Noodle ladder popular in Hanoi Vietnam

The well-known Hanoi that the fussy, meticulous, careful not only words eat, say, in the behavioral and lifestyle that is also reflected even in the food culture. Today, the bustling life makes the kitchen the family no longer much room for meal sifted, carefully, periods characterized as Bun Thang more elegant. Sometimes people remember the old flavor, they are only running the street outside the restaurant to enjoy the convenience only.

But you know why named: Bun Thang is not? There are several "streams" different information slowing down. Some people say the reason they called Bun Thang because in this material are great-chiu, to prepare for hours with all the nutrients should "Thang" means "Thang tonic." But there are people who explained that "Call the Thang by Bun bun is made like a drug loading, each second a little, a little bit and then combined into a very particular taste, sweet and deep nourishment." Wow, hear also make sense right? Engineering, which some researchers cuisine, Bun Thang is the very simple means. According to the Chinese, the "scale" means soup, Bun Thang is essentially a "noodle soup is chan because" that's all!

But even that does bring us nor denying yourself a delicious and sophisticated level of this baby food? If the other dishes we can pick out a few types of materials are considered "essential" then at least Bun Thang, all spices, raw materials have contributed to the "quality" of its own, though lack of a second bun alone is also considered bad risks. It is estimated to have up to 20 types of materials to make this dish of which ...

Vermicelli noodles are the kind of trouble choosing white, microfiber also subtle aroma of banana leaves wrapped outside. Chicken is not chicken, meat is tender and just steps sliced ​​chicken BOY nor simple. Because the chicken to be very small tear, enough was enough meat, gold, ivory tusks cents a blur. Then silk rolls must be chosen carefully, rolls to pink, smooth surface, and bring the state just like the toothpick toothpick Volume I are pretty small. More fussy then coated with egg stage, eggs must be coated so that the paper-thin tang without risk tearing it also offers small states to look like the king of red silk bun, this is considered as the standard. And yet mild, above noodle bowl has dried radish and sweet and sour dish beams "procession of shrimp" is crushed from peeled shrimp or prawn anymore. All will be the grandmother, the mother arranged an orderly manner with the colors alternating with each other is fantastic. Besides the bright yellow of the eggs of fish small shrimps are pink pink shrimp. Besides the white rose of green silk rolls is the aggregate of the interwoven strands of ivory tusks chicken. In the best there is, in the back feel excellent, tasty bowl of Bun Thang arouse the sense of smell and sight of the viewer. Not only delicious but also has mouth eyes!

But first important to make "soul" of the main bowl of Bun Thang bouillon in the pot. Some people jokingly called it an "art" of there! Nor wrong with that. Initially the chicken bones and pork bones and security must be true for all the fresh water that is the bone of flesh sweet and not so sweet "sham" of seasoning. As soon as water begins to boil, we have picked out the pot of water bubbles to clear and then add prawns and when the ink dried on to security. In the end, then drop again to add mushrooms to pan up smelling fragrance. A pot of water use "standard" must have clarity, sweetness and flavor do you say all that a hearts.

It would be flawed if not to mention the accompanying condiment dish. Condiment is "quiet charm" of bun thang, that's the shrimp sauce. As someone jokingly called "Bun Thang is not like eating noodles shrimp sauce that did not have water," so there! And of course, referring to Bun Thang is impossible not to remember belostomatid oil is considered the soul of the dish by a very special position of its aroma. Just one or two drops into the bowl of noodles belostomatid only enjoy the ecstasy had been lured to pieces eventually. But unfortunately, today, with the gradual extinction of the fish stem a special taste that has gradually become absent in the bowl of Bun Thang Ha into stupor as many people have regrets.

Hanoi Vietnam people turned away from every roof fans remember the taste of the bun thang. Remember that the deep concentration and sweetness characteristic of water. Remember that the eye looks full blend flavor and taste. And how many will still remember those cold winter days fresh bun sitting untouched attractive rooms smoke eaters ...

If no street vendors in Hanoi Vietnam ...

Style street light and convenient transportation is no longer possible when street vendors but also means that Hanoi Vietnam will lose something which belonged to it.

A fun buying and selling stolen

If you say something to stick with all the people of the capital Hanoi as an inseparable part is that the street vendors. Street vendors under the basket the team was present dry bright "hot-noodle," "Xoi peanuts, coconut sticky rice, bread songs here," "Who's that hot bread rolls" ....; A light water dish: Burma, wheat, noodles, porridge .... warm the oil in a first kitchen burden rays; a main meal with a half-meter of the season, with constant water wave tank tofu ...; is little snacks warm bowl hungry between cheese-making day in the late summer cold, with cereal grains every collection of non green, with grapefruit peach, banana egg hoes, red berry pink ...; are the essential items like clothing, shoes, hats, scarves ... but also the food for filled with the spirit of useful reports, with tape, disk or bright flowers ...

