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The most European city in
Vietnam, Hanoi is home to nearly 2
million people. Less vibrant and more reserved than its cousin to the south,
Hanoi is a great place to explore on foot. If Ho Chi Minh City is defined by
hustle and bustle and people on the go, Hanoi's trademark is green parks and
tranquil lakes. The city is divided into districts, many of which take their
name from a lake within the district's boundaries. Each district has its own
charms.
 Perhaps
the most interesting district, is that of Hoan Kiem. At its center is Ho
Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword). A broad path encircles the lake, attracting
residents to its shores throughout the day. At dawn you'll find young and
old walking, jogging, practicing Tai Chi and playing badminton. After dark,
young couples walk hand-in-hand or seek privacy under the trees and on the
numerous park benches at the water's edge.
To the north and west of the lake is
Hanoi's famed old quarter with its confusing maze of narrow cobblestoned
streets. Home to numerous guest houses, mini-hotels, art galleries,
restaurants and shops, the old quarter is worth a day of aimless wandering
and discovery. Many visitors, particularly backpackers, choose this area as
their base in Hanoi.
South and east of the lake, the wide tree-lined boulevards of the old French
quarter offer a stark contrast to the confusion of the old quarter. The
French colonial influence, obvious throughout the city, is particularly
evident here. Many colonial villas are now home to embassies, upscale hotels
and restaurants.
Those spending more than a couple of days in Hanoi will want to explore
other areas of the city as well. Ba Dinh District, west of Hoan Kiem, is the
up-and-coming business center and home to the posh Hanoi Daewoo Hotel.
Scenic Ho Tay District to the north is dominated by Ho Tay (South Lake) and boasts numerous
historic sites and temples.
Hanoi awakes early, with activity in the parks beginning before sunrise and
winding down by 7 a.m. Most offices, stores and museums open around
7:30 am, closing for lunch between 11 and 1,
and reopening again until 5 p.m.
Most restaurants stop serving at10 p.m.
Hanoi has four distinct seasons. Winters can actually be quite chilly;
although snow is foreign to Hanoi residents. Summers are hot and rainy.
Probably the best time to visit is spring and fall
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