OVERVIEW OF HANOI

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and one of the oldest capital cities in Southeast Asia. At its core exists two special flavors enriching cultural identity in Hanoi more than ever before. The first one is an ancient quarter with 600 years-old and the other is a century-old colonial city. Nowadays, all of cultural elements blend in harmonious way with growing economic development; it is a great foundation of Hanoi to claim its position as the heart of Vietnam.

  HANOI IN THE PAST

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Hanoi, the “City inside the River,” was founded by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1010, near Co Loa, the ancient capital of the first Viet state dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Hanoi Old Quarter with seller at night

Ly Thai To did order to build this city, then known as Thang Long, around the massive citadel. To the east of the city, a residential area was established to serve the royal family demand.

Thang Long Citadel

By the 16th century, this area had developed into Hanoi Old Quarter. The French came to Hanoi in the 19th century marked  a period of reconstruction. They destroyed parts of the citadel and some ancient temples to make way for the new European quarter.

A part of European quarter in Hanoi

However, this was not entirely the loss. They left many magnificent colonial structures in Hanoi city. During the first Indochina War, the city was not into ruin. In 1954, Hanoi was officially announced as the capital of independent Vietnam. Sadly, this was not the end of its violent history because of the war against U.S imperialist.

Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi entered the 21st century with diverse challenges but time doesn’t take those great structures away with itself. They are still grand such as The Opera House, the Sofitel Metropole Hotel and so on.

Hanoi Sofitel Metropole Hotel

  HANOI AT PRESENT

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Nowadays, Hanoi is changing into a new appearance as an elegant cultured and wealthy city, where museums and galleries coexist with stylish shops and fashionable restaurants.

Hanoi Ethonology Museum

You can walk around slowly for relaxing, in a few minutes, from the narrow streets of the Old Quarter to the imposing villas and buildings lining the former French Quarter.

Hanoi Old Quarter at night

The past of Hanoi has also ensured a great culinary legacy, where French and Chinese cuisines blend magically with the Viet traditions.

Luc Thuy Restaurant looking Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi deserves to stand among the most sophisticated cities in Southeast Asia.

  HANOI OLD QUARTER

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The Old Quarter is the oldest and most lively commercial district in Hanoi. During the 13th century, several artisans settled along the Red River to meet to the demand of the palace.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Later, the crafts concentrated on this area, with each street specializing in a particular product. Over the years, 36 specific crafts were born and this area got its nickname of 36 streets.

A corner of Hanoi Old Quarter

Nowadays, there are hundreds of small shops, restaurants and ancient houses on narrow streets; the Old Quarter still keeps its own beauty. Moreover, you do not miss a chance to discover the soul of Hanoi such as Pagodas in Hanoi, Bridges in Hanoi, Street in Hanoi, Hanoi Cuisine and so on... Vietnam Here and There honorably brings all what you need before you go to Hanoi.

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