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Hanoi
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| Hanoi Hà Nội |
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| — Centrally-governed city — | |||
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  Hanoi
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| Coordinates: 21°2′0″N 105°51′00″E / 21.033333°N 105.85°E | |||
| Country |  Vietnam |
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| Central city | Hanoi | ||
| Districts | 29 | ||
| Founded, Capital of the Đại Việt Kingdom | 1010 | ||
| Capital of Vietnam | September 2, 1945 | ||
| Area | |||
| - Centrally-governed city | 3,344.7 km2 (1,291.4 sq mi) | ||
| - Urban | 186.22 km2 (71.9 sq mi) | ||
| Population (2009) | |||
| - Centrally-governed city | 6,500,000 | ||
| - Density | 1,875/km2 (4,856.2/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+7 (UTC+7) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | No DST (UTC+7) | ||
| Website | www.hanoi.gov.vn | ||
Hanoi (Vietnamese: Hà Nội) 
pronunciation (help·info), estimated population nearly 6.5 million (2009),[1] is the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam. From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam. It was eclipsed by Huế during the Nguyen Dynasty as the capital of Vietnam, but Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam.
The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is located at 21°2′N 105°51′E / 21.033°N 105.85°ECoordinates: 21°2′N 105°51′E / 21.033°N 105.85°E, 1,760 km (1,090 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City.
October 2010 will officially mark 1000 years of the establishment of the city. On this occasion, Hanoi has been named as one of the world's "Top Destinations 2010"[2].
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Hanoi has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. One of the first known permanent settlements is the Co Loa citadel (Cổ Loa) founded around 200 BC.
Hanoi has had many names throughout history, all of them of Sino-Vietnamese origin. During the Chinese domination of Vietnam, it was known as Tống Bình (宋平) and later Long Đỗ (龍肚; literally "dragon's belly"). In 866, it was turned into a citadel and was named Đại La (大羅).
In 1010, Lý Thái Tổ, the first ruler of the Lý Dynasty, moved the capital of Đại Việt (大越, the Great Viet, then the name of Vietnam) to the site of the Đại La Citadel. Claiming to have seen a dragon ascending the Red River, he renamed it Thăng Long (昇龍, Ascending dragon) - a name still used poetically to this day. It remained the capital of Vietnam until 1397, when the capital was moved to Thanh Hóa, also known as Tây Đô (西都, Western Capital). Thăng Long then became Đông Đô (東都, Eastern Capital).
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In 1408, Chinese Ming Dynasty attacked and occupied Vietnam, then they renamed Đông Đô as Đông Quan (東關, Eastern Gateway). In 1428, Vietnamese overthrown the Chinese under the leadership of Lê Lợi who later founded the posterior Le Dynasty and renamed Đông Quan as Đông Kinh (東京, Eastern Capital - the name known to Europeans as Tonkin. The same characters are used for Tokyo, Japan). Right after the end of Tây Sơn Dynasty, it was named Bắc Thành (北城, Northern Citadel).
In 1802, when the Nguyễn Dynasty was established and then moved the capital down to Huế, the name of Thăng Long (昇龍, "ascending dragon") was modified to become different Thăng Long (昇隆, to ascend and flourish). In 1831 the Nguyen emperor Minh Mang renamed it Hà Nội (河内, can be translated as Between Rivers or River Interior) . Hanoi was occupied by the French in 1873 and passed to them ten years later. It became the capital of French Indochina after 1887.
The city was occupied by the Japanese in 1940, and liberated in 1945, when it briefly became the seat of the Viet Minh government after Hồ Chí Minh proclaimed the independence of Việt Nam. But the French came back and reoccupied the city in 1946. After nine years of fighting between the French and Viet Minh forces, Hanoi became the capital of an independent North Vietnam in 1954.
During the Vietnam War Hanoi's transportation facilities were disrupted by the bombing of bridges and railways, which were, however, promptly repaired. Following the end of the war, Hanoi became the capital of Vietnam when North and South Vietnam were reunited on July 2, 1976.
On May 29, 2008, it was decided that Ha Tay province, Vinh Phuc's Me Linh district and 4 communes of Luong Son district, Hoa Binh is merged into the metropolitan area of Hanoi from August 1, 2008.[3] Hanoi's total area increased to 334,470 hectares divided into 29 subdivisions[4] with the new population being 6,232,940.[4] The Hanoi Capital Region (Vietnamese: Vùng Thủ Đô Hà Nội), a metropolitan area covering Hanoi and 6 surrounding provinces under planning will have an area of 13,436 square kilometers with a population of 15 million by 2020.[5]
On August 1, 2008, Hanoi absorbed the neighboring province of Ha Tay, Vinh Phuc's Me Linh district, and four communes from Luong Son, Hoa Binh, effectively tripling its size.
