| The capital city of the Socialist Republic of | | | | plethora 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 of | | | | village, and Ngu Xa bronze casting village, where |
| northern Vietnam. With lush green trees, beautiful | | | | you can see artisans engaged in bronze molding, |
| boulevards, ancient shrines, dozens of dazzling | | | | embroidery works, and silver carving and lacquer. |
| lakes, and splendid French edifices, Hanoi is truly | | | | Lakes - Hanoi's attractions also include more than |
| an interesting spot to enjoy a memorable | | | | 15 charming lakes, and some of them are Hoan |
| vacation. Hanoi, through out its history, was | | | | Kiem Lake - the main leisure area in the city, |
| marked by several wars, destructions, and natural | | | | West Lake - the largest in the city, and Truc |
| calamities. But, Hanoi is now a modern city, with | | | | Bach 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 is | | | | trees. |
| 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 Thai | | | | are |
| 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 statue | | | | history |
| of Buddha has been seated. | | | | - Vietnam Army Museum, with collections related |
| Prominent among the temples in the region are | | | | to 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 of | | | | of 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 Ngoc | | | | documents, press articles, and pictures of the |
| Son Temple, located in the middle of Hoan Kiem | | | | times of Ho Chi Minh, apart from memorabilia of |
| Lake. Other religious landmarks in the area are | | | | the 19th century |
| Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest of its kind in the | | | | Gastronomy - Hanoi boasts of an excellent |
| region, and Ambassadors Pagoda, which is | | | | gastronomy, 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 of | | | | and cha ca. The place's vegetable and seafood |
| them selling a variety of items such as | | | | specialties are also much famed. |
| handicrafts, porcelain, jade carvings, wickerwork | | | | Festivals - Hanoi hosts an array of lively, colorful |
| and Russian Vodka. Located outside the Royal | | | | festivals, Dong Nhan Temple Festival, Lady Tam's |
| Citadel, the Old Quarter is regarded as the best | | | | Temple festival, Thay Pagoda Festival, Chuong |
| destination to enjoy the spirit of the one | | | | Village Festival, Tran Vo Festival, and Dong |
| thousand-year-old Hanoi. | | | | Festival. |
| Another sight-seeing option in Hanoi is the | | | | With these incredible attractions, it is no wonder |
| Presidential Palace, which is a fine example of the | | | | why people flock to Hanoi year-round. No matter |
| French colonial architecture. Constructed between | | | | you are corporate, budget-conscious or a |
| 1900 and 1906, this splendid structure is within the | | | | luxury-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 is | | | | according to your taste and pocket. |
| Hanoi Opera House, a structure noted for its | | | | Mostly, luxurious accommodations are replete with |
| marvelous construction, reflecting French colonial | | | | world-class facilities such as color TV with satellite |
| architecture. Several performances are conducted | | | | programs, music system, and mini bar. Since |
| here every week. Also, a landmark in Hanoi is Ho | | | | many of the hotels and resorts have their own |
| Chi Minh's Mausoleum - the spot where the | | | | websites, it allows for easy booking of hotel |
| embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, acknowledged as | | | | rooms 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 a | | | | to and fro transportation for sightseeing. |