Discover the Attractions and Things To Do in Hanoi

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is one of the most charming cities in Southeast Asia. The city is a fascinating mix of cultural influences, seen in the French colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards contrasting with centuries-old pagodas and temples. From the bustling heart of the city’s Old Quarter, it is only a short drive away to the tranquil countryside where you can soak in the natural beauty of its lush parks, mountains, lakes and traditional villages.

Located on the right bank of the Red River, Hanoi has grown into a populous, culturally rich and economically vibrant metropolis over the course of a millennium. From 1010 until 1802, the city was the political centre of an independent Vietnam with a few brief interruptions. During the French occupation from 1897 to 1954, Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina. Following the end of the Vietnam War, when North and South Vietnam were reunited, Hanoi became the capital of Vietnam.

Hanoi has had many names throughout its history, such as Dai La (meaning “Great Net” in 866) and Thang Long (“Ascending Dragon” in 1010), with the latter still used poetically to this day. In 1831 the Nguyen Dynasty renamed it Hanoi (which means “Between Rivers”).