Well-known as one of the oldest city in Southeast Asia and the capital of Vietnam for more than one thousand years, Hanoi is the second biggest city in Vietnam and one of the country's major economic, political and cultural centers. Located in the center of the Hong river delta to the North of Vietnam, Hanoi serves as a transition point for any trip to northern Vietnam. But Hanoi itself has so many things to offer. With a very long history, the city comprises of many big and small traditional architectures. Hanoi citadel, covering a large area of Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem district in the past, has now been almost destroyed leaving only several parts of its gigantic original architecture behind. Luckily, many ancient temples such as Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Temple or One-pillar pagoda still stay intact. Apart from architecture, Hanoi is also famous for its cuisine such as Pho, Bun Cha, Bun Thang or Nem Ran.
Travelling to Hanoi, don't forget to take a historical tour through major historical sites of the city. Streetfood tour or cooking classes are also recommended to enjoy the fullest of Hanoi. Wandering across narrow and dusty streets of Hanoi is also a good way to grab the unique culture of Hanoi and the essense of Vietnamese culture lingering through its bustling atmosphere.
