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Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV),
located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam. It
was founded in 1010 under the reign of Ly Cong Uan King. The city
seems to be slow-paced, pleasant, and charming. Indeed it is said
to be physically more attractive than HCMC as there is less
traffic, noise, and pollution but more trees and opened spaces.
Vietnam's tropical monsoon climate is divided into the rainy
and dry seasons. The most distinctive characteristic of Hanoi's
climate is the fluctuations between the cold and hot seasons.
Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works
including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas. Hectares of lakes
lie intertwined between the streets, the largest ones being Hoan
Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake. Many traditional
handicrafts are also practiced in Hanoi including bronze molding,
silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery.
Other famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in
1042), the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), the Tay Phuong
Pagoda, which is very famous for its collection of statues, and
Lenin Park.
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