Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city by
population. It is situated along the Red River and lies about a thousand
miles away from the city’s most important city, Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi has
served as the epicentre of politics and administration from 11th
to 19th century, before it was subdued for a period of 5 years
by Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. Once past that
misadventure, Hanoi has risen through the ranks rapidly and celebrated its
1000 years of existence in 2010. You should visit this southeast Asian
megacity for its stellar mix of art, architecture and culture. For those
interested in street foods, Hanoi tops its prolific street food culture
with a tinge of Chinese and French influences.
Things to do in Hanoi
Vietnamese Women's Museum
Vietnamese Women's Museum is dedicated to the unforgettable contributions
of noted Vietnamese women over last millennium. The museum presents a
full-view of their respective contributions. This is seconded by a stunning
collection of many artistic hand-made ethnic costumes and several artefacts
related to many social themes.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Housed inside a shiny white building in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Museum
resembles a lotus from the outside. This museum, completed in 1990, is home
to a haunting depiction of Vietnam’s brutal conflicts with the US and how
the city was nearly devastated in the Vietnam War in 1960s. The displays
here are marked in English, French, Chinese and Russian.
Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution
Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution is home to a moving depiction of the
country’s glorious rise against the colonial French in mid-19th
century, Imperial Japanese in the Second world War and the US in 1960s. The
museum is housed in a colonial French building dating back to 1932. It has
over 200000 exhibits that are displayed in five theme-based sections.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Winter season (the months from November to January) are the best to book
your flights from Los Angeles to Hanoi. Book your flights from LAX to HAN
during this time of the year to enjoy famous cultural festivals and events
like Vietnamese New Year that is celebrated with pomp and show. It is
advised to book Hanoi flights in advance to avoid paying more during peak
season.