Hanoi

Holiday Destinations / Asia / Vietnam / Travel Guide / Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, not only made up for the time lost to war. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South East Asia.

More than a thousand years old, the Vietnamese capital cautiously welcomes new visitors and cautiously reveals layer upon layer of compelling history. The Old Quarter is what Hanoi is all about, so make time for a leisurely stroll around its ancient streets to discover the Bach Ma Temple, picture perfect Long Bien Bridge, and the Memorial House before losing all sense of time exploring Dong Xuan Market.

If you find yourself in Hanoi, do not skip a visit to the Old Quarter: Hanoi’s historic centre. Trade has been blooming here for over a millennia. Exploring the centuries old backstreets is fascinating, if you are happy to brave the streams of motorbikes, pedestrians, tradesmen, and the heady mix of aromas coming from the food stalls.

The  Bach Ma Temple, at the heart of the Old Quarter, dates back to the 11^th century and is said to be among the oldest in the city. Another landmark in the Old Quarter not to miss is Long Bien Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same of the Eiffel Tower). Once there, the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, is a stone throw away. Spanning nearly two and a half miles, it holds a record Guinness and depicts Vietnam’s history.

Hanoi boasts a plethora of  museums and historic buildings. The Heritage House in the Old Quarter is beautifully preserved, the National Museum of Vietnamese History and the Museum of Vietnamese Revolution are a must if you are interested in the history of this fascinating country.

Among museums and historic buildings, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is reserved a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. People travel all over the country to pay respects to the Vietnamese hero. The imposing marble mausoleum that keeps the remains of “Uncle Ho” is an impressive work of architecture.