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HANOI AT A GLANCE:

Hanoi (or Han Oi) is the capital of Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It is located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam (See Map). The weather of Hanoi is a tropical monsoon climate divided into the rainy and dry seasons. The most distinctive characteristic of Hanoi’s climate is the fluctuations between the cold and hot seasons.  Many traditional handicrafts are practiced in Hanoi including bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery. Hanoi has four inner precincts (Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, Dong Da) and five suburban districts (Tu Liem, Thanh Tri, Gia Lam, Dong Anh and Soc Son). Hanoi covers an area of over 900 sq km and a population of 3.3 million, is one of the most beguiling cities in Asia.  A lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant parks is home to such beautiful and diverse architectural treasures as a 1,500-year-old pagoda, colonial French homes and astounding modern skyscrapers.  Its bustling markets, thriving nightlife and excellent food are attracting visitors of every stripe to this ancient city. Hanoi is a city rich in tradition and legend. Probably the most famous legend of all is the Arthurian tale of Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honor of the event he renamed the lake ‘Ho Hoan Kiem’ – Lake of the Restored Sword. Although nearly a thousand years old, Hanoi had to wait until 1831 to regain its former name, when Emperor Minh Mang established it as the capital of the Northern Province. Indeed the last Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty moved their capital from Hanoi to Hue. The name Hanoi means "where the river bends", the river being the Song Hong or Red River. The city’s main period of growth stems from the arrival of the French in 1888. Within a short time Hanoi was transformed into an elegant city with broad tree-lined boulevards, avenues and parks, making it one of the greenest cities in Asia. Fortunately many of the old boulevards and residences have survived and are used to house Foreign Embassies and Government institutions.  From 1902 until 1953 the city served as the capital of French Indochina, although in 1945 Ho Chi Minh proclaimed in his independence speech from Ba Dinh square that Hanoi would henceforth be the capital of Vietnam.  Today Hanoi is a bustling capital city of nearly 4 million people. Its focal point is the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, immediately to its north. The capital’s main attractions include Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dates back to the 13th century, the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally each of the 36 streets names’ related to the products being sold there. Hence you can walk from Fish Street to Tin Street to Bamboo Street. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities. The Ho Chi Minh Complex completed in 1975 the complex contains Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh museum. When visiting the mausoleum the following rules need to be observed: No short sleeves & skirts are allowed. Silence should be observed when entering the tomb and definitely no photographs (in fact all bags have to be left outside). It’s quite an experience as you queue with many Vietnamese, some of whom have traveled many miles to make the pilgrimage.  The Temple Of Literature originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. Inside are the stone stele mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of the university’s graduates. The complex is divided into five courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins. One of the courtyards contains the statue of Confucius guarded by two beautiful bronze storks standing on turtles. The temple highlights the importance that Vietnamese society placed then and now on education. The Hoa Lo Prison better known by its former inmates as ‘The Hanoi Hilton’ it became famous during the American War as many US POWs were incarcerated here. Notable prisoners included Republican senator John McCain and Douglas Peterson who later became the first post-war US Ambassador to Vietnam.  The Museum of Ethnology, a must for anyone intending to visit either Mai Chao or Sapa in particular. This museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the grounds. The Water Puppet Theatre, is a uniquely Vietnamese creation with its origins dating back nearly a thousand years. Originally these plays would have taken place on lakes and ponds during the monsoon season, depicting daily life as well as numerous tales and legends. The stories remain the same but now the production takes place in a specially designed theatre with a stage knee-deep in water. The puppeteers are hidden behind a bamboo screen and the whole experience is both entertaining and amusing. The Quan Thanh Temple, on the West Lake, dedicated to Than Vu a legendary general. At the centre is the four metre bronze statue dedicated to the man who later became the guardian saint of the city. It is believed that if you rub the statue’s right foot it will bring you good luck. Other famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1042), the Tay Phuong Pagoda, which is very famous for its collection of statues, and Lenin Park. Birthplace to so much of Vietnam's traditional culture, Hanoi, more than any other city in Vietnam, is a unique fusion of old and new. 

