Hanoi Travel Guide
Pagodas, Lakes and Colonial Architecture
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The grand old lady of the north delightful Hanoi sits elegantly on the right bank of the Red River. A city famous for its old pastel-coloured colonial buildings, lakes, pagodas, temples and café-society it’s the perfect starting point for any trip in Vietnam.
Hanoi means "the land between the rivers" (Ha: river, Noi: interior) referring to its position by the Red River and its tributaries. In the 3rd century B.C. the Co Loa region to the west of Hanoi was chosen as the capital of the Au Lac nation and later Hanoi became the centre of the resistance movements against invasions from the north.
Well-located in the Red River delta the city gradually expanded. In 1010, Ly Thai To, the founder of the Ly Dynasty, transferred the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La, the then name of Hanoi, and in doing so renamed it Thang Long – “Soaring Dragon”. For almost a thousand years the name remained changing to Dong Do, Dong Kinh and finally to Hanoi in 1831.
Attractions in Hanoi
Occupied by the French from 1873 Hanoi’s colonial past sits beautifully with that of it’s traditional Indo-Chinese face. The Old Quarter is a huge draw and the best place to see this colonial side of the city. There are however over 600 pagodas and temples, including the famous One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049) and the Temple of Literature (built in 1070). Other attractions are Hanoi Citadel, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the 18 beautiful lakes the most famous of which is stunning Hoan Kiem.
Activities in Hanoi
A walking or cycle tour of the Old Quarter is essential as is a walk around Hoen Kiem Lake. Allow around 2 days to do the city justice – a city sightseeing tour makes sense (especially if pushed for time) as it will ensure that you see all the main sights.
Relaxing
Enjoy a coffee by the Hoen Kiem Lake at the end of the day and follow it with a water puppet performance.
Getting Around
The city is easily explored on foot and by cyclo.
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