Hanoi
Capital of Vietnam
Hanoi is the perfect foil for the seething mass of humanity that is Ho Chi Minh City. With a population of four million and a more genteel style than its southern counterpart, Hanoi is the cultural capital of Vietnam and its heart and soul.
A great place to explore on foot, there is a lot to see and do here. Vietnam's capital lies on the banks of the Red River, some 100 kilometres from its mouth. Human settlements here date back as far as the 3rd century BC.
Previously known as Thang Long, it was renamed Hanoi in 1831 at a time when Hue was the capital. Large areas of present-day Hanoi were built during the French occupation, reflected in its broad boulevards and French-inspired architecture, which give the city a definite charm.
Hanoi hotels and resorts at the best rates, from Five Stars resorts such as Hotel Sofitel Metropole or Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, to budget accommodation like Gia Bao Hotel or Eden Hotel Hanoi, you are sure to find the accommodation you are looking for.
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The list of things to do and places to see in Hanoi is long. If your schedule does not allow you to spend many days in this great city, you should at least take a day tour or a half-day tour to visit the city. A wide range of daily excursions is available, as well as tour packages...
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If you are a culture vulture Hanoi has so much to offer. With a 1,000-year history and many well-preserved buildings along with lush and verdant parks as well as a well-appointed zoo, Hanoi will quite simply keep you busy for days on end. One of the loveliest features to this French-colonial city is its many lakes and these provide many beautiful locations to rest in between venturing out in the capital's streets.
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With a city plan almost tailor-made for exploring, Hanoi will keep you busy for days on end. From the main thoroughfares to the maze of back alleys there's something to see around every corner. There are several walking tours to join and they seem like a good idea as only those with a working knowledge of Hanoi's layout should venture out alone. For the athletically minded fitness clubs abound along with Golf and Hash House Harriers running opportunities.
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Hanoi may be a city with a classic past and one steeped in tradition but that's not to say that it is mired in yesteryear. Nowhere more so will you see this than in its dining out options which range from Mexican to French to fast food and right back to traditional Vietnamese. Of course most of the tourist restaurants are based near the Hoan Kiem Lake but then a lot of the wonderful (and ancient) eateries are there, too. So get out and enjoy Hanoi!
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Hanoi is not world famous for its nightlife and some visitors find it outright staid but there are some places worth checking out and – as everywhere – it's all out there if you look for it. Perhaps the most prolific side to Hanoi's after-work activities is its many beer bars selling 'bia hoi (fresh beer) where a glass costs a fraction of what it would in the west. One famous travel guide claims that US$10 will buy you (and hopefully your friends) 100 beers! Once again, the Old Quarter of the city is the place to be for night moves.
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If you're particularly enthusiastic about quality textiles, clothes and handicrafts, shopping in Hanoi will not disappoint. The city also has a good range of day and night markets, both indoors and outdoors and you'll find that night markets are more of a social than shopping occasion but that doesn't preclude finding bargains at night. There's a good arts scene alive in Hanoi and let's face it; in a city this size with a shopaholic population you're going to find a lot to buy but under less stressful conditions than frenetic Ho Chi Minh City.
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