HISTORY:
From the time when the first State of ancient Vietnam was established , Hanoi (formerly Thang Long) has been considered a sacred and typical part of Vietnam.  It was in the autumn of 1010 that Ly Cong Uan (also known as Ly Thai To) - the founder of Nha Hau Ly (Post-Ly Dynasty) - removed the court from Hoa Lu (present-day Ninh Binh province) to Dai La Citadel which was later renamed as Thang Long.  As soon as the royal fleet with King Ly Thai To aboard cast anchors at the landing wharf in the Nhi River (present-day Red River) , there ascended a golden dragon.  Thinking that it was a good omen for his trip, King Ly Thai To had Dai La Citadel renamed Thang Long (Ascending Dragon). He also had Hoa Lu - his former capital - renamed Truong Yen.  1397 was the year marking an end to the decline of Nha Hau Le (Post-Le Dynasty).  It was the time when the king indulged himself in entertainments.  Ho Quy Ly, a high-ranking court official, overthrew the king and proclaimed himself the king of a new dynasty - Ho Dynasty.  This dynasty removed the court to Tay Do (Western Capital) in Thanh Hoa province.  Thang Long was then renamed Dong Do (Eastern Capital).  In 1407, the Ming aggressors defeated the army of Ho Dynasty.  They rushed to Dong Do Citadel and renamed it Dong Quan Citadel.  In 1418, a farmer whose name was Le Loi (future Le Thai To) grouped an insurrection army in Lam San district in Thanh Hoa province.  He proclaimed himself as Binh Binh Vuong (King of Pacification) and led the resistance against the aggressors for 10 years and regained national independence.  He entered the then Dong Quan Citadel and the next year, he renamed the citadel as Dong Kinh (Eastern Imperial City).  In 1527, when a new dynasty - Nha Mac (Mac Dynasty) - was in the control of the country, the citadel resumed its former name (Thang Long).  In 1802, King Gia Long established the first court of Nha Nguyen (Nguyen Dynasty) in Phu Xuan in the central coastal city of Hue.  Thang Long was then used as the regional capital exercising influence on 11 northern citadels.  But the word LONG which literally meant RONG (Dragon) was changed to LONG which was understood as THINH (Prosperity).  In 1831, King Minh Mang established the province of Hanoi which includes the ancient Thang Long Citadel and the districts of Tu Liem, Ung Hoa, Thuong Tin and Ly Nhan.  In 1888, after the tragic defeat of Nha Nguyen (Nguyen Dynasty), Hanoi became a colonial city until 1954.  On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence and formally established the first government of the young republic - Democratic Republic of Vietnam.  Hanoi was then formally declared the capital of Vietnam.  Hanoi capital was liberated from French colonialists on October 10, 1954.  After the complete victory on April 30, 1975 and the reunification of the country the next year, Hanoi was officially recognized as the capital of Socialist Republic of Vietnam.  In the old days, each of 36 guild streets in Hanoi had its name closely associated with the trade and occupation of the inhabitants.  Now, Hanoi has 381 streets representing a tenfold increase as compared with the ancient Hanoi with only 36 guild streets.

GETTING THERE:
For a capital city there are surprisingly few flights into Hanoi, but that's changing.  You can get direct flights into Hanoi's Noi Bai airport from Europe (Paris, Vienna and Moscow), Australia (Sydney and Melbourne), and most major Asian cities (Bangkok, Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, Tokyo, Seoul, Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Taiwan), including several Chinese destinations.  There are no direct flights to Hanoi from the Americas.  The bus system is confusing but inexpensive, and there is cheap public transportation from Hanoi's several bus stations to all parts of Vietnam.  Most travelers avoid the buses as unsafe, and it's prudent to stay alert while using them.  Public minibuses can be booked through most hotels and provide slow, uncomfortable transportation to destinations in and around Hanoi.  The capital's main train station, Ga Hang Co, provides access to the 2600km (1612mi) Vietnamese railway system, which runs up and down the coast between Hanoi and Saigon with links all over Vietnam and twice-weekly service to Beijing.  Though sometimes even slower than the buses, these dilapidated trains are more relaxing and roomy, as well as safer, for cross-country travel.  There are plenty of taxis and minibuses plying their trade between the airport and city center, and it's possible to hire either for a trip around town.  Buses are cheaper, but with 13 different lines and numerous schedules that are difficult to find, it's certainly a challenge.  The price can't be beat, however.  The cyclo (xich lo), or pedicab, is a sort of rickshaw with a view.  Negotiate a fare beforehand, then sit back and relax as you witness the chaotic streets of Hanoi from your own mobile throne.  Bicycles are another good way to navigate Vietnam's capital.  You can rent anything from leaden Chinese road warriors to high-tech Japanese mountain bikes, perfect for navigating those potholes and farm animals.  Renting a car or motorbike is a popular option, despite the presence of water buffalo, chickens, maniacal truck drivers, bicycles laden with three or four struggling pigs, vehicles of every shape, size and color, all sharing the narrow, pockmarked roads and obeying traffic laws that have no parallel in the known universe.  Consider riding with a local guide for a day or two before going it on your own.  All car rentals come with a guide, which is not a bad, or even particularly expensive, thing.  Uncomfortable but rugged Russian 4WDs are the least expensive, while Japanese luxury cars are available, if a bit pricey.  Motorbikes can be rented with or without a driver and are great fun in a suicidal sort of way. 

