TOP 7

DAWN AT HOAN KIEM LAKE is mesmerizing. Do wake early, like 4.30am or 5am, to see the hundreds of locals come to walk the park and exercise. At the northwest corner, a slightly older crowd works out to a recorded tape that sounds three decades old; on the southeastern corner, it’s more mod Jazzercise with locals in tights – quite a sight. Afterwards take the French Quarter Walking Tour, which begins at the lake.SEEING UNCLE HO U.C.A.P. (up close & personal) The Soviet-aided Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an experience right out of Red Square. Get there early to avoid longer lines – and consider Sundays when you may see weepy North Vietnamese vets with their medals on.

VAN MIEU Hanoi’s beloved ancient ‘Temple of Literature’ is home to walled gardens and Vietnam’s first university with traditional-music concerts and a bit of peace from street traffic.

BIA HOI CORNER Hanoians are all about cheap beer, and the $0.12 mugs at this sidewalk-sprawling spot in the Old Quarter is irresistible for people-watching on lazy afternoons. The Old Quarter Walking Tour goes by here.

ETHNOLOGY MUSEUM It’s Vietnam’s best museum, offering dedicated exhibits of ethnic minorities around the country, and stilt houses in the garden to climb around.

OLD QUARTER WALK The ’36 Streets’ district of crooked lanes date from centuries-old guilds on ever-busy streets. Go and wander, or try the tour.

SHOPPING IN THE CATHEDRAL DISTRICT It’s up for grabs whether Hanoi or Hoi An makes up Vietnam’s best shopping, but this area – west of Hoan Kiem Lake – is the heart of boutiques.

Apologies to the fascinating Hoa Lo Prison (reached on the French Quarter Walking Tour) for not making the cut.