French, Chinese and even Russian influences can be seen in Hanoi and other cities in the north area of Vietnam, but all contributed to what many have described as “pure” Vietnam. Temples brush shoulders with trendy boutique shops as well as chic cafes and traditional street food stalls. All of the cultures come together in a vibrant, sometimes hectic, but always peaceful mix. Are you looking to experience the mix of beauty and cultures that is Vietnam — GetAway Travel advisors will help with your trip!

Hanoi: the heartbeat of Vietnam

 Progress and tradition exist hand-in-hand in Hanoi. The city is more than 1,000 years old and home to more than 600 temples, pagodas, imperial citadels and theaters. You can travel through the city and just a short distance from populated areas, find gorgeous wilderness and stunning scenery.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of ancient Hanoi. The collection of historic buildings uncovered in archeological digs include palaces, pavilions and imperial gates.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands as a tribute to the larger-than-life man who left an indelible mark on the history of the country. The interior is done entirely in carved marble and there are rules for visitors. Dress nicely, remove your hat, stand in the proper line and pay attention to the instructions of the guards.

The grounds of the mausoleum are very special. There are 250 species of plants on the grounds and each flower, shrub and tree is planted there because they held a special significance to Ho Chi Minh.

Hoan Kiem Lake sits in the historic center of Hanoi. It’s a natural freshwater lake with a number of attractions around it including, the bright, red Huc Bridge, Turtle Tower, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and on a little island on the center of the lake, Ngoc Son Temple.

The Hanoi Opera House, in the French Quarter, is one of the most elegant buildings in the city. Modeled after the Paris Opera House, it was built in 1911. The exterior, with its charming ivory columns, Gothic-style domes and ornate balustrades makes a lovely backdrop for pictures.

The Temple of Literature honors Vietnam’s finest scholars. The complex was actually the country’s first university. The altars around the site are popular areas for students to pray for good grades. Graduates get their pictures taken in one of the five courtyards surrounded by gardens and ponds.

Points of interest just outside Hanoi

 Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating, scenic experience. Ha Long means descending dragon. There is a Vietnamese tale that a dragon came down from the sky and spit out pearls that became the islands and islets that are in the bay. There are more than 1,600 limestone formations, grottos tucked away in out-of-the way areas, sparkling beaches and amazing caves. Residents of floating villages work, pray, fish and send their children to school on the self-contained communities.

The Trang An Landscape Complex was the national seat of power in the country during the 10th and 11th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it seems frozen in time. Temples are scattered around the serene countryside, there are lush rice fields, limestone towers, moss-covered pagodas and the rainforest. You can see the Tam Coc Rice Fields, the famous rice paddies, on a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River.

The Ban Gioc Waterfall is thought to be one of the most beautiful and largest waterfalls in the world. Much like Niagra Falls, it sits on the border of two countries, China and Vietnam. The two colliding waterfalls are 229 feet tall and more than 680 feet wide.

On your way to Hue, go to UNESCO World Heritage site, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Here you will find awesome mountain views, but also wildly impressive karst (limestone eroded landforms), caves including the world’s second largest cave, Hang Son Doong. There are terraced caves, intersecting caves and even suspended caves.

The park is a gigantic swatch of protected habitat. More than 100 types of mammals including 10 kinds of primates, tigers, elephants, saola (rare Asian antelope), 81 types of reptiles and amphibians and more than 300 species of birds call the park home.

Hue, Vietnam’s Forbidden City

Hue is a mix of old and new. It has a strong imperial heritage, but it is also in that infamous two-mile stretch referred to as the DMZ that separated communist North Vietnam from capitalist South Vietnam. The Dragon Emperors of Vietnam made this their forbidden city in the 1800s. Forbidden city because it was the stronghold of rulers and their families and commoners were banned from entering.

Strong believers, to the point of obsession about the afterlife, the emperors built elaborate, ornate mausoleums with fabulous surrounding gardens.

Along the Perfume River you can see the Tu Duc Tomb. Four pavilions are surrounded by a lake and gardens. The courtyards are filled with sculptures, fountains, bridges and the tombs of Tu Duc’s wives and concubines. His tomb is on a man-made island surrounded by water lilies.

The Imperial Citadel is the royal palace complex of Emperor Gia Long. Enjoy 500 acres of elaborate gates, walls, temples, gardens and pavilions.

The Imperial Museum gives one an insight into the dynasties and their historical significance. Not only is the building stunning, but the interior is filled with floors and floors of exhibits dedicated to weapons, jewelry, royal garments, portraits, sculptures, pottery, uniforms, musical instruments and cultural artifacts.

Near Hue, in Da Nang, is the Golden Bridge. The bridge is a unique architectural feat, Two gigantic stone hands appear to be holding the bridge aloft for pedestrians. My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a complex of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom. Between the 4th and 14th centuries, the temples were built and dedicated to Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism.They reflect a unique blend of Indian and Southeast Asian architectural styles.

Cuisine varies from north to south

 The food in Vietnam is filled with color, light and flavor. There is Pho, a rice noodle soup that is spicier in the South. The rice noodle soup is fragrant and eaten with beef or chicken broth. Served in large bowls, garnished with green onions and herbs, it flavored with cinnamon, ginger, star anise and cardamon. Throughout the country you can get it served sweet and sour, with snails, with crab and with duck.

Bun Cha is roast port with thin noodles. Expect vegetables to be served as a side salad with lunch and sometimes with dinner. There’s the expected banh mi, a baguette sandwich, served at restaurants and by street vendors. But there’s also savory pancakes, caramelized pork stew made with coconut milk and fish sauce served with sticky rice, fried rice paper rolls and fabulous coffee!

Travel advisors at GetAway Travel will help you plan a trip to the North, south and fascinating points in-between! Reach GetAway at  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel