Hà Nội

Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and second-largest city, set in the Red River Delta in the country's north. It pairs a thousand-year history with fast modern growth: French colonial architecture, lakes, temples and the crowded lanes of the Old Quarter sit alongside new towers, business districts and a growing metro.

The city's heritage appears throughout central Hanoi. The Temple of Literature dates to 1070, and landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Hoan Kiem Lake's Ngoc Son Temple show Vietnam's dynastic and revolutionary past.

Neighbourhoods each have a distinct character. The Old Quarter and French Quarter around Hoan Kiem are known for historic streets, colonial buildings, cafés and shops. Ba Dinh holds government offices and major monuments, while West Lake (Tay Ho) offers lakeside dining and a more relaxed expat and residential scene.

Hanoi is Vietnam's political and administrative centre and an important base for business, technology, trade and international events. Its food culture is a major draw, from pho, bun cha and banh mi to egg coffee, street-food stalls and busy night markets.

For leisure visitors, Hanoi is also a gateway to Ha Long Bay, Sapa and Ninh Binh, while business travellers value its government institutions, conferences, hotels and connections. Few cities combine old Vietnam and modern Asia as closely as Hanoi.