LOCATION:   

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is located at 20° 25' latitude North and 105° 30' longitude East in the plains of North Vietnam, where there are many rivers flowing Eastwards to the sea.  This is a convenient transport cluster for all the Northern provinces.  The climate is tropical and is affected by monsoons.  In the past, many rivers flowed through Hanoi, but they changed their currents from time to time, therefore the ground is mainly deposited alluvium and there are many lakes.  These rivers and lakes give Hanoi a natural beauty.  In the flood season, the water level of the largest rivers flowing through Hanoi (the Red River, the Duong, Nhue, Day Rivers) rises high.  So from ancient times, the Vietnamese people have built thousands of kilometers of dykes by the river banks.  Nowadays, in the city, some sections of the ancient dykes have become traffic roads.

ATTRACTIONS:

The 36 streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, bustling for more than 1,000 years, make up one of Vietnam's most lively and unusual places to visit.  In the 13th century, Hanoi's artisan guilds established themselves here, each taking a different street.  Today it's a shopping paradise, with specialized streets named for the products traditionally sold there.  On Hang Ma (literally, 'Counterfeit St'), pick up some ghost money, traditionally burned at Buddhist ceremonies for good luck.  Other areas have had modern businesses take over, however - Hang Hanh (Onion St) is now better known as Coffee St for the bars and cafes lining the road.   Bach Ma Temple (White Horse Temple), a lovely pagoda attended by white-bearded guards sipping tea, commemorates the appearance of a divine white horse that appeared to show Ly King where to build the city walls.  You can still witness the emperor's success at the well-preserved 11th century Old East Gate.  Considered the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is its symbol.  Ngoc Son Temple on the lake is dedicated to the God of literature, General Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongolian enemy in the 13th century and the patron Saint of physicians.  A large tortoise carcass of 2.1 m long and weighing 250 kilos that lived some 400-500 years is still kept at the temple.  Ngoc Son Temple is linked with the Bank by a beautiful curved bridge called The Huc (Morning sunshine).  Just at the beginning of the bridge is a stone brush tower.  It is located on a small hillock with three carved Chinese characters "Ta Thanh Thien" (writing on the blue sky).  At its foot is Dai Nghien (Ink-stab).  Many central and municipal bodies as well as busy trade streets are located around Hoan Kiem Lake.  In the centre of the Lake there is an islet where the Tortoise Tower stands.  The monument of King Le Thai To is situated on the Western Bank of the lake.  The Hanoi Old Citadel was destroyed and restored many times.  At present, only the Northern Gate of the citadel on Phan Dinh Phung street still remains.  On its walls, there are traces of bullets left by the French army attacking Hanoi.  On Dien Bien Phu Street stands the Hanoi flag-tower (60m high), consisting of three layers made of baked bricks.  It was built in 1812 in a prism shape with spiral stairs leading to the platform.  It is also a symbol of the capital.  Inside Hanoi Old Citadel traces of the grounds of destroyed palaces still remain.  The Ba Dinh Square zone is situated south of West Lake and North of Hanoi Old Citadel and is well-known for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, opened on September 2, 1975, standing on the historical Ba Dinh Square.  This architectural structure has a rectangular form and evokes a lotus.  Its upper part was made in the style typical of a traditional Vietnamese pagoda.  The Mausoleum is opened daily for people coming to pay their homage to president Ho Chi Minh.  The Ho Chi Minh House-on-stilts is located in the compound of the Presidential Palace (former Residence of the Governor General of Tonkin).  It is made from wood, in the style typical of the houses of mountain ethnic minorities.  Next to the house are century old trees, by the side of a beautiful lake.  President Ho Chi Minh lived, worked and hold meetings with top leaders from 1954 until he passed away in this house (September 1969).  The Ho Chi Minh Museum, a five-storey architectural project is situated behind Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.  It was opened on September 2, 1990 on the occasion of the 100th birthday of the President.  In this Museum many objects and documents relating to Ho Chi Minh are kept.  The West Lake zone has an area of over 800 hectares.  It is a former section of the Red River.  There are many legends about this lake.  Formerly this lake was called "Dam Dam" (Misty lake).  Around the lake, stand many palaces of feudal kings and lords.  Numerous ancient and beautiful pagodas and temples are also seen in the surroundings of West Lake.  