Hanoi experiences the typical climate of northern Vietnam, where summers are hot and humid, and winters are relatively cool and dry. Under the Koppen climate classification, Hanoi features a warm humid subtropical climate. The summer months from May to September receive the majority of rainfall in the year (1,682 mm rainfall/ year). The winter months from November to March are relatively dry, although spring then often brings light rains. The minimum winter temperature in Hanoi can dip as low as 6–7 °C (43–45 °F) not including the wind chill, while summer can get as hot as 38–40 °C (100–104 °F).[6]
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high °C (°F) | 18.9 (66) |
19.4 (67) |
22.2 (72) |
26.7 (80) |
30.6 (87) |
32.2 (90) |
32.2 (90) |
31.7 (89) |
31.1 (88) |
27.8 (82) |
24.4 (76) |
21.7 (71) |
26.6 (79.8) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 14.4 (58) |
15.6 (60) |
18.3 (65) |
21.7 (71) |
25 (77) |
26.7 (80) |
26.7 (80) |
26.7 (80) |
25.6 (78) |
22.8 (73) |
18.9 (66) |
15.6 (60) |
21.5 (70.7) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 20.1 (0.79) |
30.5 (1.20) |
40.6 (1.60) |
80 (3.15) |
195.6 (7.70) |
240 (9.45) |
320 (12.6) |
340.4 (13.4) |
254 (10.0) |
100.3 (3.95) |
40.6 (1.60) |
20.3 (0.80) |
1,682.5 (66.24) |
| Source: weather.com[7] and asiaforvisitors.com[8] 2008-02-26 | |||||||||||||
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Hanoi, as the capital of French Indochina, was home to the first Western-style universities in Indochina, including: Indochina Medical College (1902) - now Hanoi Medical University, Indochina University (1904) - now Hanoi National University, and École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de L'Indochine (1925) - now Hanoi University of Fine Art.
After the Communist Party took control over Hanoi in 1954 with support from the Soviet Union, many new universities were built, among them, Hanoi University of Technology remains the largest technical university in Vietnam.
Hanoi is the largest centre of education in Vietnam. It is estimated that 62% of the scientists in the whole country are living and working in Hanoi.[9] Admissions to undergraduate study are through entrance examinations, which are conducted annually and open for everyone (who has successfully completed his/her secondary education) in the country. The majority of universities in Hanoi are public, although in recent years a number of private universities have started their operation. Thang Long university, founded in 1988, by some Vietnamese mathematics professors in Hanoi and France [10] is the first private university in Vietnam.
Because many of Vietnam's major universities are located in Hanoi, students from other provinces (especially in the northern part of the country) wishing to enter university often travel to Hanoi for the annual entrance examination. Such events often take place in June and July, during which a large number of students and their families converge on the city for several weeks around this intense examination period. In recent years, these entrance exams have been centrally coordinated by the Ministry of Education, but passing marks are decided independently by each university.
Although there are state owned Kindergartens, there are also many private ventures that serve both local and international needs. Pre-tertiary (elementary and secondary) schools in Hanoi are generally state run although there are some independent schools. Education is equivalent to the K–12 system in the US, with elementary school between grades 1 and 5, middle school (or junior high) between grades 6 and 9, and high school from grades 10 to 12.
As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centres of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike. Even when the nation's capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city of Hanoi continued to flourish, especially after the French took control in 1888 and modeled the city's architecture to their tastes, lending an important aesthetic to the city's rich stylistic heritage. The city boasts more than 1,000 years of history, and that of the past few hundred years has been well preserved.[11]
Hanoi hosts more cultural sites than any city in Vietnam, including over 600 pagodas and temples.[12]
The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem lake, has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the old quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewellery, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce. The area is famous for its small artisans and merchants, including many silk shops. Local cuisine specialties as well as several clubs and bars can be found here also. A night market (near Đồng Xuân market) in the heart of the district opens for business every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening with a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food.
Some others prominent places are: The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), site of the oldest university in Vietnam 1070; One Pillar Pagoda (Chùa Một Cột); Flag Tower of Hanoi (Cột cờ Hà Nội). In 2004, a massive part of the 900 year old citadel was discovered in central Hanoi, near the site of Ba Dinh square.[13]
A city between the rivers, built from lowland, Hanoi has many scenic lakes and sometime is called "city of lakes". Among its lakes, the most famous are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Halais Lake (Hồ Thiền Quang) in Vietnamese), and Bay Mau Lake. West Lake (Hồ Tây) is a popular place for people to spend time. It is the largest lake in Hanoi and there are many temples in the area. There are small boats for hire and a floating restaurant.
Under French rule, as an administrative centre for the French colony of Indochina, the French colonial architecture style became dominant, many examples remain today: the tree-lined boulevards (e.g. Phan Dinh Phung street), The Grand Opera House, The State Bank of Vietnam (formerly The Bank of Indochina), The Presidential Palace (formerly Place of The Governor-General of French Indochina), the cathédrale St-Joseph, and historic hotel Sofitel Metropole.
Hanoi is also home to a number of museums:
A variety of options for entertainment in Hanoi can be found throughout the city. Modern and traditional theaters, cinemas, karaoke bars, dance clubs, bowling alleys, and an abundance of opportunities for shopping provide leisure activity for both locals and tourists. Hanoi has been named as one of the top 10 cities for shooping in Asia by Smart Travel Asia [14]. The number of art galleries exhibiting Vietnamese art has sky rocketed in recent years. Among them are renowed ones such as "Nhat Huy" of Huynh Thong Nhat.
With its rapid growth and extremely high population density, several modern shopping centers have been built in Hanoi.
Hanoi has rich food traditions and many of Vietnam's most famous dishes, such as phở, chả cá, bánh cuốn and cốm are thought to come from Hanoi. Perhaps most widely known is Phở, a simple rice noodle soup often eaten as a breakfast dish in the home or at streetside cafes, but also served in restaurants as a meal. Two varieties dominate the Hanoi scene: Phở Bò, containing beef, and Phở Gà, containing chicken.
Hanoi has been selected as the 2nd best city for food in the world by Shermans Travel [15]. Vietnam's national dish Phở has been also named as one of the Top5 streetfood in the world by globalpost.[16]
Hanoi's population is constantly growing (about 3.5% per year[17]), a reflection of the fact that the city is both a major metropolitan area of Northern Vietnam, and also the country's political centre. This population growth also puts a lot of pressure onto the infrastructure, some of which is antiquated and dates back from the early 20th century.
