Hanoi, Remains a Top Tourist Destination
Despite strong showing from other highlights in Vietnam, Hanoi holds its own when it comes to the number of holiday makers arriving in the city. Saigon and the Mekong Delta are obviously hot spots for tourists.
Online, August 5, 2013 (Newswire.com) - But the proximity of Halong Bay probably does more than enough to sway people towards the capital.
Hanoi has much to offer the tourist. It is more laid back than its Southern cousin, not as big and certainly not as busy. Whilst the myriad of motorbikes will take the first time visitor by surprise, they pale into insignificance when compared to the absolute mayhem of Saigon's two wheeled millions. While both cities make for a great base for anyone enjoying Vietnam travel. Hanoi appears to be getting more visitor numbers at the moment.
Asia Tour Advisor, (ATA) have it down as their number one destination for 2013. The proximity of Halong Bay, cannot be ignored. Hanoi to Halong Bay is a three hour drive. As the area keeps picking up awards and accolades, so the people continue to come in large numbers. What they find is a modern city steeped in history and tradition with its own style and feel. Hanoi is not like any other Asia city.
The most picturesque and popular part of the city is without the Old Quarter. The close by Hoan Kiem Lake is the historical and cultural centre of the city. Situated to the north of Hanoi, it is a busy place. Locals like to walk round the lake in the early mornings and evenings. People gather to practise Tai Chi and it is an interesting and scenic spot. Just across from here, the tiny lanes and alleys ways that make up the Old Quarter start. The buildings are old and of French original. There are many restaurants and a vibrant pub and bar scene. Walking round here at night, feels like a Mediterranean resort town. With chic cafes and brasseries.
It is in Hanoi that the cultural leader and most important figure of modern Vietnam is laid to rest. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, is in the centre of Ba Dinh Square. It was here that he many of his inspirational speeches. Now he is to be found, lying in state in a glass coffin. Visitors queue up daily to pay their respects. The importance of "Uncle Ho" cannot be overstated. White uniformed guards stand watch over their beloved leader.
Hanoi people are gracious and welcoming; proud to have visitors arriving in their city. Many of the more than one hundred languages spoken in Vietnam will be heard here. But it is not too difficult to make oneself understood. There are normally a few people always on hand who speak English.
ATA, CEO, Mr Truong Tran says of Hanoi, " It is interesting that it continues to pull in the crowds, without, in itself, appearing like a tourist destination. That is probably its charm. Hanoi is as it has always been, a vibrant and fascinating capital city."
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