Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is an important and popular city both in relation to symbol of Vietnamese culture and to tourism. Nowadays, after more than 1.000 years of rich history with fierce wars, Hanoi has developed strongly but still preserves many ancient architectural works and its own unique style.
In 2019, Hanoi has organized cultural events to celebrate title "City for Peace" that UNESCO granted 20 years ago. To achieve this title, the city had to meet many criteria such as culture, education, environment, ect. Hanoi is still trying to become the great destination for Vietnamese and foreign tourists.
The name of Hanoi means "the hinterland between the rivers" (Ha: river, Noi: interior). The capital is not only a political and administrative center but also is one of the largest cutural hub of Vietnam, with its own renowned "Pho Hanoi", "Old Quarter", silks and handicraft villages, cuisine style, etc.
As the capital of the country, most airlines from several countries fly to Hanoi directly. So this may be one of the first cities you will visit when to travel to Vietnam. Hanoi also has a convenient location, fitting for the base destination of northern Vietnam. From Hanoi, travelers can easily explore many grand tourist sites, such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu or some other nice places.
Hanoi, from a city devastated by the war, has grown into a modern city with many outstanding works and large transport routes. Besides, Hanoi is also home to plenty of ancient historical sites where attractive both locals and tourists, such as Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Tran Quoc Pagoda...
The existence of pagodas and temples plays an important role in the spiritual life of Vietnamese. And Hanoi capital hold many sacred temples and pagodas such as One-Pillar pagoda, Ngoc Son temple, Quan Su pagoda... Setting on an islet in the east of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda of Hanoi with the unique architecture, is one of the sacred popular places for all locals and foreign visitors.
The capital has dozens of natural lakes, they make wonderful spots and fresher air. The most famours lake is Hoan Kiem lake - the symbol of the Hanoi and popular tourist destination. Specially, tourists usually used this lake as a compass and to find the way back to their hotel in Hanoi.
Once in Hanoi, almost all travelers certainly don't miss to get to Old Quarter - the major attraction of city. Old Quarter is the place to reflect the Hanoi old lifestyle. This place is always bustling with many small roads, street vendors, shops, bars, restaurants and street foods everywhere. Some of the best places to shop or eat of Hanoi are also located in here.
Vietnam is known as a country rich in handicraft products and Hanoi is one of the cities containning the most famous traditional handicraft villages. Each village has its own unique feature, such as, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Van Phuc Silk Village, ect. Visitors can visit these traditional villages or buy a few things at many shop in the Old Quarter area.
After the long day at work, many locals like to drink freshly beer - a popular drink in Hanoi. The most iconic nightlife area is Bia Hoi Corner, where everyone can sit by the road and enjoy "Bia hoi", the world's cheapest beer, for less than US$1. Many tourists loved the atmosphere at this place.
Vietnamese cuisine varies by region. Each city have its own list of local specialties and Hanoi is also famous for its street food culture. There are street foods all over the city, they are very cheap as well. Some of them have become well known around the world and attract a large number of visitors such as "Bun cha", "Pho", "Cha ca",etc.
Traffic chaos is considered a part of Hanoi transportation culture with more than 80% of journeys by motorbikes and scooters. Visitors might be surprised to see traffic jams whenever and wherever, especially in the crossroads. The heavy congestion and air pollution are issues that the authorities are urgently addressing.
At night, Hanoi become more lively with many lights and interesting activities. Lots of people choose to relax in the bars or to drink coffee at the shop that has the nice view. Besides, some others like to go to the outdoor night market on weekends or to watch a water puppet show.
Hanoi in the fall has a romantic beauty on the quiet streets and sweet scent from flowers. The Hanoi beauty has come into many poems and music. Travelers should to visit Hanoi in either March and April or September to November to enjoy the great weather and nice views.
Living in Hanoi, Vietnam, provides you with the chance to experience the unique character of a 2500 year-old city as Vietnam struggles to become a modern nation.
Living in Hanoi, Vietnam, provides you with the chance to experience the unique character of a 2500 year-old city as Vietnam struggles to become a modern nation.
Living in Hanoi, Vietnam, provides you with the chance to experience the unique character of a 2500 year-old city as Vietnam struggles to become a modern nation.