The number of Hanoians who settled down for more than three generations is likely to be very small as compared to the overall population of the city. Even in the Old Quarter, where commerce started hundreds years ago and was mostly a family business, many of the street-front stores nowadays are owned by merchants and retailers from other provinces. The original owner family may have either rented out the store and moved to live further inside the house, or just moved out of the neighbourhood altogether. The pace of change has especially escalated after the abandonment of central-planning economic policies, and relaxing of the district-based household registrar system.[citation needed]
Hanoi's telephone numbers have been increased to 8 digits to cope with demand (October 2008). Subscribers Telephone numbers have been changed in a haphazard way.
Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, located in the Soc Son District, approximately 40 km (25 mi) north of Hanoi. Noi Bai is the only international airport for the northern regions of Vietnam.
Hanoi will have additionally another international airport, which will cost $8 billion, being the highest foreign investment so far in the history of Vietnam.[18] It will be the become the largest and the most modern airport in Asia. The construction will be carried out in three stages,the first phase will start in 2011 until 2015.
There are two main highways linking the airport and city. The route to the city via Thang Long Bridge is more direct than Highway 1, which runs along the outskirts of the city. The main highways are shared by cars, motor scooters, with separate lanes by the side for bicycles. Taxis are plentiful and usually have trip meters, although it is also common to agree on the trip price before taking a taxi from airport to the city centre. Tourists also sometimes tour the city on cyclos especially in the Old Quarter.
Hanoi is also the origin departure point for many Vietnam Railways train routes in the country. The Union Express (tàu Thống Nhất) runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from Hanoi station (formerly Hang Co station), with stops at cities and provinces along the line. Trains also depart Hanoi frequently for Hai Phong and other northern cities.
The main means of transport within the city are motorbikes, buses, taxis, and bicycles. Motorbikes remain the most common way to move around the city.[citation needed] Public buses run on many routes and fare can be purchased on the bus. For short trips, "xe ôm" (literally, "hug vehicle") motorcycle taxis are available where the passenger sits at the rear of a motorbike.
Hanoi has the highest Human Development Index among the cities in Vietnam.[citation needed]
According to a recent ranking by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Hanoi will be the fastest growing city in the world in term of GDP growth from 2008 to 2025.[19]
Industrial production in the city has experienced a rapid boom since the 1990s, with average annual growth of 19.1 percent from 1991–95, 15.9 percent from 1996–2000, and 20.9 percent during 2001–2003.[citation needed] In addition to eight existing industrial parks, Hanoi is building five new large-scale industrial parks and 16 small- and medium-sized industrial clusters. The non-state economic sector is expanding fast, with more than 48,000 businesses currently operating under the Enterprise Law (as of 3/2007) [20].
Trade is another strong sector of the city. In 2003, Hanoi had 2,000 businesses engaged in foreign trade, having established ties with 161 countries and territories. The city's export value grew by an average 11.6 percent each year from 1996–2000 and 9.1 percent during 2001–2003.[citation needed] The economic structure also underwent important shifts, with tourism, finance, and banking now playing an increasingly important role.
Hanoi's business districts are traditionally Hoan Kiem and the neighborhood; and a newly developing Trung Hoa Nhan Chinh in the South Western part.
Similar to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi enjoys a rapidly-developing real estate market.[21] The metropolis's economy growth does not seem correlative to its infrastructure. Overloading population requires a much larger supply of accommodations, while the constructing celerities of both transport system and new urban areas are too low[22]. Not surprisingly, as an effect of this problem, the apartment and real estate fever occur severely during the time[23]. More widespread, the fever even influences Ha Tay, the neighboring province, considered the future development space of the capital[24]. The current most notable new urban areas are central Trung Hoa Nhan Chinh, My Dinh, the luxurious zones of The Manor and Ciputra.
Agriculture, previously a pillar in Hanoi's economy, has striven to reform itself, introducing new high-yield plant varieties and livestock, and applying modern farming techniques.[citation needed]
Together with economic growth, Hanoi's appearance has also changed significantly, especially in recent years. Infrastructure is constantly being upgraded, with new roads and an improved public transportation system.
There are several gymnasiums and stadiums throughout the city of Ha Noi. The biggest ones are My Dinh National Stadium (Le Duc Tho Boulevard), Quan Ngua Sporting Palace (Van Cao Avenue) and Hanoi Water Sport Complex. The others include Ha Noi stadium (as known as Hang Day stadium). It has been decided that Asian Indoor Games will held at Hanoi in 2009. A 32.1 million-dollar indoor hall is currently under construction for the event in My Dinh area.
