The Independent, a British online newspaper, has recently stated Hanoi as one of the most coveted destinations in Southeast Asia, not to be missed for British travelers.

“A popular choice for Brits traveling around Asia, Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City are the best destinations for those who want to experience different values in Vietnamese cities,” said The Independent.

The newspaper emphasized that Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is famous for its Old Quarter with many French-style works, which have been preserved and retain their old features.

UK Secretary of State for Defence Robert Ben Wallace in July 2021 visited the Temple of Literature which is a popular tourist destination in Hanoi. Photo: UK in Vietnam Facebook

The Independent also named Vietnam among the seven best countries to visit in Southeast Asia. April and September are the ideal time to touch down in the country, with "less humidity and lower temperatures than at the peak of Summer," said the newspaper.

It introduced other beautiful natural attractions in Vietnam, such as Ha Long Bay (in the northern province of Quang Ninh), Phu Quoc (in the southern province of Kien Giang), Cu Lao Cham (in the central province of Quang Nam), Phong Nha Cave, Son Doong Cave (in the central province of Quang Binh), Mui Ne and Sand Dunes (in the central coastal province of Binh Thuan).

Previously, data from the travel tracking tool Google Destination Insights showed that Hanoi is among the most searched destinations by international tourists.

As one of the country's major tourism centers and a gateway to welcome international visitors, Hanoi is always the top destination selected by tourists thanks to its range of unique tourism products, including night tours, ecological tourism, sports and adventure tourism.

In addition, travel experts say Hanoi is consistently hailed as a fantastic-yet-affordable destination for an extended getaway. "The best meal of your life will only cost you US$2. That's what's on offer in Hanoi, not just on a rare occasion, but every time you sit down for breakfast, lunch or dinner," said the website Traveller.com.au.

It added that travelers can hop on a full-day private city tour to visit some of Hanoi's most important temples and historical buildings, such as the Tran Quoc Pagoda (one of the city's oldest pagodas), the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Museum of Ethnology.

"During your walking tour, you'll have the chance to discover some of Hanoi's most iconic street food dishes alongside a local guide," suggests Booking.com.

"After meeting at your accommodation in the city's Old Quarter, you will visit Hoan Kiem Lake, an area often referred to as the heart of Hanoi. From here, you'll explore the city's bustling streets on your way to several famous street food vendors. You'll sample dishes such as bun cha (grilled pork and noodles, believed to have originated in Hanoi) and banh cuon (steamed rice rolls stuffed with pork and mushrooms). You'll also stop for dessert and egg coffee before finishing the tour," it wrote.