Hanoi - one of the most beautiful capitals in Southeast Asia (where good Vietnamese holiday ) - full of charm and imbued a sense of eternity. Serves as the core of its 600-year old quarter, surrounded by more than a century ago has grown a charming town. The rich cultural heritage of the two epochs coexists harmoniously with modernity, making the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam vacation.
"The city in the bend of the river," founded by Emperor Li Thai So in 1010 AD around the massive fortress near Koloa, the ancient capital of the former State Viets. In those days it was called "Thang Long", which means "soaring dragon". According to legend, when the Emperor Li Thai boat moored to the shore That he dreamed fabulous golden dragon soaring skyward. This is a good sign, and gave the name of the new capital.
The appearance of the French in the XIX century. marked the beginning of the period of reconstruction - for a new European quarter of the fortress was demolished and several ancient temples, which was then offset by the splendor of colonial architecture, transformed the city.
The city is divided into several parts: the natural center is located north of the picturesque Lake of the Returned Sword. Middle of the lake stands the Temple of Turtles, carefully keeping the spirit of past centuries. Nearby, there are unique and always full of life, the old quarter, or "36 streets" - the most ancient and crowded shopping district of Hanoi. In the XIII century. along the Red River, on which the city created settlements of craftsmen - each street specialized in certain products, and eventually got the 36 guilds. Unusual 'building-pipe "shop, where hardworking masters craftsmen products, small courtyards with cheerful lanterns, old bridges and sacred pagoda make the city unique colorful and cozy.
Old Quarter - the only place in Vietnam vacation with preserved streets whose names have been around for more than five centuries: Silk, Sugar, fan, and other shoe. True, in many streets do not sell products that are listed in their names, but some of the ancient guilds and have remained in their original locations.For example, in Hangma "Street Paper offerings", five centuries sell paper products - bright colored lanterns, tinsel and copies of real objects, which the Vietnamese burned as offerings to their dead ancestors.
The southern part of the city, full of tree-lined boulevards and architectural jewels of the former French Quarter, is reserved for the business districts. Here in the old mansions are government agencies, embassies and business centers. West is serene Temple of Literature and hitting his greatness Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Its saturation past Hanoi must fine local cuisine - a successful combination of traditional French and Chinese heritage with Viets. The same applies to the cultural life of the city - the most versatile in the South-East Asia.
Hanoi today, on the eve of a millennium - an elegant, educated and wealthy city, where the museums and galleries coexist with chic shops and trendy restaurants, the city of exotic temples and pagodas, elegant colonial villas, bustling narrow streets and wide boulevards, the city, filled with aromas colors, mesmerizing beauty of gentle lakes and parks and charming infinite number of smiles.
Hanoi is located in the tropical monsoon zone. The average annual temperature is 23 C, but it can range from 5 to 40 C. The dry season lasts from October to April - it rains almost never happens. From May to September is hot and rainy.