Temple of Literature – the Imperial University: It is the first academy of Vietnam, hence  a symbol of lifelong learning. There are  82 stone stelae that hold  honorary titles of doctorate candidates over centuries of imperial examination. Annually, , in preparation for the much-vaunted national examination, candidates come here and pray for stellar results.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel: At the heart of the glamorous capital, this long surviving complex appears ancient and quiet, in the name of Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The citadel was the host of  many powerful dynastic clans over centuries of feudal history, with inner palaces, colossal and solid forts, walls and bastions, notably Doan Gate, the North Gate, Kinh Thien Palace and Hanoi Flagstaff…
Old Quarter: The iconic 36 streets of Hanoi form the Old Quarter encircling Hoan Kiem Lake. Their names  typically start with “Hàng” (Workshop): The Votives, The Silversmith, The Crimson Silk, etc. These streets were originally planned by the French and now are the venues of recreations, cultural shows and sports. Visitors would be overwhelmed by a matrix of homestay units, bars, pubs, lounges, cafés, restaurants and souvenir boutiques.
Ba Vi National Park: Moving to the suburbs, it would be an amazing experience to spend a day in Ba Vi National Park. It’s an ideal getaway given its pure air, moderate weather  and beautiful nature. In November, Mexican sunflowers cover the hills in bright gold, making up a breathtaking picture of nature .
Perfume Pagoda: Perfume Pagoda is one of the most significant and best known complexes of worship. Pilgrims take place in the divine Buddhist dominion and visitors can take part in a variety of outdoor pursuits like rowing, trekking and văn singing…

Dong Hoi is the place to be for avid fans of fresh and nutritious seafood: shrimps, oysters, scallops, clams, rays, greater yellowtails, silver pomfrets or squids… Shrimps and scallops are steamed while fish is  wrapped in foil and grilled. Such simple recipes preserve their irresistibly sweet and original  taste. When it comes to seafood, another treat is  Bombay duck,  sweet and sour Bombay duck hotpot that has been regularly  mentioned in many stories . 
Tourists should not miss out, besides seafood, its local snacks: soupy congee, oyster porridge, filtered rice cakes and  bèo cakes… A bowl of soupy congee combines nutritious, flaky snakehead fish, prawns, minced lean pork, some  spring onions, parsleys and deep fried nem rolls. Nem rolls, colloquially called ram, are made of minced pork,  grated wood  ear (mộc nhĩ), and condiments, then deep fried. The crispy, crunchy taste of nem rolls goes well with mild dipping sauce and sparks  a  mini palate boom on your tongue.