Hanoi

Has been Vietnam’s capital several times and is again today, a city of academics, artists, diplomats and contradictions.,

Originally built around an imperial citadel currently housing modern military, Hanoi is divided into four main districts, or quan.  Hoan Kiem named for it’s lake at it’s centre, is the hub of most of what we tourists want to see.

Just north of the lake is the Old Quarter, a charming cluster of ancient streets., South of the Lake is the modern city centre, once the French Quarter.  The northwestern Ba Dinh District includes the zoo, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the West Lake area.

The Hai Ba District to the southeast is a calm, elegant residential area while the Dong Da District to the southwest is home to the Temple of Literature.