[Post-Edit Note: All pictures and written content in this post was originally created in 2014, unless otherwise credited.]

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Hanoi is arguably one of Asia’s most graceful and exotic capitals today. A place of grand old boulevards and ancient pagodas amidst tree-fringed lakes and expansive parks, this mystical city is a beautiful art of Indochinese colonialism; and often serves as the start or end point of any trip to Vietnam – and oh, what a refreshing welcome (or farewell) it is.

Though considerably quieter than its more vibrant counterpart, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi still retains to it a distinct air of tranquility largely unrivalled by most of its sister cities. The highly halcyonic Hoan Kiem Lake anchors the heart of this historical city of 2.7 million people, and is blessed with a landscape of sweeping trees and an interestingly famous population of lake turtles. From the early hours until late at night, this park brims with activities involving both locals and tourists, and is a perfect reprieve after a day of dodging traffic and constantly elbowing your way through overcrowded footpaths.

Naturally, for all of its timeless charm, Hanoi remains a destination that yearns to be properly savoured sans commercialism. Look beyond the sea of curio traders and puppet show operators, and a land of complimentary old-world Asian charm awaits. In fact, you’d be surprised to discover that a trip to this cultural-spiritual goldmine doesn’t always have to be about Halong Bay cruises and Citadels tagged with steep entrance fees. And that sometimes, some of your best experiences in Hanoi will come without a price tag – yet, remain the most priceless in retrospect.

5. Bask in the Serenity of Hoan Kiem Lake.

This legendary centrepiece of Hanoi is worth repeatedly visiting throughout the course of a day, on any given day. Whether you’re down for an early morning stroll, visiting for an afternoon coffee, or passing it on your way to the Water Puppet Theatre in the evening, every minute spent here is a perfect way to fill your Hanoian itinerary. Located right smack in central Hanoi between the Old and French Quarters, there is simply no avoiding it – but hey, don’t just wander past. Join the locals. Sit, walk, read, or even take part in a session of local taichi. The endless hive of activity here is the essence of a well-fulfilled Hanoian experience that you simply must see, do, and feel for yourself.

Spare Change?
Find your way into Hanoi’s most visited temple, which sits prettily on a tiny little islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Also known as the Ngoc Son Temple, entrance to this picturesque shrine is facilitated by an elegant scarlet bridge constructed in full-on Vietnamese style. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, the small Taoist temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century), La To (patron saint of physicians) and the scholar Van Xuong. Entrance fee stands at VND20000 as of November 2014 (approx. SGD1.20).

4. Lose Yourself in The Old Quarter, Hanoi’s Soul of the City.

The 36 ancient streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter are a maze of chaos and treasures. The streets are narrow and so are the houses, but that doesn’t stop the constant crush of motorbikes and, in an increasing number, cars mixing with bicycles, tourists and rickshaws known as cyclos. Despite the craziness, the Old Quarter should not be missed. Its lanes overflow with everything you need to fill your suitcase back home, from colourful kitschy trinkets to Vietnamese crafts to fine silks to hardwares and more. If you’ve ever craved to be a true blue Hanoian, this is the best place to start. To fully explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi, prepare your feet for a day of walking street to street and taking in the locals’ daily life amidst these old-style narrow streets and houses. And just in case you’re wondering why the shophouses along Hanoi’s Old Quarter are so thin and long, here’s why: Feudal laws used to tax shops according to their width, which is why the ‘tube houses’ are long and narrow. (Talk about tax evasion.)

Spare Change?
Dining on these streets is more than just a tempting and adventurous bid – it’s actually required for a complete culinary excursion in Hanoi. Demystify  the city’s many glorious street food offerings here, for the Old Quarter has some of the best food you can find in all of Vietnam. It doesn’t take much effort to trace down an absolutely great bowl of humble Pho, which by the way, goes for around VND15000 as of November 2014 (approx. SGD0.90).

