"B-52 bomber It took ages to find the (much acclaimed at AFAR) sunken B-52 bomber in Ha Noi. The twisted pile of metal hardly resembles a plane anymore, but it was interesting nonetheless. Even more fascinating to me was the 'lake' it had fallen into. This emerald green pool was literally bubbling from some mysterious living sludge... I half expected the three-eyed fish from the Simpsons to crawl out! It was awesome."

"Visit One of Vietnam's Most Iconic Pagodas The French destroyed this famous temple in 1954, but it was lovingly rebuilt and remains a favorite with locals. The structure commemorates the legend of Emperor Ly Thai Tong who originally built the temple way back in 1049. The distinctive single pillar is meant to signify the stalk of the lotus flower, a sacred Vietnamese symbol of purity."

"A couple of blocks west of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi , Hoan Kiem Lake—meaning Lake of the Restored Sword—is one of Hanoi’s anchors. It contains a number of sites worth visiting, like Ngoc Soc Temple and the picturesque, red-lacquered Huc Bridge. The greatest fun here is people watching, from men and women jogging round the perimeter to retired folks doing tai chi or dancing. Many locals come to socialize or just take a few moments to escape the city’s chaotic roads and traffic. Visit in the morning as the city is waking up and the air remains blissfully cool. Photo by Binder.donedat/Flickr ."

"Explore Vietnam's Ancient Capital At over 1,000 years old, Hanoi is not exactly a spring chicken. For some truly ancient Vietnamese history, however, it is worth spending time at Co Loa, the country's first fortified citadel and a onetime capital of the nation dating back to the third century. Only three of the original earthen ramparts are extant today, but a pretty temple underneath a banyan tree provides added diversion."

"Perhaps the Most Evocative Pagoda in Hanoi On Jade Island on Hoan Kiem Lake, this picturesque 18th-century shrine is perhaps the city's most beautiful. To get to the temple, walk through Three Passage Gate and across the Flood of Morning Sunlight Bridge. Once at the temple, you will reach a small courtyard where old men indulge in spirited games of Chinese chess."

"Witness Some Well Preserved Old Quarter Architecture The Old Quarter may remain evocative, but its historic feel belies the fact that many of its buildings have fallen into disrepair over the years. This property, which dates back to the late 19th century, was once home to a Chinese family who owned a traditional medicine shop. It continued to be used as an abode until 1999 when a cooperative of architects and local government representatives turned it into a museum."

"Discover the Heart of Buddhism in Hanoi Now the official center of Buddhism in Hanoi , this stately pagoda once served the many ambassadors who called on the emperors of the Le dynasty. A hall was built in the 15th century to receive these guests, and a pagoda was built for them so they could comfortably worship."