Hanoi Capital of Vietnam

8/9/2019 Hanoi Capital of Vietnam

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Hanoi Capital of Vietnam

Smaller than Saigon, but more beautiful

Hanoi and the surrounding area have plenty to interest visitors. Its central area is compact

– most of the main attractions are within walking distance. Tree-lined boulevards,colonial buildings and many lakes make pleasant routes for a pedestrian tour. If you don't

mind becoming an attraction for the Vietnamese, a ‘cyclo’ tour can be a less strenuous

way of seeing some of the sites. Visitors that are more adventurous may be attracted by

cycling or riding on the back of a motorcycle – however, this is a decision best made afteryou've seen the traffic situation!

It’s also a remarkably safe city. The level of crime is low, and what exists hardly ever

involves violence. Apart from commonsense precautions, extra security measures are

unnecessary.

The heart of Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter in central Hanoi are thronged with people

throughout the day. Nearby, in an attractive setting, is the Hanoi Municipal Theatre,

better known as the Opera House, a smaller version of its cousin in Paris and nowrestored to its original grandeur. The adjacent Hanoi Opera hotel is one of the few

modern buildings that enhance an architectural classic anywhere in Vietnam.

Worldmatetravel guests will be offered tickets for any interesting performances at the

Opera House during their time in the capital. You'll also be invited to a performance of water puppetry, an art form unique to North Vietnam and an interesting, humorous

introduction to its traditional culture.



The Ho Chi Minh complex

The area dedicated to the late President Ho Chi Minh is well worth a visit. Viewing his

embalmed body in an imposing mausoleum is a somewhat macabre experience, but thenearby museum and his modest small stilt house provide a valuable insight into the life

and times of one of the most successful leaders of the 20th century. Close by is themagnificent Presidential Palace, unfortunately not open to visitors.

Van Mieu

Van Mieu, (the Temple of Literature) dates back to the 11th century and is the oldest

university in Vietnam (and one of the oldest in the world). Recently restored, it is a now

an attractive and informative monument not far from the city centre.

Museums

Further out is the Museum of Ethnology - we rate it as the best museum in Vietnam. Itgives an in-depth overview of the complex life-styles, traditions and handicrafts of the 54ethnic groups of Vietnam, well-presented and effectively interpreted. Also of note, but

more traditional in their approach, are the History Museum, the Army Museum and the

Fine Arts Museum. On a much smaller scale, both physically and financially, the

Women's Museum focuses on the role of women in the community and that of the ‘Long-haired Army’, the many women who fought and died alongside the men of the Viet Minh

and the Viet Cong.

The Citadel area

The ancient Hanoi Citadel is currently occupied by the army, but is in the process of restoration prior to making sections accessible to the public during 2004.

Across the road, a large archaeological 'dig' currently taking place on the site of what will

be the new National Assembly building has unearthed what appear to be the remains of

an ancient palace and its ceramics kiln. Ceramic articles were the sole property of royalty,and were thought to have been imported from China during its Song period. The findings

have revealed that Vietnam not only made its own ceramic articles, but also developed a

unique style during the Ly Dynasty from the 9th to the 11th centuries.

Amenities

Hanoi currently boasts Vietnam’s most modern airport, Noi Bai, opened only a couple of

years ago 35 km from the city, and already planning a second terminal. The city has

seven five-star hotels and a wide range of hotels at lower standards. There is a largevariety of restaurants offering most of the main international cuisines and nearly all of the

differing styles of Vietnamese food. They range from top-flight gourmet establishments

with prices to match, to street-side ‘cafés’ where a filling meal often costs less than adollar.



It’s a shopper’s paradise. There are retail outlets ranging from massive indoor markets to

humble street stalls, upmarket designer brands, western-style supermarkets and, of course, the commercial centre in the Old Quarter where you can find practically anything

from ripped-off DVD's for less than a dollar to a tastefully designed tombstone with your

likeness inscribed into the stone.

There are plenty of banks and currency exchange outlets, and ATM's dispensing localcurrency are now commonplace.

Taxis are cheap, metered and usually reliable. 'Cyclos' and 'Xe Oms' are a differentmatter!

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Hanoi Capital of Vietnam