We can say with all the needs of the guests lack of time in the context of such excess that the street vendors are widely considered to meet quite effective, and so from morning to night, from day to month, from year to year, street vendors deeply rooted in daily life habits of the people of this place.

Street vendors could warm her belly with a bowl of porridge labor vendors at the end of the night shift; to please her silk sold on Hang Gai in the early morning when the car flower shop just preparing to welcome guests; bring a smile Tell your prints so busy stirring reception should forget about trimming the nails yourself; for some of us Ha to the public his collar, tie, greeted each morning the first chip cups of green tea or a few days she skirts the office and still can not forget the dot end of the bowl of spicy sour sauce corner building sidewalks. Whether they are street vendors who all play a significant place in their daily lives.

They swooped on street vendors sometimes because of what they need done as well as just to have instilled in their moments of peace, of chaos, of recollection, of peace. So no wonder many buyers as sellers busy talk but forget to select goods, bargain all words and no extra money back because "I look too". Where to buy but not because that just invites forever, but not eat up put down. Image buyers surrounded burden straw vendors talk, laugh us Ha things that nothing related to that looks like this is not just a sale.

Sometimes things that are full of street vendors in the shop, but people still like the pear is the sidewalks. So a new conversation "was waiting for her to come over to peddle it back and ask," "the fat for you peddle it" ... Sometimes they pass between the relationship is simply the buying and traitor. If no street vendors did not make people think about at night craving grilled corn, old box nor mai make me remember the burning sensation beams, mango mix, not find warm atmosphere while surrounded by seaweed noodles burden in restaurants, the restaurants or the market place crowded, noisy. Street vendors sometimes gives people a feeling not easily seen.

Popular demand is removed

Written off street vendors means that tens of thousands of household businesses and millions of sidewalk vendors are unemployed. These are people that only with a basket, a pair of optical burdens, or to more than a coffee bike museum, leaving behind a house with their children cry eo dull the door to the city to find the next living.

With dirt-income foam, about one thousand to two dozen traveling all day do not know how many miles city, but the poor still determined to cling to this profession because of the essential needs of the family as a child, tuition, medical, or dream you change your life for college at the door .... They stick to their jobs because that is their only livelihood.

And as a corollary when the breadwinner who cut off this part are of course subject to their main customers, the common people, also carrier. Ask a medical leave to sell vegetables than ten thousand stars dare to eat a bowl of noodles in a row, she paid a few employees of the cool glass of water in drinks?

For those who retired as grandparents Dragon (Hong Ha Street, Hoan Kiem), the street vendors are best for them: "Just as we had VND5000 soup bowl just belly, do have any shops selling soup which entered the back side just to pay the price "chips coin three trenches" so. "

As for the workers as she Hau (Vinh Tuy, Hoang Mai) is working though the only song with a monthly salary based on the ke million, so this is understandable: "The minimum price for each flowers in the "shop" would be from 1,000 to 15,000 while the dollar amount of algae that if it is possible to buy enough flowers for the altar three plugs for my house on a full moon and then th.

"It is also not to mention hundreds of thousands of reasons to refuse the poor," says Ms. Yue, selling clothes in Hang Dao Street coal. "We're in the store all day I have no time to market or to the main shopping should be waiting on the street vendors over this burden. No street vendors, the different markets .... Puzzling. "

But Ms. Lan at Hang Da is assigned hearing "I do not need to buy expensive items should be on the best street vendors. Choose from comfortable to wear all this easily without fear of being chickened chickened that. "When to rent a shop or restaurant to open land, where this price must be higher than the peddlers is understandable, but with the income low, this is not easy.

And the nostalgia stopped subside

At the date of publication of the draft to remove street vendors, on the blogs of expatriates can be seen filled with nostalgia peddlers. Someone has to pay back suddenly recalled his feelings when you stand on foreign land: Looking at the four-wheel passenger vehicle hotdog bread or fruit in Washington, the pedicab carts selling boiled corn in Islamabad or the tray egg timber sold in the street walking to Melbourne gnawing memory of those who peddle in Hanoi with a flexible pole and poetic.

There are nights in the guest country suddenly remembered tears when the announcement the night in Hanoi. Some people find little joy among the old streets of Hanoi modern: "There are moments ... Hanoi is still very bright with a gift of green tea a sip of Your servants ... the kind of" public servants Ha Home "was also strange ... still tie, shirt still serious ... but it soars down the country to sell enough of that junk ... a wooden table ... a few wobbly stool ... but it looks unkempt so close ... bear some street vendors selling guava ... ... and a few weight after two meetings that result ... still exists ... because pieces rice ball out clothing ... because the job had become a habit ... or those who turned her burden basket team just want to preserve what nature brings "Hanoi" ... "

Burden of bureaucracy rong side of the roof tile color intensive drool over time is the image of Hanoi in poetry, in painting and now it still retains the beauty of simplicity that it's romantic. East of warm optical double burden was on the track fragrant fresh bread, cassava tubers are slightly hot. To spring training with the petals, rose, lily dew on wet nights. Thu through the calm quiet of the doa yellow daisies, floral scent of thousands of nuggets round, red berries, bananas, eggs hoe. House to equal burden "crap town" cool, sweet lotus scent blocking every street corner ... that exist in Hanoi for a long time and so royal traveler Hanoi problem with bit of countryside in the heart of the city.

By some simple but sometimes love just smile sometimes dim white hat of a lady peddlers, so weary smile that spread the feeling of relaxing. Yet it's no wonder what took the whole group of foreign tourists enjoy surround a burden on the teacher code of Silver City, pay 4, 5 dollars just to take a picture of the burden of some banana or pineapple girl serving customers on the west side the lake, turn before turning later to shoot scenes for the flower girl bear thick ice between a road vehicle, and three drunken masturbation miscellaneous food on pavements. Foreign tourists to Hanoi to always find some old street love beauty and idyllic, rural place of capital into this but with the modern streets of Hanoi gradually, if not also the burden Hanoi street vendors will make people remember by what?

Gossip streets of Hanoi Vietnam

36 streets of Hanoi is another name for the old quarter in Hanoi. Where when one comes to Hanoi Vietnam have wandered some time to admire the vibrant trading and learn to Hanoi. This area is formed from the Ly. This is the place attracted many craftsmen from the villages around the time of Thang Long gather to produce their own specialized fields. The product is traded has become a street name. And there, every street that sells only one item. As Hang Ma is selling votive, Hang Sails are mainly confectionery, who wants to buy church must be found to Hang Quat Street, .... Since it has created a thriving trade where most of the time, when products are made to be traded or exchanged directly with the merchant.

Every where one looks, style and develop a criteria, "merchant, you can ward" has created the distinctive look for Hanoi. Even through many ups and downs of history, of war, but the hike here, apparently still exist intimacy, closeness, the life of life. And of course next to the city with unique products that are next to the ancient architectural remains to greet visitors as the claim of the development of the country.

Still do not know what to freak out so that people call this quarter no children. The combination of craft and ancient city. But the shelves, it is my own interpretation of a strange but familiar place, but far closer this way.

What about Saigon, why?
Previously, getting excited when sitting at home and think of a street that sells a particular item because the city thought that something very big, and what city they are related to the shimmering beauty (the ball must It is told that "the street", or "up town" nothing). And kindled still conducted for no star Saigon street.

Walk Big Church in Hanoi Vietnam

By the Cathedral of Hanoi Vietnam in an afternoon, is working so deserted churches would be a time to celebrate yet. Hear people say, on Sunday, people go to church very crowded, TUI will probably be back here in a last chance. This place used to be Mr George Bush - U.S. President (2000 - 2008) to attend Sunday Mass.

The church was designed by the architectural style Gothique medieval Europe, was popular in the 12th century and the Renaissance in Europe, made ​​in the form of the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris with curved arches, width, direction the sky.

The lobby of the church, there is a large door, two small doors both sides of the tower. The doors and windows are all pointed in his art Gothique, combined with the rolling door is tapered glass paintings St beautiful and harmonious colors to create sources of natural light inside the church. Sanctuary area is decorated in traditional folk art, wood carving patterns painted gold trimmed nicely subtle. At the time the building has terra-cotta statues of St. Joseph more than 2m.

The church also has a bell West, including four small bells, bells, and a large deck, worth 20,000 French francs at that time. Especially the large clock mounted between the front of the church. Report engraved clock, timer, alarm system is linked to five bells hanging on the two towers.

Center Square in front of church of Our Lady of metal stations, churches around the street procession, flower, behind a rock.

Space before the cathedral was open space. Is like a chair between the houses cramped, crowded around it. Dusk, where it was winter the young, mostly people gathered iced tea artist, song somewhere now speak English. Vespa collection and Population "blink response" Gil is the place!

Hanoi and dinner on weekdays

The Hanoi eat elegant in every word spoken and action gestures ... The elegance of Hanoi Vietnam in what seemed very normal and simple ... So that even in their daily meals, one well that looks good on a very personal, very Hanoi ...

 Hanoi very focused on processing as well as enjoy the food. So, even preparing meals every day they are quite fussy, but is sophisticatedly elegant, elegant but not fussy fancy stuff, heavy on the form.

Season that way, any item that meeting, the selection of foods to create dishes daily also rely on these criteria, rather than reinforcing rim shop so full, full stomach.

Ha woman to pay attention to the selection of dishes to suit the weather and time, for example, select summer items such as the heat of growing flower, melon soup ... it was the repository for items the winter.Choosing both a food is "art" of the original gourmet Hanoi. Such as vegetables to eat in December, January. Then the new white tops new vegetables, new and fresh software. Sang in February, three have showers, toad eggs hatch full field, eat vegetables and light hardware. Is the best perch in March ... Rau Lang basil basil must choose a new fragrance. Beans must be nuts to buy that dream has just greasy hair ... spinach is the vegetable taste to water, green stems, small ...