3. Appreciate Hanoi’s Architecture With A Full-on Walking Tour.

Close your eyes on many wide, leafy streets in Hanoi, and it’s easy to be transported to another century. A short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake stands the French-built grand Hanoi Opera House; just across the street is the landmark Sofitel Metropole Hotel, and nearby stands the Government Guest House – these are just a few of the exemplary French colonial-style architecture in Hanoi. Save on entrance fees wherever necessary, but the facade of some of Hanoi’s greatest architectural treasures are still well-worth a visit. Truth is, Hanoi is really best explored on foot, so grab a city map, plan yourself out a walking tour, and head out for an afternoon of spectacular architectural adventures. Don’t forget to throw in a couple of landmark churches, temples, and pagodas too. And I think you’d hardly miss the Landmark 72 as well, an iconic skyscraper which holds the current record for the tallest building in the whole of the Indochinese Peninsula, standing at, yep, you guessed it, 72 floors.

Spare Change?
Ironically, the one museum I highly recommend paying for is the least aesthetically pleasing of the lot. Entrance fee is VND30000 (approx. SGD1.80) as at November 2014, with an additional VND20000 fee (approx. SGD1.20) if you intend to use the camera. Easy to spot courtesy of its large collection of weaponry out front, the Vietnamese Military Museum displays Soviet and Chinese equipment alongside French- and US-made weapons captured during years of warfare, with a centrepiece overwhelming enough to capture the attention of even the most discerning visitor – a Soviet-built MiG-21 jet fighter, triumphant amid the wreckage of a French aircraft downed at Dien Bien Phu. If you, like me, are a war buff and are snaking your way through Vietnam all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City, I strongly suggest building up your war appetite here first. Remnants of the War get fiercer and much more intense the futher down South you go, so pace yourself and begin slow here.

2. Lap Up the Luxury of Hanoi West Lake.

If you love your time at Hoan Kiem Lake, you’d probably love this – more. West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, has a circumference of 17km, and is much, much bigger than the already sizeable-enough Hoan Kiem Lake. It houses many of the city’s historic places of interest around its perimeter, including Vietnam’s oldest pagoda and one of Vietnam’s four sacred temples.

Situated a leisurely 30-45min walk from the busy city, West Lake attracts many locals and tourists seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter, and plays distinguished host to some of the biggest hotel names in Hanoi. From the InterContinental to Sofitel,West Lake boasts an enchanting blend of East-meets-West, and provide spectacular views of sunsets and stunning panoramic city views that shouldn’t be missed.

Spare Change?
It’s a little inappropriate to label this as ‘small change’, but spoiling yourself rotten in one of Hanoi’s West Lake hotels (even if it’s just for one night) can work out to be one of the most peacefully luxurious times of your life. Somerset, Moevenpick, Sheraton, and the previously mentioned Intercontinental and Sofitel: get lost with the string of endless five-star choices in this location. Room rates range from SGD130 to SGD250 for a standard room. I promise you, the overall experience will make up for every last penny you choose to splurge on this move.

1. Pay Your Respects to Uncle Ho at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Ever wanted to see a body that has passed on for more than 45 years? In Hanoi, you actually can. Believe it or not, the embalmed body of the much-revered Ho Chi Minh lies in a glass casket within his monumental tomb in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, despite his wishes to be cremated and his ashes to be scattered in the North, Centre, and South of the country. Rules are strict in the Mausoleum though: no cameras, no bags, no talking, and no laughing. Oh, and take off your hat if you’re wearing one. Etiquette reads that it is rude (not to mention disrespectful) to wear hats indoors. A quick word of advice: do a check before visiting the Mausoleum. Apparently, Uncle Ho’s body gets packed off to Russia three months out of every year for major embalming maintenance. And wake up early too, because the last entry into this sacred Mausoleum is at 10.15am sharp daily.

Spare Change?
Lucky for you, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located in a complex that houses three other places of interest  – the Ho Chi Minh Museum (Entrance Fee: VND10000/SGD0.60), the One Pillar Pagoda (free too), and the most recommended one of all, the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House (Entrance Fee: VND10000/SGD1.50). For most of his tenure as President of North Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh lived in a modest stilt house behind the grandiose Presidential Palace, which you will spot on your way into the compounds. Undoubtedly, Ho Chi Minh did his utmost to cultivate a down-home, ‘man of the people’ personality that contributed in no small part to his mystique as a leader. Official propaganda shows Uncle Ho living the simple life even as President, wearing brown cotton clothes and sandals crafted from used car tires, very much the same as his fellow countrymen. This particular stilt house is set in a well-cultivated garden set amidst a myriad of greenery, and exudes a simplicity better-suited as a servants’ quarters than the President of a country.

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Enjoy Hanoi (for free).

I know I did.