Perhaps Vietnam could be in the running for an award for the nation with the biggest smiles. Despite the harsh reality of events of the past, the Vietnamese always look as though they have lots to smile about. Hanoi is no exception and who wouldn’t smile when faced with a daily landscape of boulevards flanked by grand (if sometimes jaded) French-Colonial architecture, placid lakes and temples that inspire the spirit of the people. See the crowds gather early morning in the parks to go through their smooth flowing Tai Chi sequences in unison and feel the inner calm radiating from them. 

Ok, so the roads can be a hazardous nightmare to cross but the weaving in and out between motorcycles carrying families of 4 plus a basket of chickens is all part of Hanoi daily fun once you get used to it! Besides, you can always escape the chaos by ducking into one of the many street side cafes for chicken soup or a cup of spiced tea. Then once you’ve regained your composure you can head on out to one of Hanoi’s museums or perhaps to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. 

There’s much to do and see in Hanoi, enough to fill a week’s itinerary easily, but you can’t help but feel as though the biggest attraction ought to be the people themselves with their warm humility and welcoming smiles.