The old Ha Thanh very "picky", if not choose the right things, the right position so it will switch to something else but was determined not to buy dry vegetable or tofu, basil elsewhere ... And so, over time, the so-called food culture Ha Thanh themselves accidentally absorbed gradually into each child's land of thousand years of civilization ...

As usual meal of Vietnamese people in general and in trays of rice Hanoi always put a bowl of sauce in the center, whether it is fish sauce or sauce or relative phase for each dish. The smart, so subtle are, then feel free preparation from raw material for each dish has a different position. By boiling vegetables, sauce must have full sour, spicy, salty, sweet ... But not any sauce boiled vegetables are the same you '. Cabbage sauce dishes to beam the more hard-boiled egg, vegetables need a little village, then shoot for a few crushed cloves of garlic ...A bowl of sauce around the dish, a salty, pale, wet, dry ... the harmonious combination. And it seems like the plate of rice can never missing a bowl of soup. That may be the cultivation of vegetables and sweet minced meat, vegetable farming tilapia, cooked sour fish soup, or simply a bowl of vegetable soup dishes are cooked ... Each is a work of art of Hanoi old woman.

From dishes fussy, complex dishes very simple idea, such as cooked food should be the secret of its own to create differences. Who ever ate boiled spinach by hand a woman Ha Thanh original selection and processing will be no exaggeration that I say ... just in vegetable soup, just stick with cool blue back has left sour crocodile; tops of vegetables ripe, soft but still crunchy and retain the blue dot wave matching sauce bowl full of sour lemon pepper, pepper, garlic salt ... Add some tomato golden fried shrimp nursery and a plate of salt is needed only for certain summer require that ...

Meal of the capital Hanoi has many items but each item no more, "they charge you any quarter they had". The specific concept of "eating their flowers to take home and not get bored eating take no" affordable by the new born called Ha Thanh food culture ...Under the skillful hands of the original Hanoi woman, every food, every dish has to know of just weird. The familiar and easy to understand here, because his food is still the same processing steps such children is the key lies in the sophistication in every stage, every step that ... but you have to be sampled dishes can see the difference.

Hanoi now has another old, has changed much more noisy and boisterous ... So that the family meals as well become the treadmill rush of life ... sorry to remember a proper meal everyday "quality" old Hanoi.

Arriving in Hanoi Vietnam

Vietnam is becoming a trendy destination. An increasing amount of cheap flights to Hanoi Vietnam attract visitors to this charming capital city. There are direct international flights to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport from many Asian cities. Most flights from Europe and the US connect via Ho Chi Minh City. Bangkok is a good starting point for affordable airfare to Hanoi. In Hanoi, regular bus services connect the airport to the city center. Taxis are also available outside the airport for those who are departing their Hanoi flights, but you need to request that the driver uses the meter or bargain hard. Make sure you have agreed on the fare with the driver before stepping into the vehicle.

Getting Around Hanoi
Hanoi is smaller than the populated Ho Chi Minh City, and many visitors find it relatively more relaxed and easier to move around. Taxis are available, but the traffic is busy and the most popular way to move around is the cyclo (pedicab). As with taxis, always confirm the price of your journey in advance. Many locals get around the city on a bicycle and many hotels offer bicycles for tourists to hire for a day. The traffic can be chaotic, but cycling is a cheap and easy way to move around. Motorbikes are also available for hire.

Main Attractions in Hanoi
Hanoi is known as the city of lakes and temples. The Hoan Kiem Lake in the middle of the urban area contains an island with a picturesque temple on its Northern end. The West Lake and the Truc Bach Lake are also attractive. There are many Buddhist temples in Hanoi, and these can be fascinating tourist attractions. Hanoi also has several interesting museums, many of which have exhibitions about the history of the Vietnam War. Hanoi is a good place to see a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese form of art.

Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife in Hanoi
Hanoi is an excellent place to have clothes tailored by a professional tailor. Handmade high quality suits and dresses cost a fraction of what they would cost back home. There is a wide variety of tailors and fabrics are very affordable. Other items to buy include local arts and crafts. Places to eat out in Hanoi range from five-star restaurants in luxury hotels to basic street food. Restaurants serve Vietnamese cuisine, international foods and French pastries and coffees as a legacy from Vietnam's French era. Thai food and other regional delicacies are also

By tours in Vietnam

Co Loa Festival in Hanoi Vietnam

Co Loa Festival in Hanoi Vietnam

Taking place from the sixth to the sixteenth day of the Lunar New Year at An Duong Vuong temple in Dong Anh District, on the outskirts of Hanoi Vietnam, Co Loa pageant primarily based on the legend of An Duong King of Au Lac and his magic crossbow. in keeping with the legend, Genius Kim Quy, a Golden Tortoise, gave Thuc Phan (An Duong Vuong) a magic crossbow that might kill tens of thousands of enemy troopers at a trial. However, the King’s daughter My Chau told the key of her father's magic crossbow to her husband Trong Thuy, the son of rebel Chinese general Trieu Da, and thereby unwittingly enabled Trieu Da to overcome Co Loa in 208 B.C. Learned of the explanation for his defeat, King An Duong is claimed to own killed his daughter and then committed suicide. Nowadays, in Co Loa citadel, there exists several vestiges still reminding you of the episodes of the legend.

