Enjoy a Grand Time in Hanoi, Vietnam

The capital city of the Socialist Republic ofplethora of traditional handicrafts villages such as
Vietnam, Hanoi is an enchanting destination,Yen Thai glossy silk village, Bat Trang pottery
situated in the Red Delta River, in the center ofvillage, and Ngu Xa bronze casting village, where
northern Vietnam. With lush green trees, beautifulyou can see artisans engaged in bronze molding,
boulevards, ancient shrines, dozens of dazzlingembroidery works, and silver carving and lacquer.
lakes, and splendid French edifices, Hanoi is trulyLakes - Hanoi's attractions also include more than
an interesting spot to enjoy a memorable15 charming lakes, and some of them are Hoan
vacation. Hanoi, through out its history, wasKiem Lake - the main leisure area in the city,
marked by several wars, destructions, and naturalWest Lake - the largest in the city, and Truc
calamities. But, Hanoi is now a modern city, withBach Lake. A specialty of these lakes is that each
an incredible array of attractions.of them is surrounded by wonderful gardens and
The greatest of all attractions in the region istrees.
perhaps its more than 500 pagodas and temples.Museums - Hanoi is home to a number of
Among which most popular is One Pillar Pagoda,remarkable museums, which among many others,
erected in 1049 during the reign of King Ly Thaiare
Tong. Dedicated to Lord Buddha, this beautiful- Vietnam History Museum, exhibiting artifacts
wooden pagoda is supported by just a single pillar,that date back to various periods of Vietnam's
which takes after a lotus seat on which a statuehistory
of Buddha has been seated.- Vietnam Army Museum, with collections related
Prominent among the temples in the region areto the armed forces of Vietnam
the Temple of Literature, which is one of the- Fine Arts Museum, displaying a superb collection
most sanctified places for the disciples ofof paintings and sculpture
Confucius; Hai Ba Trung Temple, dedicated to two- Ho Chi Minh Museum with art objects such as
heroines, Trung Nhi and Trung Trac; and Ngocdocuments, press articles, and pictures of the
Son Temple, located in the middle of Hoan Kiemtimes of Ho Chi Minh, apart from memorabilia of
Lake. Other religious landmarks in the area arethe 19th century
Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest of its kind in theGastronomy - Hanoi boasts of an excellent
region, and Ambassadors Pagoda, which isgastronomy, influenced by the French Colonial Era.
regarded as the seat of Buddhism in the country.Just few among the sumptuous cuisines available
A must-see destination in Hanoi is Old Quarter,here are pho, gio lau or pork sausage, nem ran,
boasting of more than 35 winding streets, each ofand cha ca. The place's vegetable and seafood
them selling a variety of items such asspecialties are also much famed.
handicrafts, porcelain, jade carvings, wickerworkFestivals - Hanoi hosts an array of lively, colorful
and Russian Vodka. Located outside the Royalfestivals, Dong Nhan Temple Festival, Lady Tam's
Citadel, the Old Quarter is regarded as the bestTemple festival, Thay Pagoda Festival, Chuong
destination to enjoy the spirit of the oneVillage Festival, Tran Vo Festival, and Dong
thousand-year-old Hanoi.Festival.
Another sight-seeing option in Hanoi is theWith these incredible attractions, it is no wonder
Presidential Palace, which is a fine example of thewhy people flock to Hanoi year-round. No matter
French colonial architecture. Constructed betweenyou are corporate, budget-conscious or a
1900 and 1906, this splendid structure is within theluxury-loving traveler, a myriad of accommodation
Ho Chi Minh's Relic Area.choices options are available here to choose from
Situated within the French Quarters of the city isaccording to your taste and pocket.
Hanoi Opera House, a structure noted for itsMostly, luxurious accommodations are replete with
marvelous construction, reflecting French colonialworld-class facilities such as color TV with satellite
architecture. Several performances are conductedprograms, music system, and mini bar. Since
here every week. Also, a landmark in Hanoi is Homany of the hotels and resorts have their own
Chi Minh's Mausoleum - the spot where thewebsites, it allows for easy booking of hotel
embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, acknowledged asrooms online. Many of them offer best deals on
the 'father of the modern state,' is displayed.packages inclusive of accommodation, dining, and
Not to miss attractions in Hanoi also cover ato and fro transportation for sightseeing.