Hanoi, (Halong Bay), Vietnam

In Hanoi, the country's captivating capital, you'll find a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace. Rise early to watch t'ai chi practiced at dawn near Hoan Kiem Lake, then take in the history with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the bustling back streets of the Old Quarter. Eventually, you'll be enticed to visit the country's northern provinces. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of Halong Bay and its 2,000 limestone karsts, nor the experience of trekking around mountainous Sapa.