Northern Vietnam’s enchanting blend of ancient history, bustling markets and breathtaking natural landscapes makes it one of Asia’s most irresistible escapes. Anastazia Uglow set out to discover what awaits travellers in this captivating corner of the world.
The heart and soul of northern Vietnam
Hanoi. The city where crossing the street feels like a live action game of Frogger.
Established over a thousand years ago, Hanoi is a place where ancient history mingles seamlessly with the frenetic pace of modern life. Nowhere sums this up better than the Old Quarter, a delightful maze of 36 narrow streets named after the trades that were practised there centuries ago.
Each street offers a unique surprise, from silks and silver to, bizarrely, gravestones. Yes, really. Just in case you need a souvenir that lasts forever – I’ve already picked out my darling husband’s. After all, travel is about making dreams come true!
Wandering through the Old Quarter, you’ll encounter a relentless barrage of noise – motorbike horns, trains rattling down impossibly narrow streets, donut vendors shouting their wares, shoe shiners scamming Westerners and the occasional rooster crowing just to keep things interesting.
With so much to see, a cycle tour can be a great – not to mention fun – way to initially see the city, allowing your clients to get their bearings and a few local tips before exploring on foot.
A feast for the senses
Hanoi’s markets are an essential part of the city’s fabric and an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The Dong Xuan Market, the largest indoor market in Hanoi, is a treasure trove of goods. Imagine Aladdin’s Cave but with more fish sauce.
From fresh produce and seafood to clothing and souvenirs, this market has it all. The aromas of exotic spices and fresh herbs might lead you to believe you’ve stumbled into a culinary wonderland.
Just don’t get lost in the maze of stalls, or you might find yourself emerging days later with a newfound talent for haggling and an inexplicable number of Vietnamese conical hats.
For a different experience, visit the night market in the Old Quarter. Open every weekend evening, it stretches from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market and offers an array of street food, clothing and crafts.
As you stroll through, sampling dishes like phở cuốn (fresh spring rolls) and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), you’ll realise that your diet back home will never feel quite as exciting again.
Nature’s masterpiece
A few hours’ drive from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests.
If there was ever a place where you half expect a Bond villain to pop out from his evil lair hidden within a rock, this is it.
While cruising the bay on a traditional junk boat is popular, kayaking offers a more intimate and adventurous connection with this natural wonder.
Paddling through the calm waters, you can navigate hidden caves, discover secluded lagoons, and get up close and personal with the majestic rock formations.
It’s a tranquil experience, broken only by the occasional call of a bird or the splash of your paddle – unless you’re like me and nearly tip over trying to take a selfie with my giant iPad due to losing my phone the day prior.
Beyond Ha Long Bay
The province of Quang Ninh, home to Ha Long Bay, is a region of natural beauty and cultural depth. Bai Tu Long Bay, located northeast of Ha Long Bay, offers a quieter and less crowded alternative with equally stunning scenery. Think of it as Ha Long Bay’s shy cousin who doesn’t get out much but is absolutely worth getting to know.
The area has a distinctly Japanese vibe with onsen offering hot springs baths in the outdoors where fresh air fills your lungs and nature abounds.
It makes for a wonderful sidenote if the endless racket of Hanoi becomes overbearing. Another notable destination in Quang Ninh is Yen Tu Mountain, known as the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism.
The pilgrimage to the mountain’s peak is both a physical and spiritual journey, offering spectacular views and ancient pagodas along the way. If you’re up for a hike that’s good for both the legs and the soul, this is your spot.
And so, with direct flights now whisking Australians straight into Hanoi’s chaos and charm, it’s hard not to feel like the adventure begins the second you step off the plane.
One minute you’re in Melbourne or Sydney, the next you’re dodging scooters, clutching a banh mi, and wondering how exactly you’ll ever slot back into life where the streets don’t feel like Frogger and the everyday isn’t quite so wonderfully absurd.
The Travel Weekly 2026 Yearbook
This article originally appeared in the Travel Weekly Yearbook 2026. The Travel Weekly Yearbook 2026 celebrates the destinations, the craft of storytelling, the curiosity that drives our industry, the resilience of Australia’s travel trade, and the pure joy of discovering somewhere new (or rediscovering somewhere familiar). But more than that, this issue celebrates the people powering the travel industry.
Over the coming weeks, we will share online a little of what is on offer in the annual. Email alice@travelweekly.com.au if you want a copy.
