Hanoi, Vietnam for Tourists

With its aesthetic and cultural blend of ancient and modern, Parisian and Asian influences, Vietnam's capital Hanoi makes an intriguing destination for a city vacation. Hanoi largely escaped bombing during the Vietnam War, and its streets and buildings evoke the citys thousand-year-long history, and in particular its time as a French colony during the 19th century.

Landmarks and Monuments

The Old Quarter of Hanoi represents a thousand years of history within its relics and well-preserved structures. Traditional houses add to the appeal of the photogenic district, and one -- 87 Pho Ma May -- invites you inside to see its beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. The Ambassadors Pagoda and the One Pillar Pagoda (which was built in 1049) are both busy and popular Buddhist monuments, but there are over 600 pagodas and temples to see in Hanoi. The Gothic architecture of Hanoi Cathedral, a famous landmark which was inaugurated in 1886, has been compared to that of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Museums and Galleries

Hanois History Museum is housed inside a French colonial building. The museum showcases the recorded history of Vietnam in its entirety through its absorbing exhibits. The Museum of Independence was the home of Ho Chi Minh in 1945, notable as the place where he drafted the Declaration of Independence. See his living quarters upstairs and peruse the informative exhibits on the ground floor. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Museum of Vietnamese Women each offer their own particular scope of interest.

Natural Attractions
Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta and its name means hinterland between the rivers. The numerous waterways that dissect the city, along with 18 lakes, provide opportunities for boating and scenic walks. Reach Truc Bach and West Lake by renting a plastic goose-shaped paddleboat from the launching sites along Thanh Nien. Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi is especially picturesque. Hanoi Zoological Garden is home to hundreds of animals and thousands of flowers and trees, according to Vietnam Tourism.

Activities and Excursions

For expert guidance through the streets and sights of Hanoi, take an organized city tour. You may prefer an air-conditioned vehicle, or perhaps a bicycle rickshaw for transportation. When you need a break from the tropical heat of Hanoi in summer, head for Ho Tay Water Park and Moon Park, which is a few miles north of the city center. Cool off in the swimming pools and lazy river, ride the seven water slides and maybe the roller coaster for some family-friendly fun. For lovers of classical music, attending a performance at the intimate Hanoi Opera House should prove to be a delight.

Only in Hanoi
Ho Chi Minhs Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square is the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese leader. His preserved body, dressed in khaki clothing, is presented in a glass coffin for all to see. Hoa Lo Prison was constructed by French rulers to house Vietnamese dissidents, but it gained notoriety as a US Prisoner of War camp during the Vietnam War. Today it operates as a museum, detailing the conditions endured by both French prisoners and POWs. To see an unexpected Vietnamese art form and thousand-year-old tradition, attend a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The shows feature colorful puppets artfully manipulated to appear to float on water, accompanied by an orchestra.