HANOI

Founded in 1010, Hanoi is a truly mystifying city, in which at moments, time seems to have stopped – ancient temples stand well preserved amongst densely forested parks, 13th century marketplaces still keep the smells, sights and tastes of days long ago and beautifully ornate French buildings serve as a reminder of the country’s colonisation. Yet, the city is embracing the new and quickly changing as it looks towards the future. Streets where the military once practiced drills are now replaced by fervent teens and motorcyclists whizzing by, traditional food stalls stand next to world-class restaurants, and locals get their daily fix of noodles in the morning and then head to trendy cafes for coffee in the afternoon. Showcasing ancient temples, colonial architecture, modern museums, theatres and uncompromised beauty, the city is nothing short of amazing.

Old-World Charm

While the city’s many sites and attractions are awe-inspiring, it is the people – wonderfully warm and richly diverse – that provide the city with its allure. A fascinating heritage stemming from Vietnamese, French and Chinese cultures creates a unique atmosphere. At the heart of Hanoi’s ancient charm is its Old Quarter – the oldest neighbourhood in Vietnam. The labyrinth of narrow, congested, and chaotic streets pulse on as they did centuries ago. Among the few remaining walls of the Hanoi Citadel, vendors clad in conical hats market their goods of the day – fresh fish, silk, candlesticks, silver and bamboo rafts. Hidden between storefronts and homes are communal houses in which elaborate interior courtyards and temples pay homage to local gods. Along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, men delight in a ritual game of chess while others can be found practicing tai’chi. A wander around these bustling streets will reveal so many hidden treasures and rewarding experiences.

Attractions

Undoubtedly, the main attractions of Hanoi are its temples, museums, and monuments that display stunning architecture, artefacts and memorabilia that represent the nation’s multi-layered past. Set against the west lake is the Tran Quoc pagoda, which is considered the most important Buddhist temple in the nation. The Temple of Literature is a well-preserved and beautiful structure that is quintessential traditional Vietnamese architecture. The Museum of Ethnology displays a terrific array of Vietnamese artefacts that represent nearly 54 ethnic groups. The National Museum of Fine Arts showcases an array of traditional Asian and contemporary art. The Palace and Hanoi Opera House are shining examples of the distinct French architecture of the era. Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum/Museum is a granite edifice that stands as a memorial to President Hõ Chí Minh as well as Vietnam’s independence. Other important sites include the Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnam Military History and Women’s museums.

Natural Beauty

Known as the “City of Lakes,” Hanoi is woven around many parks and bodies of water. Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the “Lake of the Restored Sword,” received its name based upon a legend that the Vietnamese scared the Chinese away from their land with a magical sword that was then stolen by a giant tortoise that took it into the lake. Just outside the city in the Gulf of Tonkin, dramatic limestone cliffs and pillars protrude out of the beautiful, azure waters to create stunning views. These 1,600 islands and islets in Halong, known as “where the dragon descends into the sea,” are like something out of a fairy tale with their forested hillsides, mystical grottoes and abundance of wildlife. While this World Heritage UNESCO site is an absolute joy to visit, most of the islands are uninhabitable.