Visiting Co Loa Vietnam on the sixth of the first lunar month, you'll have the chance to require half in Co Loa pageant organized by the twelve hamlets of the village. Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong was remembered for building Co Loa citadel and for ruling Au Lac for fifty years, third century B.C. Besides the ceremonial rites in honour of King An Duong Vuong at the higher Temple, there's an imposing and solemn procession of twelve palankeens going around the Trong Thuy Well to the Village gate. Moreover, within the pageant, individuals additionally place lots of effort into celebrating ancient activities.

On the afternoon of the fifth day of the primary lunar month, all of the eight communes (including Co Loa Commune and also the establishing relations between seven communes) hold the incense giving ceremony at the communal house. At Thuong Temple, village officers and mandarins hold the similar ceremony and revise the King’s contributions and achievements. The official pageant day, that is on the sixth of the primary lunar month, commences with processions of notables from surrounding villages to the King An Duong Temple where a miniature royal court containing an incense burner, a stone pill and a funeral oration is placed in front of the 2 altars. The literature procession is preceded by a flag that symbolizes the 5 components (metal, wood, water, hearth and earth), a musical company, and a sacrifice. This procession that includes 2 sedan chairs proceeds through the twelve hamlets of Co Loa Commune. One carries alittle statue of the King, the opposite a beheaded statue of his daughter that symbolizes for her punishment. The procession then continues to the Trong Thuy Well and back to the assorted hamlets, in the midst of firecrackers.

Preceded by the literature procession may be a sacrificial ceremony that lasts till twelve p.m. The ceremony takes place within the King's honour, in the midst of ancient music. Next to the ceremony is that the procession of twelve villages to require the god from the temple to the communal house in order that he will watch the festivities. this is often the largest procession with the participation of all the palanquins. When reaching the most entrance, the palanquins come to their villages. Co Loa’s procession and palanquin do an equivalent rituals over again at the communal house. The pageant continues till the sixteenth day of the primary lunar month, with evening fireworks displays, ancient games like cock fighting, human chess, tug of war, card enjoying, wrestling, swing, rope climbing, martial arts, flag dancing and archery and performances of ca tru, cheo and tuong.

On the ultimate day of the pageant, a grand farewell ceremony are held at the temple. once the rituals that are an equivalent as within the main pageant day, the cult table of god are came back to the sanctuary. native individuals relish the god’s favor and expect a year of prosperity and protection from the god. The meaningful pageant is usually closed with a thanksgiving ceremony.

By Tour Operators In Vietnam

About Hanoi in Vietnam

Hanoi is found within the Red River Delta, within the center of North Vietnam. it's encompassed by Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc provinces to the north, Hoa Binh and Ha Nam to the south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces to the east, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho to the west.

Hanoi suggests that "the hinterland between the rivers" (Ha: river, Noi: interior). Hanoi's territory is washed by the Red River (the portion of the Red River embracing Hanoi Vietnam is approximately 40km long) and its tributaries, however there are another rivers flowing through the capital, together with Duong, Cau, Ca Lo, Day, Nhue, Tich, To Lich and Kim Nguu.

Climate

Hanoi is situated in a tropical monsoon zone with two main seasons. During the dry season, which lasts from October to April, it is cold and there is very little rainfall, except from January to March, when the weather is still cold but there is some light rain. The wet season, from May to September, is hot with heavy rains and storms. The average annual temperature is 23.2oC (73.7oF) and the average annual rainfall is 1,800mm. The average temperature in winter is 17.2oC (62.9oF), but can go down to 8oC (46.4oF). The average temperature in summer is 29.2oC (84.6oF), but can reach up to 39oC (102.2oF).

History

Hanoi is a sacred land of Vietnam. In the 3rd century BC, Co Loa (actually belonging to Dong Anh District) was chosen as the capital of the Au Lac Nation of Thuc An Duong Vuong (the King Thuc). Hanoi later became the core of the resistance movements against the Northern invasions. Located in the middle of the Red River Delta, the town has gradually expanded to become a very populations and rich residential center. At different periods, Hanoi had been selected as the chief city of Vietnam under the Northern domination.In the autumn of Canh Tuat lunar years (1010), Ly Thai To, the founder of the Ly Dynasty, decided to transfer the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La, and so he rebaptized it Thang Long (Soaring Dragon). The year 1010 then became an historical date for Hanoi and for the whole country in general. For about a thousand years, the capital was called Thang Long, then changing to Dong Do, Dong Kinh, and finally to Hanoi, in 1831. This sacred piece of land thereafter continued to be the theatre of many fateful events.

