Hanoi, city of colonial-era charm and a few surprises

For first-time visitors who can only spend a day in Hanoi, there are a few things to note. The first is to be prepared for the hot and humid weather, especially during the summer months. There is no refuge, not even in the shops and restaurants, as most have no air-conditioning.

Secondly, familiarise yourself with the currency. The number of zeros in the dong is confusing - $1 is worth about 2,000 dong. A quick guide is to ignore the three zeros and divide the remaining figure by two. (If all else fails, the greenback is widely accepted). Also, be prepared to bargain when you shop.

Before you set out, the third thing to note is that there appear to be no traffic rules. Hanoi's streets have a constant stream of traffic made up mainly of China-made motorcycles. They do not follow rules such as stopping at the occasional traffic light and driving on the right.

Crossing a busy street in Hanoi can be a hazard. But there is a technique that works. A hotel advisory reads: 'Keep walking at an even pace; do not stop; motorcyclists anticipate your path and weave around you.' An added caution - try not to run or dodge as this will only cause confusion and may lead to an accident.

Now that you have been advised, explore Hanoi, a city of colonial era charms.

Morning Enjoy your first meal of the day in the hotel as most rooms come with a buffet breakfast with a wide range of choices from Vietnamese to western. Remember too that this may be your only opportunity to eat in the comfort of air-conditioning till you return in the evening.

Make your way to Hoan Kiem Lake near the Old Quarter. There is a strip of restaurants and cafes where you can sit and watch the old and the new - street sellers in their classic conical hats shouldering their wares in baskets attached to bamboo poles meandering through the busy traffic.