Some medical facilities in Hanoi:
Hà Nội is divided into 10 inner districts, 1 town and 18 outer districts.[25] ( Hà Đông has been transform to an inner district, and Sơn Tây has been degraded to a town)
| Subdivisions of Hà Nội | ||||
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| Provincial Cities/Districts[25] | Wards[25] | Area (km2)[25] | Population[25] | |
| 1 town | ||||
| Sơn Tây (West of the Mountain) | 15 | 113.474 | 181,831 | |
| 10 Urban Districts (Quận) | ||||
| Ba Đình (Three Temples) | 14 | 9.224 | 228,352 | |
| Cầu Giấy (Paper Bridge) | 8 | 12.04 | 147,000 | |
| Đống Đa | 21 | 9.96 | 352,000 | |
| Hai Bà Trưng (The Trung sisters) | 20 | 14.6 | 378,000 | |
| Hà Đông (East Bank of the River) | 17 | 47.917 | 198,687 | |
| Hoàn Kiếm (Sword Recurrent) | 18 | 5.29 | 178,073 | |
| Hoàng Mai (Yellow Plum) | 14 | 41.04 | 216,277 | |
| Long Biên (Dragon Fin) | 14 | 60.38 | 170,706 | |
| Tây Hồ (West Lake) | 8 | 24 | 115,163 | |
| Thanh Xuân (Green Spring/Youth) | 11 | 9.11 | 185,000 | |
| Subtotal | 145 | 233.56 | 2,178,258 | |
| 18 Rural Districts (Huyện) | ||||
| Ba Vì | 31 + 1 town | 428.0 | 242,600 (1999) | |
| Chương Mỹ | 30 + 2 towns | 232.9 | 261,000 (1999) | |
| Đan Phượng | 15 + 1 town | 76.8 | 124,900 | |
| Đông Anh | 23 + 1 town | 182.3 | 276,750 | |
| Gia Lâm | 20 + 2 towns | 114.0 | 205,275 | |
| Hoài Đức | 19 + 1 town | 95.3 | 188,800 | |
| Mê Linh | 16 + 2 towns | 141.26 | 187,536 (2008) | |
| Mỹ Đức | 21 + 1 town | 230.0 | 167,700 (1999) | |
| Phú Xuyên | 26 + 2 towns | 171.1 | 181,500 | |
| Phúc Thọ | 25 + 1 town | 113.2 | 154,800 (2001) | |
| Quốc Oai | 20 + 1 town | 136.0 (2001) | 146,700 (2001) | |
| Sóc Sơn | 25 + 1 town | 306.51 | 254,000 | |
| Thạch Thất | 22 + 1 town | 128.1 | 149,000 (2003) | |
| Thanh Oai | 20 + 1 town | 129.6 | 142,600 (1999) | |
| Thanh Trì (Green Ponds) | 15 + 1 town | 98.22 | 241,000 | |
| Thường Tín | 28 + 1 town | 127.7 | 208,000 | |
| Từ Liêm | 15 + 1 town | 75.32 | 240,000 | |
| Ứng Hòa | 28 + 1 town | 183.72 | 193,731 (2005) | |
| Subtotal | 399 + 22 towns | 3,266.186 | 3,872,851 | |
| Total | 559 + 22 towns | 3,344.47 | 6,232,940 | |
Hanoi is twinned with:
Hong Kong
Ankara, Turkey
Warsaw, Poland[26]
Toulouse, France
Bangkok, Thailand
Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Moscow, Russia[27]
Beijing, People's Republic of China
Manila, Philippines
Seoul, South Korea
 Golden Hanoi |
 Spring is out there (Hanoi old quarter) |
 Open window of an old house, Nguyen Sieu street |
 Winter window "Nghe bâng khuâng mùa đông, mùa đông, ô cửa sổ xa vắng" |
 The Temple of Literature, steles with names of those successful at the imperial exams |
 The Temple of Literature, main hall |
 One Pillar Pagoda |
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 Presidential Palace, Hanoi (formerly Place of The Governor-General of French Indochina) |
 Vietnam National Convention Center on Pham Hung Boulevard |
 State Guest House |
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 The cathedral St-Joseph |
 National Museum of Fine Art |
 National Museum of History |
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 A busy street |
 Park of Reunification (former Lenin park) |
 Selling lotus flowers in the street |
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 Long Biên Bridge seen from a rural island looking towards the city centre |
 Hanoi's Old Quarter on the eve of Tết |
 Statue of Lý Thái Tổ, emperor and dynasty founder |
 Hỏa Lò, or the "Hanoi Hilton" |
 Hoan Kiem lake |
 Tran Quoc pagoda |
 Tran Quoc pagoda |
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 Ha Noi's University of Medicine |
 Temple of literature |
 Hanoi with Earth Hour 2009 |
 Hanoian family |
 Hanoian women cycling in the rain |
 Lang Hoa-Lac Highway |
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Hanoi (Vietnamese: Hà Nội), the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. It is largely unspoiled by modern architecture of the 1970s and 80s, and is now going through a modernization that is making it a rising star in Southeast Asia.
Invading forces from every direction agree: Hanoi makes a fine capital. It has held that title for more than a thousand years, through several invasions, occupations, restorations, and name changes. The Chinese conquered the imperial city of of Đại La in 1408 and renamed it Tống Bình. Le Loi repelled the invaders in 1428 and applied the name of Lê Thái Tổ (黎太祖); for his efforts, he received the crown and a slew of legends about his heroic exploits, many centered around the Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter. The Nguyen Dynasty gave the city its modern name of Ha Noi in 1831, but they had transferred power to Hue by then; it remained there until 1887, when the French made Hanoi the capital of all Indochina. It changed hands again in 1954, when it was ceded to Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh after almost a decade of fighting, and it became the capital of North Vietnam; upon reunification in 1975, it assumed that title for the entire country.
The first western-style universities in Vietnam were founded in Hanoi, and today, it is the leading center of scientific study and research in the country. Hanoi retains much of its older colonial charm, despite the battles that have raged over it; conflict had the side effect of making it largely oblivious to modern architecture, and as a result, few buildings in the city center area are higher than five stories. The Old Quarter is second only to Hoi An for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, well-preserved on dense warrens of narrow, wonderfully atmospheric streets. It trades the commercial boom and sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City in the South for a more understated charm, worth enjoying for an extra day or two, and with countless transport options and travel agents, it makes a perfect base for exploration of the North.
As you walk along the street, you may find that people start talking to you. It is a cultural norm there to make conversation with strangers. They might ask you where you are from and other general questions.
It takes awhile to get used to that. However, there are times when you find this friendliness extremely helpful, such as when you are lost or need help. If a tourist is robbed on the street, other young male pedestrians might try to catch the culprit while female pedestrians help the victim by calling the cops or the ambulance if the victim is wounded.
