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Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the second largest city with 6,449 million in population. After the Hanoi administrative area expansion in August 2008, the city's total area has risen to 334,470 hectares. As featuring the humid subtropical climate, the capital has the hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters.
As a capital of Vietnam with more than 1000 years of history, Hanoi has many cultural and historic sites that attract a lot of tourists nationwide. Hanoi's Old Quarter with unique characters represents the eternal soul of the city. In spite of often being called the "36 Old Streets", there are more than 36 actual streets, each of which is named for the products or service it specializes in. For example, Hang Gai Street offers silk clothing, embroidery, and silver products, Hang Quat Street sells colored funeral and festival flags and religious objects, Hang Ma Street provides paper products, such as gift wrappings, wedding decorations, etc. Other interesting places worth exploring are the Temple of Literature which is Vietnam's first university, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum which is a large memorial to commemorate the beloved leader of the country, One Pillar Pagoda that is a famous historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi, and many other places.
There are numerous lakes in Hanoi. The most well known ones are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Halais Lake, Bay Mau Lake. Hoan Kiem Lake (The Lake of the Restored Sword) located in the heart of the city is one of the most enchanting spots in Hanoi. On an islet at the south end of the lake stands the Tortoise Tower built to pay homage to the golden turtle. Many postcard sellers, hawkers, photographers, freelance money changers are easily found along the bank of the lake. Another popular place that is worth paying a visit is West Lake which is the largest lake in Hanoi with a perimeter of 17 km. There are many temples, pagodas, hotels and restaurants in the area.
Not only is Hanoi famous for historical sites and lakes but it is abundant in entertainment places. There are a wide variety of theaters such as Opera House, Cultural Friendship Palace, Vietnam Drama Theatre, Youth Theatre, serving various kinds of modern and traditional art performances. Besides, Hanoi has the most diversified museum system in Vietnam. For example, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History are the places where many historic documents, articles, pictures, exhibits as well as art works are displayed to welcome local and international visitors. In addition, there are myriad karaoke bars, cinemas, dance clubs, bowling alleys and shopping malls providing tourists with numerous chances for relaxing and amusing.
Hanoi's distinctive culture is also reflected through cuisine. There are many specialties well known nationwide such as La Vong grilled fish pies, rolled cakes, fried shrimp cake in West Lake, green rice flakes, etc. Especially, the most famous dish in Hanoi capital is Pho which is a rice noodle soup eaten as breakfast at home or food stalls. Rich food tradition in the capital city has much contributed to culinary art of Vietnam.
As the major metropolitan area of Northern Vietnam and the country's political and cultural center, Hanoi is the destination of visitors within and out of Vietnam.
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