Tourism

Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum...
Hanoi also characteristically contains 18 beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake..., which are the lungs of the city, with their surrounding gardens and trees providing a vital source of energy.
Many traditional handicrafts are also practiced in Hanoi including bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery. Hanoi has many famous traditional professional handicraft villages such as Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, Yen Thai glossy silk...
Transportation

By road: Hanoi is 93km from Ninh Binh, 102km from Haiphong, 153km from Thanh Hoa, 151km from Halong, 474km from Dien Bien Phu, 658km from Hue, 763km from Danang, and 1,710km from Ho Chi Minh City.
By air: Noi Bai International Airport, over 35km from the city center, is one of the biggest airports of the country with various international and domestic routes. There are domestic flights from Hanoi to Danang, Dien Bien, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang and international flights to many countries in over the world.
By train: Hanoi Railway Station is Vietnam's main railway station. It is the starting point of five railway lines leading to almost every province in Vietnam.

Hanoi Capital
Area: 3.324,92 sq. km
Population: 6,448,9 thousand habitants (April 2009).
Administrative divisions:
-10 urban districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai, Ha Dong.
- 1 city: Son Tay
- 18 rural districts: Dong Anh, Soc Son, Thanh Tri, Tu Liem, Gia Lam (Hanoi); Ba Vi, Chuong My, Dan Phuong, Hoai Duc, My Duc, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho, Quoc Oai, Thach That, Thanh Oai. Thuong Tin, Ung Hoa (former Ha Tay province) and Me Linh (a former district of Vinh Phuc province).
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Muong, Tay, Dao...
Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the center of culture, politics, economy and trade of the whole country.

Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is located in central Vietnam (less than an hour drive from Hue city) and around 680 km from the country's capital Hanoi. The national park covers an area of 22,031 ha and was created in 1991 to protect the center of the last corridor of forest stretching from the South China Sea to the border with Lao PDR.

Bach Ma Mountain - Vietnam

Bach Ma Mount also has many limpid brooks and picturesque waterfalls. At the 16th kilometer on Cau Hai - Bach Ma road, turning left and walk for 20 to 30 minutes, tourists will also find 400m high, 20m wide Do Quyen waterfall which suddenly appears as if it were suspended in the sky... In the summer, rhododendron flowers are blooming on both sides of the fall like two huge flowery silk carpets. In the centre of the resort is Bac (Silver) waterfall, only 10m high and 40m wide and look like a spotless white curtain swayed by the wind.

More than half a century ago, the French recognized the beauty of Bach Ma and began to develop it. Within 5 years (1942-1946), 139 villas were continuously built under the foliage of old trees and by sheer cliffs.

The highest point in the park, Bach Ma Mountain, is 1450 m above sea level and only 18 km away from the coast. Visitors have been coming to Bach Ma since the 1930s, when the French Colonials built a hill resort here to escape the hot and humid plains during the summer months. The National Park has restored some of the villas built at that time, and is upgrading the services they offer

From the top of Bach Ma, people can view landscapes of Hai Van Pass, Tuy Van mount, Cau Hai lagoon with heaving fishing boats and even the shimmering electrical lights of Hue city at night as well as the huge and boundless Eastern Sea.

The rich flora and fauna also attract many tourists. Bach Ma National Park is home to 233 species of birds and 55 species of mammals, as well as extensive vegetation of more than 500 species. Thus, the park does not only offer beautiful landscapes, but it also allows for scientific research.

Fine Arts Museum - Hanoi Vietnam

The Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is housed in a building that once served as the French Ministry of Information. The structure and form is very classical, yet with oriental touches to the roof and other details.

The collection within the museum's two wings ranges from ancient antiquities to contemporary art. The ground floor of the main wing houses the oldest artifacts. These include the sandstone sculptures of the Champa and Funan kingdoms. Among them is the elegantly carved Amitabha Buddha image, produced in 1057. Later works include a huge lacquered wood Boddhisattva sculpture with many arms, each of which once held a symbolic item, and dating from the sixteenth century.

In fact, I think one of the best reasons to visit the Fine Arts Museum is to see the evolution of lacquer as a fine art in Vietnam. As you proceed through the first floor of the museum, you'll see an increasing refinement of the use of lacquer in sculptures. Some works show kings and queens of Vietnam depicted as Buddhist deities. One of the largest and most impressive works is the "One Thousand Eye, One Thousand Arm Guan Yin". The Hindu styled sculpture carved in 1647 depicts the Chinese goddess with many arms on her body and backed by a large disk with what indeed looks like 1,000 hands carved into it.

The last rooms on the first floor contain lacquer Buddha images from the late eighteenth century. These are in several styles, with some showing extreme emaciation. Just outside these rooms is the stairway to the second floor.

