The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam is fast becoming one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world, owing to the myriad experiences it has to offer to its visitors. From vibrant cultural hotspots like Danang and Hoi An to the scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, Vietnam has it all.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? This is a pertinent question that crops up for most travellers planning to visit Vietnam, as the entry point into Vietnam for their Vietnamese vacation. So, what makes both these bustling cities of Vietnam different and yet so similar? Let's find out which city wins the race for popularity among tourists.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that offers an interesting insight into the Vietnamese way of life and proudly showcases its historical architectural landmarks. It's situated in Northern Vietnam on the banks of the Red River, which owes its name to the reddish-brown colour of its silt-laden water. There's a lot to do and see, so it's ideal to keep aside at least 3 days for this beautiful city.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is the final resting place of President Hồ Chí Minh, a revered Vietnamese leader and revolutionary, affectionately known as Uncle Ho. He was the first president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The mausoleum is located in the heart of Hanoi in Ba Dinh Square, a renowned landmark in Vietnam with significant historical significance. This is the place where Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vi

The Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi is a unique art form where puppeteers create magic in a knee-deep water pond from behind the curtain, accompanied by a lilting traditional live music band and singers. The show is woven around legends of Vietnam, the play creates vivid and colourful images of Vietnamese country life.

Ninh Binh, the gloriously scenic province in Northern Vietnam, will beguile you with its beauty of limestone karsts* as they seem to grow out of a verdant green landscape, earning this place the name 'Halong Bay on Land'.