Hanoi, where the old and the new blend harmoniously, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. The history of Hanoi, however, is long and tumultuous. From its earliest habitants dating to 3,000 BC through long periods of wars and occupation by the Ming Dynasty of China in 1408, the French in 1873, the Japanese during World War II, then the French again until the infamous Vietnam War, which ended in 1975.
Today, if you walk the streets of Hanoi, it is hard to imagine the damage experienced by this glorious city in the past. With its well-preserved temples, stunning Oriental and French architecture, magnificent landscapes and bustling city life, Hanoi has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Hanoi tourist spots are plentiful, and tourists will need to plan their stay and use a travel guide to see all these wonderful sights.
There are hundreds of temples and pagodas all over the city that offer solace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of the streets. The oldest and most famous temple is the Bach Ma (or White Horse) Temple, built in 1010 by the founder of the Ly Dynasty, Ly Thai To. Another famous temple is the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius and his teachings.
Aside from these, the city is also home to a number of museums: National Museum of Vietnamese History, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Vietnam Women's Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Contemporary Arts Centre, Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, Vietnam Museum of Revolution, and Vietnam Military History Museum, just to name a few.
Hanoi also has a number of picturesque lakes. Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Returned Sword, is a city centerpiece. A walk by the lake at night is perfect for a romantic evening. The largest in Hanoi, the West Lake has a number of gardens, restaurants and hotels, and other entertainment places surrounding it. Meanwhile, the parks and gardens of Hanoi include Cuc Phuong National Park, the foremost national park in the country, located about 100 km south of the city. The Botanical Gardens, a park located at the heart of the city, is popular with locals and tourists alike, with its sculptures and old trees amid open spaces ideal for outdoor activities.
But perhaps the most popular Hanoi tourist spot is the Hanoi Old Quarter. A bustling historical district situated near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Old Quarter has 36 streets that date back to as early as the 13th century. Each of these 36 streets was named for the primary good originally sold and traded in that street. Today, some of the streets still have merchants that sell the original goods, although most now have restaurants, hotels and other establishments that support Hanoi tourism. There are plenty of lodgings around Hanoi, ranging from budget to luxurious. There are many hotels in Hanoi, including An Hung Hotel, that offer comfortable rooms at discounted rates for the leisure or business traveler.
With so many tourist spots, it is no wonder that tourism here is flourishing. In spite of the turbulent history of Hanoi, it has survived and continues to one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia and the world.
Getting to Know Vietnam: History and Tourism of Modern Hanoi
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