Hoan Kiem Lake © Nguyen The Hai
Why? Visitors to Vietnam should not miss out on
a holiday in Hanoi, the 1,000-year-old capital, a low-rise city of
lakes and peaceful parks. A Hanoi holiday is a pleasant, unhurried
experience of exploring the historic Old Quarter with its arts and
crafts bargains, and strolling the streets of the French Colonial
sector.
When? Situated in northern Vietnam, Hanoi has hot
and humid weather most of the year, with most of its rainfall
falling between May and September (summer). The best time to
holiday in Hanoi is between September and December, when humidity
levels are lowest.
Who for? Travel to Hanoi is for serious travellers
who are drawn to Vietnam to experience its beauty, wonderful food,
friendly people and unique culture. The city is a great base from
which to explore the surrounding countryside.
More Info: Know before you go on a holiday in
Hanoi by consulting our comprehensive, up-to-date Hanoi travel
guide. The guide is essential reading for anyone planning to travel
to Hanoi, containing basic information like entry requirements,
health and safety, as well as details of attractions and
excursions.
Overview
Vietnam's small and pleasant capital lies at the heart of the
northern Red River Delta, and is a city of lakes, leafy boulevards
and open parks with a French colonial feel.
Hanoi was founded in 1010, and became the centre of government
for the Indochina Union under French rule in 1888. In 1954 it
became the official capital of independent Vietnam. Today ancient
crumbling buildings dating from the 11th century lie scattered
among grand French colonial residences, while shrines and monuments
to Vietnam's first president, Ho Chi Minh, sit in the shadow of
modern high-rise buildings. The streets of the Old Quarter preserve
age-old customs, where trade takes one back half a century, and
temples, pagodas and monuments reflect the historic character of
Vietnam.
Although a city of historical importance, and the social and
cultural centre of Vietnam, it is a surprisingly modest and
charming place, far slower and less developed than Ho Chi Minh City
in the south. Hanoi has retained its appealing sense of the old
world, despite the onset of a brisk tourism trade in 1993,
absorbing the boom of hotels, travellers' hangouts and Internet
cafes, and the gradual infiltration of western-style food and
fashions into the once inaccessible city.
As the early morning mist rises from the serene Hoan Kiem Lake,
tracksuit-clad elders perform the slow movements of tai chi, like
park statues coming to life. Streets become filled with activity,
mopeds and bicycles weave among pedestrians, while cyclo drivers
(three-wheeled bicycle taxis) clamour for attention, and postcard
vendors cluster around tourists like bees sensing an open honey
pot.
Hanoi is fast becoming one of the most enticing and interesting
cities in Asia. As a cultural centre there are traditional water
puppet shows, and music and dance performances. It is also a good
base for excursions to the beautiful Halong Bay, or into the Hoang
Lien Mountains inhabited by several hill tribes.
