"HANOI" Hanoi by Umea6

Hanoi Travel Guide: 2,675 reviews and 5,718 photos

VIETNAM

Vietnam is a remarkable country. My favourite, for many reasons....
Signs of a horrible war and destruciton are never far away. Yet they know they live in the present and for the future which shows from their smiling faces.

History of Hanoi

Street scene

Hanoi is Vietnam's political capital nad lies on the banks of the Red River. The city of Hanoi doesn't seem as crowded (3 million people) as Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon which is definetly more economically developed than Hanoi.

Hanoi received its name only in 1831, before than it was know under the name of Thang Long.

In 1882 Hanoi was conquered by a French expedition and was forced to accept the status of a French protectorate. The French divided the country into three protectorates:
- Cochin China (in the South)
- Annam (central Vietnam)
- Tonkin (North Vietnam).
Hanoi became the capital of the protectorate Tonkin.

Most parts of today's Hanoi were built during the French colonial occupation - don't be surprised to see broad boulevards, French architecture and excellent French bread sold on the streets around the city.

The French left Hanoi after their defeat at Dien Bien Phu.
Another tragedy hit Vietnam and Hanoi - the US bombardments of North Vietnam from March 1965 to October 1968. After the end of the bombardments the city again grew rapidly.

Pros and Cons

Cons:Pollution!
In a nutshell:Smile and the world will smile with you!

Last visit to Hanoi: Apr 1996
Intro Updated Dec 16, 2003
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Reviews (21)

SON LA MARKET Off The Beaten Path (7)

COMING SOON more travel advice

SON LA Off The Beaten Path (7)

COMING SOON more travel advice

Chua Thay Things to Do (10)

more travel advice

Street food Things to Do (10)

There is food cooking at every corner of Hanoi. And it is quite delicious, especially the warm bread buns they are... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Gass station

Restaurants (3)
See All Meat stalls

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (7)

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850prc Jun 12, 2008 at 8:22 AM

Interesting, Barbara. The snakes restaurants sound pretty freaky. Hey, check out my homepage.. I see you're looking forward to travel with you little ones. We always travelled with our kids. :)
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sailor_p Oct 27, 2005 at 1:54 AM

Great introduction of Hanoi and fabulous photographs. You have definitely brought out the essence of Hanoi. I look forward to visit Hanoi next month! Thaks for your great tips.
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Aliceinhn Sep 3, 2004 at 2:33 AM

Wow I like your pictures of Hanoi so very much. I'm going to post my most recent picture of Hanoi on the Independent Day (2/9). You're invited to have a look:-)
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pmarshuk Apr 27, 2004 at 7:13 AM

Great page here. Loved Hanoi and your pictures show it just as it is.
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jenniferchin Mar 14, 2004 at 10:46 PM

Such an amazing Hanoi page !! Beautiful colourful pictures :-)) Thank you !
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Pangea Dec 10, 2003 at 5:56 AM

I've never been in Vietnam, but with Japan are my two favourite countries in Far East. Beautiful pictures inside.
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quartinb Nov 30, 2003 at 9:24 AM

exotic spot on earth....