GETTING THERE & AROUND

Vietnam Airlines offers nonstop flights from Heathrow to Hanoi three times a week and indirect options daily. Other airlines offering one-stop services include Emirates, British Airways and Qatar Airways. vietnamairlines.com emirates.com ba.com qatarairways.com

Average flight time: 12hrs

Once you’re in the city itself, rickshaws are plentiful and cheap, as are taxis. If you download one app before you go, make sure it’s Grab. Vietnam’s version of Uber is cheap, reliable and easy to use. grab.com

Alternatively, hire a bicycle from any one of the numerous operators to see the city at an even more leisurely pace. Hanoi Bicycle Rental is one option that’s centrally located and reliable. facebook.com/hanoibicyclerental

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit is from November to April when Hanoi is dry and pleasant, with temperatures averaging 25C. Summer sees humid highs of over 30C with heavy rainfall, but this does make Hanoi’s greenery and surrounding rice paddies particularly striking.

MORE INFO

Vietnam Travel. vietnam.travel Hanoi Tourism. tourism.hanoi.gov.vn

HOW TO DO IT

Asia travel specialists InsideAsia Tours offers a 13-night ‘Vietnam’s greatest hits’ itinerary from £1,889 per person, which includes all accommodation, including a stay in Hanoi and a cruise on Ha Long Bay’s neighbouring Lan Ha Bay, transfers and internal travel, some private guiding and a range of cultural experiences. Excludes international flights. insideasiatours.com

Vietnam Airlines flies directly and indirectly to Hanoi from

Heathrow, starting from £675 return. vietnamairlines.com