The Tourist Information Center - tel: (84-4) 926 3366 - on Dinh Tien Hoang, just north of Hoan Kiem Lake, can provide a fairly useful map (bewilderingly, the blow-up of the old town is missing making it useless in that part of town) and other English-language advice, as well as limited free Internet. They aren't completely without bias, however, and seem to support certain companies, for example An Phu Tour (bus company).
In the Spring, that is when they have the Tet holiday (Lunar New Year’s Eve). Flowers are the most beautiful during this time of the year. The weather starts to warm up with light rain here and there during the week. Hanoians believe that these light rains bring prosperity and luck for the New Year.
The Summer, on the other hand, is quite intolerable. The heat alone would be alright but there is the humidity which would start to manifest in the air since Spring. Visitors also have to be very careful with mosquitoes because there are a lot in Hanoi due to the level of moisture in the air and the temperature. Hanoi has a good climate for many insects to proliferate, not just mosquitoes.
There is something unique about Hanoi’s Fall. The weather is perfect with less humidity in the air. The temperature would drop by now, offering people a chance to take out their fleece and jackets. Moreover, there is this type of tree – “cay hoa sua” which only has flowers in the Fall. The flower has a very distinct smell. If you have the chance to visit Hanoi during the Fall season, make sure you ask the local people about this type of trees and where you can experience their distinct aroma.
Winter can be quite brutal because it is not only cold but also very humid. What makes it feel like the winter in Hanoi is colder than elsewhere is the fact that Vietnamese houses don’t have a central heating system. Many houses don’t have any types of heating at all.
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Departure tax As of November 2006, international departure taxes should be included in the price of your ticket, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will be - check with the airline to be absolutely sure. If not, the tax (sometimes called "passenger service charge") is payable in US dollars (US$14) or in dong. |
Most folks arrive at the Noi Bai International Airport, 35 km (45-60 minutes) north of the city. Several airlines run flights from Noi Bai, including:
If you already have a hotel booked, you might ask them to dispatch a driver for you. The nicer hotels will do this and put the fare on your room bill.
Trains to Nanning, China depart from Gia Lam station, about 5 km north of Hanoi station. All other trains use the main Hanoi train station (Ga Hang Co, 120 Le Duan, tel: 825 3949), for daily services from cities in the south including Hue and Nha Trang. The Reunification Express goes all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, although there is very little 'express' about it.
There are also train services to the north-west (including Lao Cai, from which you reach Sapa - the onward route to Kunming in China is no longer open). To board trains bound for these destinations, you have to enter the railway station compound through the "backdoor" at Tran Quy Cap station. Just tell your driver which destination your train is heading to. Be mindful of any "helpful" stranger who offers to carry your luggage — he probably has a sum more than the cost of the ticket in mind for the help.
Tickets for all destinations are sold in the main station, though there are two counter halls, north and south, serving the respective destinations. Buy your tickets as early as possible, especially since sleeper-tickets can be sold out several days in advance. If you can't get a ticket anymore, try a travel-agent who still might have stocks. You may also try your luck in the station just before boarding time, agents still holding tickets will be eager to sell as the departure draws near. Nevertheless, travel agencies in Hanoi are known for their bad business practices. Some of them will try to overcharge you up to 300%, so it is better go to the train station by yourself and find out about the prices before you agree on any deal.
Most of the "open-tour" bus itineraries either begin or end in Hanoi, with Hue the next (or previous) stop (12-14 hours, US$8-9), and from there to Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, and other cities in Vietnam, depending on the bus company.
Many of the same companies also sell tickets to Vientiane and Savannakhet in Laos (US$16-18), but do some research before you buy a ticket - rattle-trap scam buses abound on this route.
See Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai overland if you're interested in crossing over to China by bus or train.
Taxis are the best way to travel long distances, but the cyclos, or pedicabs, are a cheap way to make shorter trips. Taxi fares are not always consistent, and the rates for each taxi company have not been standardized. For lone travelers, rides on the back of motorbikes (actually low-powered scooters) are popular too (known as xe om, literally meaning motorbike-hug).
Some meter taxi owners in Hanoi will attempt to negotiate a flat fee in advance rather than use the meter. If you have a fair idea of how far you're going or how much you're willing to pay, this is probably a good idea. If the driver refuses, turning around and walking away will almost certainly change his mind. Don't sweat it, it's all part of the expected negotiation protocol. It has also become common for the drivers of some of the less reputable taxi companies to "fix" their meters to run faster hence giving differences in prices for the same distance by a factor of 30! The recommendation is to only use the reputable and reliable taxi companies. These are Hanoi Taxi (Tel (04) 38 535353), Taxi CP (Tel. (04) 38 262626), Mai Linh Taxi (Tel. (04) 38 616161). Another common thing with taxis is that the driver takes you for a "sightseeing" - and extends the tour to make more money. This is very hard to discover unless you know the city well, but if you catch your driver doing this (e.g. going around Hoan Kiem Lake twice), demand that he stop the taxi and leave the taxi without paying.
Be very careful with meter taxis in Hanoi. Some have central locking , and are known to lock passengers in , and demand large amounts of US dollars before letting them go. The driver may threaten to have you beaten up or arrested should you not give in to his demands , but if you kick up enough of a fuss , they will let you go.