 Fine Arts Museum - Hanoi Vietnam

The emphasis changes from sculpture to paintings on the second floor. In the early twentieth century, the works are very impressionist with oriental touches. Beginning in the late 1940s, the works begin to depict the heroic peasant, reflecting the growing interest in nationalism and the influence of communist ideology. Further rooms again display the development of lacquer in paintings. Lacquer is used in many ways in paintings. Sometimes, an image is etched into a thick lacquer panel. The etched area is then painted in with oils or other types of paint. In many other cases, the image is made up of many layers of color and lacquer, making an image that appears slightly three dimensional. Crushed eggshell is sometimes used to give a "cracked" finish to some paintings.

Once you've circled the second floor of the main building, you can move to the newer wing of the museum. An elevated walkway leads from the main building to the newer wing. There are some galleries lining the walkway selling art and souvenirs. The second floor of the new wing displays the costumes and decorative arts of Vietnam's various ethnic groups. The first floor contains Chinese styled water-colors.

Old Quarter, Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoi's Old Quarter, or 36 Pho Phuong (36 Streets), with over a thousand years of history, remains one of Vietnam's most lively and unusual places, where you can buy anything from a gravestone to silk pyjamas.

Hanoi Vietnam xưa

Hanoi's commercial quarter evolved alongside the Red River and the smaller To Lich River, which once flowed through the city centre to create an intricate network of canals and waterways teeming with boats. As the waters could rise as high as 8m during the monsoon, dikes, which can still be seen today along Tran Quang Khai, were constructed to protect the city.

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Exploring the maze of back streets is fascinating; some streets open up while others narrow down into a warren of smaller alleys. The area is known for its tunnel, or tube, houses - so called because their small frontages hide very long rooms. These tunnel houses were developed to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street. By feudal law, houses were also limited to two storeys and, out of respect for the king, could not be taller than the Royal Palace. These days there are taller buildings (six to eight storeys high) but there are no real high rise buildings.

In the 13th century, Hanoi's 36 guilds established themselves here with each taking a different street (hence the name 36 Streets). Hang in Vietnamese means 'merchandise' and is usually followed by the name of the product that was traditionally sold in that street. Thus, Pho Hang Gai translates as 'Silk Street' (see the boxed text 'Meaning of the 36 Streets' for others, however these days the street name may not necessarily correspond to what Is sold there.

Opportunities to lighten your load of dong are almost endless and as you wander around you'll find wool clothes, cosmetics, fake Ray Ban sunglasses, luxury foods, printed T-shirts, musical instruments, plumbing supplies, herbal medicines, gold and silver jewellery, religious, offerings, spices, woven mats and much, much more (see also the Shopping section in this chapter).

Some of the more specialized streets include Pho Hang Quat which has red candlesticks, funeral boxes, flags and other temple items; and Pho Hang Gai which is somewhat more glamorous with silk, embroidery, lacquer ware, paintings and water puppets - the silk sleeping bag liners and elegant Vietnamese ao dai are very popular with travellers. Finally, no trip to the Quarter would be complete without a trip to Dong Xuan market, on Pho Hong Khoi and Pho Dong Xuan, which was rebuilt after a 1994 fire.

A stroll through the historic Old Quarter can last anywhere from a few minutes to the better part of a day, depending on your pace and how well you navigate the increasing motor traffic plaguing the streets. However long, or whatever detours you might take, the following course will provide you with a good dose of Vietnamese culture, and some insight into the country's long history.

A logical starting point is the Ngoc Son Temple in the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake. After crossing back over the bright red Huc Bridge, stop for a quick look at the Martyrs' Monument, erected to those who died in fighting for Vietnam's independence. Head north on Pho Hang Dau past the Water Puppet Theatre (see the 'Punch & Judy in a Pool' boxed text in this chapter) and you'll soon be surrounded by shoe shops selling every shape, size and style, demonstrating how serious Hanoians are about their footwear. Crossing over Pho Cau Go, pop into the colourful flower market which occupies the narrow eastern terminus of Pho Gia Nhu. Back on Pho Hang Be; continue north to the 'T' intersection with Pho Hang Bac. Near here are several shops that carve intricate gravestones (most bearing an image of the deceased) by hand. A short detour north on Pho Ma May will lead you to the Memorial House at number 87 (see the main text entry earlier in this chapter), an exquisite Chinese merchant's home that was recently restored and opened as a museum.

Return to Pho Hang Bac and head west past a strip of snazzy jewellery shops, then right onto Pho Hang Ngang past a row of clothing shops, and right again onto Pho Hang Buom; this will take you past the small Bach Ma Temple (White Horse Temple). As you pass the pagoda, with its red funeral palanquin, look for its white-bearded temple guards, who spend their days sipping tea. Legend has it that Ly King used the pagoda to pray for assistance in building the city walls because they persistently collapsed, no matter how many times he rebuilt them. His prayers were finally answered when a white horse appeared out of the temple and guided him to the site where he could safely build his walls. Evidence of his success is still visible at Cua O Quan Chuong, the quarter's well-preserved Old East Gate at the eastern end of Pho Hang Chieu, near the intersection with Pho Tran Nhat Duat.

