Hanoi, with a population of approximately 3 million is the capital city of Vietnam for more than a millennium. Widely considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam, Hanoi is sometimes known as the City of Lakes. This is a tribute to its many scenic lakes, most famously the Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake.
An alluring blend of East and West, Hanoi is a city where fascinating ancient pagodas and citadels like Co Loa (208 BC) co-exists harmoniously with charming French-colonial architecture (19th century), as seen in the Hanoi Opera House. The Opera House was modeled after the Paris Opera House.
Among Hanoi’s attractions are Hoan Kiem Lake (considered the heart of Hanoi), Ba Dinh Square, West Lake zone, Co Loa Citadel, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, St Joseph’s Church, Museum of History, Old Quarter, French Quarter, Mot Cot Pagoda and Van Mieu Temple.
Climate-wise, as Hanoi rests on the northern delta of the Red River, it experiences the four seasons. Spring unfolds with a pleasant temperature of 15 deg C to 20 deg C from February to April. It then rises to 30 deg C to 36 deg C in summer between May and August. The autumn winds sweep in come September till November, bringing with it temperatures of between 25 deg C – 36 deg C. Winter months of December and January in Hanoi are mild, with temperatures ranging between 10 deg C – 15 deg C.
The inhabitants of Hanoi are known for their genteel nature and friendliness. This is a reflection of a past where Hanoi is the confluence for much of the Vietnam’s talents in arts and education. |