In the old times, in the area around West lake there were craft villages specializing in paper and silk production, etc., and villages providing the city with flowers or vegetables.  Mot Cot Pagoda (One Pillar Pagoda) is what remains of an ancient and much more imposing pagoda.  It was built in 1049 in the shape of a lotus flower.  According to a legend, King Ly Thai To, who had no male offspring, once saw in a dream the Goddess of Compassion (Avalokitesvara) sitting on a lotus who handed a boy to him.  The King later married a young peasant woman he had met by chance and a son was born to them.  As a token of gratitude, he had the pagoda built and dedicated to the Goddess.  It is a square pavilion (3x3m) on top of a cylindrical stone pillar (diameter: 1.25m).  Quan Su Pagoda (Ambassadors' Pagoda) is the most active Buddhist centre in Hanoi.  In the 15th century, this was the site of the Guesthouse for Ambassadors coming from Buddhist countries, with a small pagoda nearby.  The pagoda was rebuilt in 1936-42.  Ba Da Pagoda (Pagoda of the Stone Lady) - As the soil was being dug for the building of the citadel of Thang Long (ancient Hanoi), a stone statue of a woman was unearthed.  A temple was built to be dedicated to her.  It later became a pagoda.  The temple dates back to the 15th century.  Hai Ba Temple (Temple of the Two Ladies) is dedicated to Trung Sisters.  One can see in the sanctuary the statues of two women, kneeling with arms raised, as if addressing the people.  Quan Thanh Temple (or Tran Vu) wrongly called "Pagoda of the Big Buddha" by the French colonialists was built by West Lake under the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) and later reconstructed.  Tran Vu was the God of the North.  His attributes are a tortoise and a snake.  A bronze statue (1677) is 3.72 meters high and weighs 4 tons.  A bronze bell dates back to 1677.  Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake has a stele (1639) that carries an inscription on the history of the pagoda.  It was built probably on the site of an old royal summer palace.  Van Mieu Temple (the Temple of Literature), built in 1070 and later rebuilt is dedicated to Confucius.  It was also the first University in Vietnam (training scholars mandarins) which opened in 1076.  It features quietness and harmony with the greenery surrounding it.  There is Khue Van Pavilion, 82 stone steles bearing the names of the laureates of royal examinations held over a period of three hundred years (1484-1787).  Voi Phuc Temple (Temple of Kneeling Elephants) was, according to a legend, built under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong (1054-1072) and dedicated to Prince Ling Lang who defeated the Sung aggressors, attacking the enemy with his war elephants.  Statues of Ling Lang and his men can be seen there.  Co Loa Citadel (Spiral-shaped Citadel), in Dong Anh district, suburban area of Hanoi contains the ruins of a fortified palace with walls arranged in a spiral that was built in the 3rd century B.C.  to serve as the capital of King An Duong Vuong.  Of the nine coils of the spiral, which covered an area of more than 5 square kilometers, there remain only the vestiges of three, which in certain places are now about 2 meters high and 15 meters wide.  In the centre of the citadel some buildings with valuable sculptures, are still found such as temples dedicated to King An Duong Vuong and his daughter, Princess My Chau, whose love for her husband caused the fall of the kingdom.  The Museum of the Revolution contains various relics of the Vietnamese people's patriotic and revolutionary struggle.  The Museum of History has rich collections of archaeological findings of great scientific and artistic value, including some relating to the era of the Hung kings, about 4,000 years ago represent the evolution of the Vietnamese nation.  The Museum of the Army reflects great periods of the armed struggle of the Vietnamese people.  The Women's Museum has thousands of objects on historical tradition of Vietnamese women in the cause of building and safeguarding the country are displayed.  Moreover, there is a special section dealing with the wholehearted support of world's women towards Vietnamese women.  The Museum of Ethnology is a superb museum that showcases the depth of Vietnamese cultural diversity with an astounding collection of 15,000 artifacts gathered from throughout Vietnam.  Maps, displays and dioramas are labeled in Vietnamese, French and English.  Displays portray a typical village market, the making of comical hats and a Tay shamanic ceremony; videos show the real thing.  You can also check out a traditional Black Thai house reconstructed in the museum.  There's also a center for research and conservation where scientists from all over the world study traditional Vietnamese cultures.  The Museum of Fine Arts  contains artistic works of great value, ranging from bronze drums (first millennium B.C.) to sculptures, paintings, engravings, and lacquer works by contemporary artists are displayed, not to mention folk art.   