Head west, back along Pho Hang Chieu past a handful of shops selling straw mats and rope to reach one of the most interesting streets, Pho Hang Ma (literally 'counterfeit street'), where imitation 'ghost money' is sold for burning in Buddhist ceremonies - it even has US$5000 bills! Loop around and follow your ears to the sounds of skilful blacksmiths pounding away on metal on the corner of Pho Lo Ren and Pho Thuoc Bac. Moving south on Pho Hang Duong, head right past the towel shops onto Pho Lan Ong, a fantastic row of herb sellers filling the street with succulent aromas.

Finally, head south past the tin box makers (opposite the mirror shops) on Pho Hang Thiec, then left toward the interesting shops selling Buddhist altars and statues along Pho Hang Quai. Time permitting, loop around and zigzag west over to check out the leather shops along Pho Ha Trung, working east again to end the tour at the superb, neo-Gothic St Joseph Cathedral (see the main text entry earlier in this chapter). If you're feeling a bit knackered from the walk, a few steps from the church along Pho Nha Tho there is an alluring cluster of stylish restaurants and cafes.

Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Vietnam

Situated in the heart of Hanoi, this delightful body of water also lies close to the hearts of the Vietnamese people. Legend has it that in the early 15th century, during the Minh Chinese occupation, General Le Loi was presented with a magical sword by a divine, golden turtle, which lived in the lake’s waters. With the help of this sword, Le Loi expelled the Chinese from Thang Long,  Hanoi Vitenam present-day, and established himself as Emperor Le Thai To. Some time later, when the emperor was sailing on the lake, the divine turtle once again rose to the surface and reclaimed the sword. Since then, the lake has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem, or the lake of Restored Sword.  

In the mid-19th century, a small pagoda called Thap Rua or Turtle Towner was built to commemorate this supernatural event. Located on an islet in the center of the lake, the structure has since become a prominent city icon.

On an island at the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake stands Den Ngoc Son or Jade Mountain Temple, one of the most beautiful and revered religious buildings in the capital. The temple can be accessed by an attractive red-painted, arched wooden bridge. This is the celebrated The Huc or SunbeamBridge. Dating from the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 1800s, the temple’s building is exquisitely preserved. Decorated with upswept eaves and elaborate carved dragons, the predominant colors are red, gold, yellow and black. The temple was established by a mandarin named Nguyen Van Sieu. A stylized stone ink slab rests atop the temple’s gate, while nearby, a tapering stone pillar represents a traditional writing brush. The ideograms on the stele translate as “writing on a clear sky.” In the antechamber, a giant turtle that died in the lake in 1968 is preserved. Den Ngoc Son is dedicated to the spirits of the soil, medicine, and literature, as well as to Tran Hung Dao, the general who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century.

To the east of the lake is the large, bronze Statue of Ly Thai To, honoring the great founder of Thang Long. The statue, which has already become quite popular with pious Vietnamese, is venerated with incense and flowers.

Today, Hoan Kiem lake is one of the city’s most popular venues, generally packed with couples taking a stroll, people practicing Tai Chi, and old men playing chess. The lake also plays a major role during the city’s Tet celebrations, with stages for live music and a huge fireworks display.

One-Pillar Pagoda, Saigon Vietnam

Nam Thien Nhat Tru Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City is a place that can alleviate the homesickness of migrants from the North.

It also gives southerners and tourists an opportunity to experience the charm of the real One-Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi Vietnam.

This pagoda, at 100 Nguyen Van Bi Street in HCMC’s Thu Duc District (Saigon Vietnam), is a replica of Hanoi’s famous Mot Cot (One Pillar) Pagoda.

Designed by architect Nguyen Gia Duc, the Nam Thien Nhat Tru Pagoda was built in 1958 by Buddhist monk Thich Tri Dung.

Its rafters, tile roofs, floral patterns and the arrangement of altars are the same as the Hanoi original.

The Nam Thien Nhat Tru Pagoda is perched above a square lake of about 600 square meters.

It sits on a 12-meter-high cement pillar in the middle of the lake.

Inside, there are altars for Sakya Muni Buddha, Wan Yin Boddhisattva and other sacred beings.

Behind the main section is a tower and a commemorative room.

The lake has a lot of fish and turtles.

The staircase up to the pagoda is decorated with ornamental plants.

In the compound of the Nam Thien Nhat Tru Pagoda, there are big statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas (Buddhist deities) in different postures.

The view of the pagoda gives visitors a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

An original sanctuary

The original Mot Cot Pagoda, or One-Pillar Pagoda, is located in Ba Dinh District in Hanoi.

It is also known as Lien Hoa Dai (Lotus Calyx) and Dien Huu (Long-Term Good Luck).

The original One-Pillar Pagoda was built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong, who ruled between 1028 and 1054.

The Mot Cot Pagoda has become one of the symbols of Hanoi.

On May 4, 2006, the Mot Cot Pagoda was included in the Book of Vietnam Records as “the pagoda with the most original architecture in Vietnam.”