Just as the Vietnamese people have survived countless wars and strife throughout its long history, so has the city of Hanoi. This river city plays host to numerous relics left behind by various dynasties throughout its thousand-year history in the form of over 600 temples and pagodas, most notably the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. Situated at the right bank of the Red River, Hanoi is particularly famous for its scenic lakes where floating restaurants serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine abound. A jaunt to the Old Quarter will find you immersed in various specialized trades such silk and jewelry, as well as a thriving nightlife. Indeed, there's no better symbol of the Vietnamese spirit and resilience than Hanoi itself.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam . Its official estimated population is approximately 3,400,000 however after a merger of the Ha Tay province, Vinh Phuc's Me Linh District and the communes of Luong Son district, the population is now in the range of 6,200,000. Hanoi is located on the right bank of the Red River and is located north of Ho Chi Minh City .
Hanoi experiences typical Vietnamese climate being hot and humid summers and cool, dry winters. From May to September Hanoi experiences most of its rainfall. Winter temperatures can drop as low as 6 degrees C and summers can get as hot as 38 degrees C.
Hanoi is the cultural center of Vietnam and it is a chief lure for domestic and international tourists. Every Vietnamese dynasty has left behind its cultural imprint. There are many intriguing cultural and historic monuments. The Red River in particular is a spectacular site. The River is a cradle for early civilization and its banks are crowded with lovely green rice paddies. Hanoi boasts 600 temples and pagodas. The original architecture and street layout of Hanoi can be found in The Old Quarter. The area is famous for small artisans and merchants including many stunning silk shops. Local cuisine and many pubs and bars are located here. The Dong Xuan Market, a night market, offers souvenirs, food and clothing.
The Temple of Literature is the oldest Vietnamese university dating back to 1070. The One Pillar Pagoda is a stunning Buddhist temple It is one of Vietnam 's most iconic temples. The Flag Tower of Hanoi is a major symbol of the city. It is composed of three tiers and a pyramid-shaped tower with a spiral staircase leading to the top inside it.
There are many beautiful lakes in Hanoi and in fact the city is known as “the city of lakes”. The most famous are Hoan Kiem Lake , West Lake and Halais Lake . West Lake in particular is a popular tourist attraction. It is the largest lake in Hanoi and there are many beautiful temples in the area. There is a floating restaurant and small boats for hire at a reasonable price.
The National Museum of Vietnamese History showcases Vietnam 's history with a huge display of every historical period. It is housed in a stunning French colonial building. A bleak tourist attraction is The Hao Lo Prison. Known by Vietnamese prisoners as the Hanoi Hilton was used by French Colonists for holding Vietnamese prisoners and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Hao Lo translates as fiery furnace and Hell's Hole.
Hanoi offers guided group day trips around the city and to the lakes. Frequently the tours involve a typical Hanoi day beginning with an early breakfast and featuring a yoga class. Cruises, visits to Hanoi 's lush countryside and a chance to mingle with the locals are other attractive options. Hanoi 's impressive museums, national parks, monuments and temples are not to be missed by the visiting tourist. All of these sites provide a memorable and stunning experience in Hanoi , Vietnam .
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam.
| 