Motorbike drivers can be found on virtually every corner, especially in the Old Quarter. Expect to be offered a ride every half-block (or more). You should absolutely negotiate a fare in advance, and again, turn around and walk away if you don't like their offer. There are far more drivers than tourists, and they know it - your fare could be the only one they get all day. You should also write down the negotiated fare (with all zeros) to avoid confusion. Even if you do speak Vietnamese, a driver might pretend that you said 50,000 dong instead of 15,000! In case of argument over fares after the ride, keep calm and repeat the original agreement (remember, you have the leverage). A typical 10 minute fare should cost no more than 15,000-20,000 dong. Many drivers will accept US dollars as well. At the end of a ride, some will offer to hang around to drive you to your next destination - either be clear that you don't want a return ride (and don't go near him when you leave), or get a price in advance. Otherwise, you might be surprised when the driver tacks on several million dong for having waited.
Keep your wallet out of arms reach of the drivers when you pay, less honest motorbike drivers are not adverse to grabbing your wallet and helping themselves to any notes they like the look of before jumping on their bike and speeding off.
Negotiate first or avoid using the cyclos services, they demand 200,000VND (US$12) for a short ride of less than 100 metres. At the end of the journey, a few men will come over to translate, and they will pretend to help and later insist that you pay the demanded amount.
Motorcycles can be rented for around US$5-6 a day, and can be arranged by most hotels. This is good for making lots of trips around the city for individuals or duos, but be careful: Hanoi traffic is very difficult place to sharpen motorbike skills. Park on the sidewalk with other bikes, and be sure to lock the front wheel. Locals will help arrange the bikes near their stores.
Scam free, cheap but a bit difficult to comprehend at first, the buses in Hanoi are relatively fast and surprisingly comfortable. Pick up a map with printed bus lines at the Trang Tien street (the book street by the Opera house) and spend a few minutes to identify the over 60 bus lines, find your bus stop, wait for the bus, pay 3000 dong and off you go. If you are unfamiliar with the city, make sure to inform the conductor where you want to get off. Maps also available online at [25] or [26].
It is housed in a colonial French building which was completed in 1932. The building, designed by the architect Ernest Hébrard is considered as a successful blend between the colonial French architecture and traditional Vietnamese architecture, called Indochina architecture. He created double-walls and balconies for a natural ventilation system and protection from sunshine.
Sit on a plastic chair in front of one of the Bia Hoi (fresh beer) establishments which are invariably situated on the corners of many of Hanoi's 'Old Quarter' streets. This preservative-free light beer is the perfect drink to sip as you watch the city's frenetic life bustle by. The beer costs less than twenty cents and gives you an excuse to relax and take photos of the passing local characters. Should not be missed. Moreover, once you reach the Old Quarter, you will find that almost every corner is filled with stalls selling Pho (Vietnamese noodle) and cafe (the name is not limited only to coffee, but also tea, sweets and grocery items, and yes, even to Pho!).
If you want to do some mild weight training on a budget, head to 88 Hang Buom st, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The cost is 20,000VND per session as of November 2009. A local tells me he pays 130,000VND per month. Be aware however the gym is in very poor condition. The floor is hazardous and no one will spot you whilst benching so ensure your last rep you are able to place the bar back or go with a friend. The front of the gym is full of scooters and the rear wall has pictures of Uncle Ho exercising back in the day! Drinks are 10,000VND.
Hidden Hanoi (137 Nghi Tam Road (aka Duong An Duong Vuong), Tay Ho, Hanoi, e: info@hiddenhanoi.com.vn; web: [30]) Located on the bund road in the Tay Ho district, Hidden Hanoi runs walking tours and cooking classes. There are many options, but the 1 hour walking tour of the local market, followed by the 3 hour cooking class, was a foody's delight (approximately US$50 per person). Cooking Class menus change daily, and there are other walking tours available. They also run language classes, and there is a dance school in the same building.
Vietnam Culinary School - Located right in the heart of Hanoi Administration Departments, the Vietnam Culinary School welcomes you to a fantastic food center place where you will discover and experience the culinary wonders of truly Vietnam Cuisine. The Culinary Class has fully equipped facilities offering you the chance to put your hand to practicing Vietnamese Cuisine. A typical day will commence with a visit to the morning market. Accompanied by an instructor, you will learn to select and buy Vietnamese ingredients for your personal cooking lesson. The class will be followed by a meal in a delightful restaurant sampling your own cooking as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes. Contact: hanoiculinaryclass@gmail.com for more details.
Since the mid 90s, Vietnamese cuisine has been catching up again and is now very diverse and most delicious. Most famous remains 'Pho Ga' (chicken noodle soup) or 'Pho Bo'(Beef noodle soup). There are various dishes including chicken, beef, fish and seafood.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of restaurants nowadays in Hanoi catering to everyone's taste. Be careful in your selection of eatery as most often the food on offer is utterly appalling and prepared in the most unhygienic conditions. Often Western travelers need to contend with recurring bouts of diarrhea and should prepare themselves for the eventuality.
On Tô Tich, a small street connecting Hang Quat and Hang Gai, you can help yourself to a refreshing fruit milkshake (sinh tố) at one of the stalls (~7000 dong).
You can also try BBQ pork (slice) in soup with vermicelli and lots of vegetables at DAC KIM (24, Hang Ga, Hoen Kiem, Hanoi; open 8AM-8PM). They serve spring rolls too.
The Sofitel Metropole does an "eat all you can" chocolate buffet each day from 3PM to 5:30PM. The price of $15++, tea is available at $4++ per pot. The chocolate is of a very high quality and includes a chocolate fountain and chocolate ice cream as well as a variety of freshly-made "Belgian" style chocolates.
The community of Le Mat (aka the Snake Village) has numerous restaurants specializing in cobra foodstuffs. Live cobras are stored on the premises much the same way one would find live lobsters at a Western seafood restaurant. If one orders cobra blood wine from the menu, the waiter will take a live cobra, kill it on the spot, drain the blood into a shot glass of rice wine, and top it off with the cobra's still beating heart for you to gulp down! Not for the faint hearted. Le Mat is about ten minutes across the river from downtown.
