via a cyclo tour for longer distances,” Nine wrote.

Kicking off with an on-foot tour of the local markets, it's a great activity to start with to get your bearings of the busy city — the guide is only too happy to divulge all the hidden gems you should explore during your stay.

In this city, you'll learn about the history of traditional ingredients loved by the locals, assemble your own rice paper rolls, and indulge in a banquet of Vietnamese culinary masterpieces, according to the newswire.

According to Nine, after engrossing yourself in the wonders of Hanoi and soaking up the best of Vietnamese culture, Phu Quoc is where you can go to put your feet up.

Spend the day on the water at Bai Sao Beach exploring the archipelago, snorkelling the crystal clear seas and soaking up the sun on a number of private beaches. 

After a long day out on the ocean, head on up to the Hon Thom cable car port and hitch a ride across the sky for unmatched views of the island and its fishing village. 

For hiking enthusiasts, Phu Quoc National Park is an abundant forest of trails waiting to be trekked.

In the ten months of 2018, the number of holidaymakers to Hanoi is estimated at more than 13.1 million, a 16.8% increase from the same period last year, according to the Hanoi Statistics Office. 

Of the total visitors in the ten months, the city welcomed over 3.4 million foreign visitors, marking a 16.9% rise from the same period last year.

Hanoitimes