The Opera House (also known as the Hanoi Municipal Theatre) was built by the French in 1911 after the architecture of Paris Opera House.  This theatre is the stage for the most interesting and important performances in Hanoi.  Labour's Culture Palace was built with the help of the Soviet Union, and inaugurated in 1985 on the site of the former Exhibition House.  The large hall has 1,200 seats and a round stage.  The small hall has 250 seats.  There are also many places reserved for 24 clubs with various activities.  Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre where the traditional water puppet shows are staged with original and interesting programs.  It is a folk art particular to the people cultivating wet rice fields in North Vietnam.  The artists hidden behind a curtain while immersed in water manipulate the puppets through an apparatus put under in the water surface, which serves as the stage.  Traditional Art Club where scenes from the most interesting Vietnamese traditional plays are shown.  The Cathedral of Hanoi (St.  Joseph's Church), built in 1886 in Gothic style, is the most beautiful and largest church in Hanoi.  Near the Cathedral is the office of Hanoi's bishop, and in front of it is the Madonna Monastery.  The Cua Bac Church has architecture that is slightly influenced by that of Vietnamese pagoda and temple.  Lenin Park (Thong Nhat Park) was built over a former marsh, this park surrounds a large lake containing a statue of Lenin.  The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of pagodas and Buddhist shrines built into the limestone cliffs of the Huong Tich Mountains (Mountains of Fragrant Traces) and is accessible only by water.  Among the better known sites here are the Thien Chu (Pagoda Leading to Heaven), Huong Tich Chu (Pagoda of the Perfume Vestige) and Giai Oan (Purgatorial Pagoda), where the faithful believe deities purify souls, cure illnesses and grant offspring to childless couples.  Vast numbers of Buddhist pilgrims make their way here during the early spring, where they spend their time praying, boating, hiking and exploring the caves.  Despite the sometimes numerous visitors, the Perfume Pagoda is a peaceful, perhaps holy, place.  Magnificent Ha Long Bay, with its 3,000-plus islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of the natural wonders of Vietnam.  In 1994, the 1500-sq-km (580-sq-mi) expanse dotted with tiny islands punctuated by perfect beaches and deserted grottos, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Ha Long means, 'Where the dragon descends into the sea.' Legend has it that the islands of Ha Long Bay were created by a great dragon who lived in the mountains.  As it ran toward the coast, its flailing tail gouged out valleys that filled with water and formed mountains that peek above the sea as rocky islands.  While the vast majority of the islands in Ha Long Bay are uninhabited vertical rocks sticking out of the sea, Cat Ba Island - the largest in the bay - actually has a few tiny fishing villages.  About half of the island was declared a national park in 1986 and protects the island's several diverse ecosystems.  Waterfalls, mangrove forests, spectacular limestone hills and a large lake are just some of the reasons why people make the trip.  There are some 20 types of mammals, 70 species of birds and almost 800 plant species to see.  An 18km (11mi) hike is popular with travelers; bring a flashlight as you might want to explore some caves.  There are also 17 sites on the island where stone tools and bones from circa-4500 BC have been discovered; the most famous is Cai Beo Cave.  The National Preserve of Cuc Phuong is one of the last tropical primeval forest reserves on earth.  There are 64 species of fauna and thousands of species of flora, many of which are extinct everywhere else in the world.  Bizarre and fascinating species of animals from flying lizards to monkeys dwell within the park's 61,000 acres.  Caves and grottoes, where various artifacts have been discovered, are located in the mountains within.  This National Park was dedicated by Ho Chi Minh personally in 1963.  Though much of Vietnam's biodiversity has suffered in the turbulent past decades, this 222 sq. km (86sq. mi) of tropical forest preserves and amazing variety of plant and animal life.  Excellent hiking opportunities abound, from scaling the park's highest peak (648m; 2125ft) to a three-day trek that takes you through isolated Muong villages.  Guides are mandatory for longer hikes.  Also on site is the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, run by German and Vietnamese biologists.  There are currently 13 types of rare Gibbon and Langeur monkeys here (four types of Langeur may exist only in Cuc Phuong National Park).  Black market demand for these monkeys has pushed several species to extinction.  All of the animals at the center were either rescued from illegal traders or were bred in captivity.