A local delicacy in the Hanoi area is dog meat (thịt chó), which is especially popular in the winter. There are a number of restaurants along the Red River that specialize in it. Another exotic regional taste is ca cuong, an extract from the belostomatid, or giant water bug. Just a few drops are added to noodles for the unique aroma.
In traveling to a new country, a tourist should spend some time exploring the culinary arts of the host community. In Hanoi, there are hundreds of street restaurants in small kiosks on the sidewalk or there are plastic tables and chairs on the pavements too. Always bear in mind that by going to a nice, clean and Western-looking restaurant, you are experiencing the commercialized versions of the food. Nevertheless, it is not highly recommendable to go out there by yourself and try the food at any small restaurants that you see on the sidewalk. Talk to other tourists that you see along the way. The best people to ask would be those who are backpackers or those who look as though they are living in Hanoi because they would know which places are good. If you are more adventurous than that, you can always ask the xe-om (motorbike driver) at almost every corner of the streets in Hanoi. They are indigenous people and they eat at these small restaurants as well. They would be a good source of information for you.
Look to the Old Quarter for atmospheric street stalls and reasonably priced Western and local fare.
Bia Hơi is abundant in the streets of the Old Quarter. At the crossing of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen five separate venues fill up with travellers in the evenings, but you can get more local atmosphere on some of the side streets.
Hanoi is a lively city on the weekends, but the Old Quarter closes relatively early (at midnight) on weekdays, so you might want to start your night early. Other places outside the Old Quarter stay open later and vary in closing times.
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Hanoi hotel scams Although many hotels in Hanoi are helpful and trustworthy, there are still some scam artists around. Touts will try to lure you into a hotel. If you decide to go, be sure to have them pay the transport, and don't hesitate to leave if you do not like the place. Also, do not believe anybody other than the front desk clerk if they tell you that a certain hotel is "full". They'd rather take you to a place that pays them a commission. Any hotel will be keen to have you book a Ha Long Bay trip through them, but wait a day to judge the quality of service you're receiving there - that'll give you some idea of what kind of travel agency they intend to refer you to. Be aware that unscrupulous hotels will promise deals that are poorly explained until check-out - for example, "daily free water and fruit" that is only free on the first day. In the Old Quarter, Thien Tan Hotel, Old Street Hotel and Ocean Star Hotel indulge in this scam, so avoid them. If you've booked into a rotten hotel and you're planning to leave, don't be shy about taking photos of the minibar right before you leave, lest a few bottles go missing while the staff are "checking" your room. Also, ask explicitly whether tax is included in your room rate. Better hotels will include the tax, but scam-havens like the Old Street Hotel see it as an opportunity to squeeze an extra dollar or two out of you. You might return late at night to your hotel room to find that all your belongings have been cleared out and you will be accused for not having called during the day. They will then make you believe that there was something wrong with the plumbing in your room, that they were fully booked and you have to change to another hotel which is, of course, much more expensive. There are some hotels that will tell you their room is facing an electricity or water leaking problem and arrange you to stay at a much cheaper, maybe lousy hotel on the 1st day. But they actually do reserve the room for Western foreigners. In the old quarters, Hanoi Plaza hotel indulges in this scam. With the overwhelming amount of motorbike traffic and the common rule to honk a few times before even considering the brakes, it is wise to check your hotel room's location before taking it. Having a room on the street side means being exposed to the honking which doesn't end till 1AM and starts again around 5AM. If you go more upmarket, chances are there will be sound-proof glass, but it is still wise to check first. |
The Old Quarter is littered with guesthouses and hostels catering for budget travelers.
Like everywhere else in Vietnam, traffic in Hanoi is dominated by an incredible amount of motorbikes, all of which seem to be making a mad, desperate dash for something just out of reach — all of the time. In other words, pedestrian traffic can be overwhelming for visitors, especially in the narrow streets around the Old Quarter. When you leave the curb, look both ways, and take each step slowly and patiently while trying to make eye contact with any oncoming drivers. The key word here is slowly — don't rush. This way the drivers are aware of you, and can take you into account (along with all of the other motorbikes). It may look, and indeed is somewhat chaotic, but be patient and pay attention when you're crossing any street, large or small, and you should be fine.
- Note the recently added '3' in front of all local numbers. Example:
There are plenty of internet cafés all over the city. Most are used by Vietnamese teens playing online dance or battle games. Rates vary, but can be as low as 3000 dong/hour. Some of the better cafés, particularly in the Old Quarter, have computers that are Skype-capable for international phone calls. Close to Hanoi Youth Hostel there is a cybercafe that charge tourist ten times the actual cost. It is next door, and has no name. If you are in a hurry use another one.
The cafes that charge you for using the Internet usually provide desktop computers. There are also cafes where they have free wireless. All you have to do is order something from their menus and use their wifi for as long as you want. The wifi cafes are usually concentrated around Hoan Kiem lake area.
