Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. The city is situated in northern Vietnam on the western bank of the Red River, about 85 miles inland from the South China Sea. In addition to being the national capital, Hanoi is also a province- level municipality administered by the central government.
Hanoi is the second largest city, is a fascinating blend of East and West, combining traditional Sino- Vietnamese motifs with French flair. It is largely unscathed from decades of war, and is now going through a building boom, making it a rapidly developing city in Southeast Asia Hanoi.
Hanoi is very compact, and the city’s most interesting places for tourists are all relatively close to each other, which makes it easy to enjoy the best parts of the city on foot or by cyclo. The city has evolved from a grim, famine- ravaged place into a sophisticated metropolis with high- rises, sensational cuisine and world- class art.
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Sightseeing on your very first morning in Hanoi should begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Without a doubt, the city is most visited site, and one of Vietnam’s most revered places. The cyclo ride from Hoan Kiem Lake takes only about five minutes. The Mausoleum is open only in the mornings, from 7:30 to 10:30 in the summer and from 8:00 to 11:00 in the winter. There are often large crowds, so arrive early.
• Hoan Kiem Lake
The little Hoan Kiem Lake remains the very heart of life in Hanoi. The lake itself is like a living with a personality that changes continuously with the hour and the season. Some of your most vivid memories of Hanoi might come from the 45 minute walks you take around Hoan Kiem at sunrise, at midday, and again after dark. During the day, the lake belongs to tourists and to workers from surrounding government offices. Tour busses and taxis park at the North end of the lake, near the gates and Foot Bridge which lead to the Ngoc Son Pagoda.
• Ngoc Son Pagoda.
Ngoc Son Pagoda sits on an islet at the North end of the lake. The oldest structures in the complex dated back to 1225, though most of what you see was either built or reconstructured in the 19th century. This little architectural curiosity gets its name because the shrine sits atop a single massive pedestal. The original was built by Emperor Ly Thai To, who was inspired by a dream.
• The Old Quarter
Some of 36 streets that make up the Ancient Quarter still offer only a single commodity. One of the best is Hang Quat, where shops sell an incredible array of lacquered wood candle sticks, bowls, picture frames, religious shrines, and decorative pieces.
Before leaving to another world, you should try Hanoi best food.
• Xoi Xeo
It is sticky rice topped with ground dehulled mung bean and fried onion. Sometimes it can be served with eggs or steamed chicken breast on request.
• Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon is served with nuoc mam, a mixture of fish sauce, sugar and lime.
• Pho (Noodle Soup)
Pho (Noodle Soup) or rice noodle soup is omnipresent in Hanoi, appearing anywhere from street vendors to high end restaurant chain Pho 24. Some is served with chicken and some with beef. Each type of meat entails a variety of sub- dish, using from beef tenderloin to beef brisket, chicken wing to chicken thigh.
• Bun Thang
Bun Thang is a harmonious blend of color- the yellow of sliced egg, the white of bun, the off- white of chicken and the green of onions and herbs.
• Cha ca La Vong
It is exquisitely grilled fish served with bun, peanut, green onions, dills and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully chosen so that there are not many bones and fishy smells. A glass of bia hoi or tra da will definitely give your meal more flavors.
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