Hanoi Vacations, Vacations in Hanoi

People usually think in clichés,as it is much more convenient and much easier. But thinking to Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, as a bomb ravaged capital is terribly wrong.

Night peaceful view of Hanoi

And I am sure that this is your first thought when hearing Hanoi. Which is is so far from reality, as the last Vietnam war ended 1975 and the city of Hanoi was rebuild and reinvented itself. Hanoi has been for many centuries the capital of Vietnam and its war caused damages were not so dramatic as in Ho Chi Minh. There still are many ancient buildings in Hanoi, and one of them are worth a view or a visit from any interested traveler ( e.g. The Sofitel Metropole Hotel with its colonial Belle Epoque architecture)

Colonial luxury in Metropole Hotel

Between 1887 and 1954 Hanoi was the capital of the French Indochina, being a pearl and a proud of the French Colonial empire. Nowadays Hanoi has 6 000 000 inhabitants (Hanoians) which are amazingly young; 60 % of them are under 35 years old. Other interesting things in Hanoi, very visible on the streets: the pagoda formed hats, wore equally by men and women, as also the local traditional dresses..

Hanoi means, translated from Vietnamese, the City on the River ( it literally lies on the Red River) and is experiencing today a cultural boom. This city is becoming one of the most seducing Art Capital of the World, with so many art galleries. The today Vietnamese art is a fine combination between western currents of impressionism or fauvism and the rich local traditions of the Indochina.

Art Gallery in Hanoi

There a few lakes in Hanoi which attracts the locals on week ends and the travelers all week long: Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Halais Lake, Bai Mau Lake. Everyone has a wonderful park around with temple (pagodas) . Be sure not to miss the spectacular One Pillar Pagoda in the Hoan Kiem Park !

Hanoi is in a certain way a green city: the locals travel by bike and motor bike usually. You got to imagine the rush hours in Hanoi with so many youngsters riding scooters. Even the taxis are mostly motorbikes, or the ancient rickshaws.

Rush Hour in Hanoi

There are so many things to see and to do in Hanoi. The old town Hanoi with its boutiques and art galleries, the art museums, the old buildings with strong French colonial touch( Hanoi Opera House, State Bank, National History museum) and the vibrant nightlife. You could also use Hanoi as a base for exploring Vietnam. You can travel from Hanoi by train to Ho Chi Minh (former Saigon) , to the near mountains resorts (e.g. Sapa), or to the wonderful beaches of the Pacific Ocean. You will be surprised in the most pleasant way by the manners of the young Hanoians and their skills (they speak English and French and are extremely polite and curteous).