Argentina: [61]
British Embassy,
Central Building, 31
Hai Ba Trung, ☎ ++ (84) (4)
9360550 (behanoi@hn.vnn.vn, fax: ++ (84) (4) 9360562). 08:30-12:30 & 13:30-16:30. edit
Czech Republic: [64]
France: [65]
Germany: [66]
Embassy of India,
58-60, Tran Hung Dao
Hanoi, ☎ 00-84-4-253409
252310. edit
Italy: [68]
Malaysia, 43-45 Dien Bien Phu
Hanoi, ☎ 84-4-3734
3849. edit
Netherlands: [69]
Norway: [70]
Poland, [71]. edit
Russia, 191 La Thanh street
Hanoi, ☎ 84 4 833 6991,
833-6992, consular department 833-6575, [72].
in
russian edit
Singapore: [73]
Sweden: [74]
Embassy of
Switzerland, Hanoi Central Office Building (HCO
Building), 15th Floor, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street,
☎ +84 (4) 39 34 65 89 (fax: +84 (4) 39 34 65 91), [75]. Monday to Friday 10:00-12:00; Saturday / Sunday
closed; In the afternoon by appointment. edit
Taiwan: [76]List of Embassies in Hanoi[78].
If you are the adventurous type or simply bored temporarily of the city atmosphere, then consider a cruise in the northern countryside. A round trip will bring you to a lot of charming villages and through hills and valleys with stunning nature. Main roads are generally in good condition and you can easily do a couple of hundred kilometers a day. The villages and provinces are generally safe at night, and you get to see a lot of Vietnamese culture such as various tribe folks. While bus services are in fact available (albeit not always reliable), a recommended alternative is to rent a bike or car and make the trip on your own. Motorbikes in decent quality can be rented for as little as US$5 a day, and many places have suggestions for routes.
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HANOI, capital of Tongking and of French Indo-China, on the right bank of the Song-koi or Red river, about 80 m. from its mouth in the Gulf of Tongking. Taking in the suburban population the inhabitants numbered in 1905 about 1 io,000, including 103,000 Annamese, 2289 Chinese and 2665 French, exclusive of troops. Hanoi resembles a European city in the possession of wide well-paved streets and promenades, systems of electric light and drainage and a good water-supply. A crowded native quarter built round a picturesque lake lies close to the river with the European quarter to the south of it. The public buildings include the palace of the governor-general, situated in a spacious botanical and zoological garden, the large military hospital, the cathedral of St Joseph, the Paul Bert college, and the theatre. The barracks and other military buildings occupy the site of the old citadel, an area of over 300 acres, to the west of the native town. The so-called pagoda of the Great Buddha is the chief native building. The river is embanked and is crossed by the Pont Doumer, a fine railway bridge over i m. long. Vessels drawing 8 or 9 ft. can reach the town. Hanoi is 1 For others of the name see Carthage; Hannibal; Punic Wars. Smith's Classical Dictionary has notices of some thirty of the name.
the seat of the general government of Indo-China, of the residentsuperior of Tongking, and of a bishop, who is vicar-apostolic of central Tongking. It is administered by an elective municipal council with a civil service administrator as mayor. It has a chamber of commerce, the president of which has a seat on the superior council of Indo-China; a chamber of the court of appeal of Indo-China, a civil tribunal of the first order, and is the seat of the chamber of agriculture of Tongking. Its industries include cotton-spinning, brewing, distilling, and the manufacture of tobacco, earthenware and matches; native industry produces carved and inlaid furniture, bronzes and artistic metalwork, silk embroidery, &c. Hanoi is the junction of railways to Hai-Phong, its seaport, Lao-Kay, Vinh, and the Chinese frontier via Lang-Son. It is in frequent communication with Hai-Phong by steamboat.
See C. Madrolle, Tonkin du sud: Hanoi (Paris, 1907).
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[[File:|thumb|right|Hanoi at Night]] Hanoi (Vietnamese: Quốc Ngữ Hà Nội; Chữ Nôm 河内) is the capital of Vietnam. There are about 3,083,800 (2004) people who live in the city. It was the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam from 1945 until now. Before that, it was the capital of the country now called Vietnam for most of the time from at least the 11th century until 1802. The city is on the right of the Red River. Things made there include machine tools, plywood, textiles, chemicals, and handicrafts. Hanoi is located at 21°2' North, 105°51' East (21.0333, 105.85), 1,760 km north of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). [1]
pcd:Hanoï
   | Country files (GNS) - NGA: Country Files |
| | Historical Weather for Hanoi, Vietnam - Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Hanoi, Vietnam |
| | The quick look at Hanoi - Provinces and cities |
| | Introduction to Hanoi - Introduction to Hanoi - New York Times |
| | Vietscape Travel: Hanoi - Hanoi - Vietnam Landscapes |
| | Living in Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Yellow Pages - LivinginVietnam.com |
| | New Hanoian - Hanoi's Community Produced Local Expat Guide | The New Hanoian |
| | Thang Long the ancient city underneath Hanoi - The New York Times > Log In |
| | The Old Quarter - Ha Noi Old Quarter Photo Gallery |
| | Hanoi: Yesterday and Today - Trai Tim Viet Nam Online |
| | Precipitation for Hanoi - Hanoi, Vietnam Weather - Asia for Visitors |
| | Weather for Hanoi - Average Weather for Hanoi, * - Temperature and Precipitation |
| | Hoan Kiem lake photo gallery - Hoan Kiem lake photo gallery |
| | Vietnam Destinations: Ban Gioc (Cao Bang) - Vietnam destinations Cao Bang - Ban Gioc, tours, weather, maps, pictures, tour operators, company! |
| | Interactive map of Hanoi - Vinacarta, Interactive Maps of South-East ASia |
| | Photos from a backpacker's trip to Hanoi - Hanoi, Vietnam: Travel Guide, Travelogue, Travel Photos, and Travel Pictures |
| | South East Asian Travel: Hanoi - South East Asian Travel: A Quick Visa Run to Hanoi, Vietnam |
| | E8Club - Flickr: E8Club's Photostream |
| | Hanoi Citadel - Hanoi Citadel- Hanoi Sights Citadel, Hanoi old quarter tour , Hanoi sightseeing |
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