Smaller than Saigon, but extra stunning

Hanoi and the surrounding area have a lot to interest visitors. Its central area is compact - many of the predominant points of interest are inside walking distance. Tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings and lots of lakes make nice routes for a pedestrian tour. If you do not mind turning into an attraction for the Vietnamese, a ‘cyclo’ tour generally is a less strenuous approach of seeing a few of the sites. Guests which are more adventurous could also be attracted by cycling or riding on the again of a bike - nevertheless, it is a choice best made after you have seen the visitors scenario! 

It’s also a remarkably safe city. The extent of crime is low, and what exists rarely involves violence. Aside from commonsense precautions, further safety measures are unnecessary.  

The center of Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake and the Outdated Quarter in central Hanoi are thronged with people throughout the day. Close by, in a gorgeous setting, is the Hanoi Municipal Theatre, better often known as the Opera Home, a smaller model of its cousin in Paris and now restored to its authentic grandeur. The adjacent Hanoi Opera hotel is one of the few modern buildings that improve an architectural basic anyplace in Vietnam.  

Gia Linh Travel Company will probably be offered tickets for any fascinating performances at the Opera Home during their time within the capital. You will even be invited to a performance of water puppetry, an artwork form unique to North Vietnam and a fascinating, humorous introduction to its conventional culture. 

The Ho Chi Minh complex

The area devoted to the late President Ho Chi Minh is well worth a visit. Viewing his embalmed physique in an imposing mausoleum is a somewhat macabre expertise, but the nearby museum and his modest small stilt home provide a priceless perception into the life and times of some of the profitable leaders of the twentieth century. Close by is the magnificent Presidential Palace, sadly not open to visitors. 

Van Mieu

Van Mien, (the Temple of Literature) dates back to the eleventh century and is the oldest college in Vietnam (and one of many oldest on this planet). Not too long ago restored, it's a now a sexy and informative monument not removed from the city centre. 

Museums

Additional out is the Museum of Ethnology - we charge it as the best museum in Vietnam. It provides an in-depth overview of the advanced life-styles, traditions and handicrafts of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, well-presented and effectively interpreted. Also of observe, but extra conventional in their method, are the History Museum, the Military Museum and the High quality Arts Museum. On a lot smaller scale, both physically and financially, the Girl’s Museum focuses on the position of ladies locally and that of the ‘Long-haired Army’, the various ladies who fought and died alongside side the men of the Viet Minh and the Viet Cong.  

The Citadel area

The ancient Hanoi Citadel is currently occupied by the military, however is in the technique of restoration previous to making sections accessible to the public throughout 2004.  

Throughout the highway, a large archaeological 'dig' currently happening on the positioning of what would be the new National Meeting constructing has unearthed what seem like the stays of an historical palace and its ceramics kiln. Ceramic articles were the sole property of royalty, and have been thought to have been imported from China throughout its Song period. The findings have revealed that Vietnam not only made its personal ceramic articles, but additionally developed a singular style during the Ly Dynasty from the ninth to the 11th centuries. 

Amenities

Hanoi presently boasts Vietnam’s most modern airport, Noi Bai, opened only a few years ago 35 km from the city, and already planning a second terminal. The city has seven 5-star hotels and a large range of hotels at lower standards. There is a large number of eating places offering most of the foremost international cuisines and nearly all of the differing styles of Vietnamese food. They range from top-flight connoisseur institutions with prices to match, to avenue-side ‘cafés’ the place a filling meal usually costs less than a dollar. 

It’s a consumer’s paradise. There are retail outlets starting from large indoor markets to humble avenue stalls, up market designer brands, western-style tremendous markets and, of course, the commercial centre in the Previous Quarter the place you'll be able to find practically anything from ripped-off DVD's for less than a dollar to a tastefully designed tombstone along with your likeness inscribed into the stone. 

There are many banks and currency exchange retailers, and ATM's shelling out local currency are actually commonplace. 

Taxis are cheap, metered and usually reliable. 'Cyclos' and 'Xe Oms' are a different matter!