Hanoi Travel Guide, Vietnam

Hanoi is currently the capital of Vietnam and the second largest city in the country after Ho Chi Minh City. It became a metropolitan area in 2008 with an estimated population of more than 6 millions. Hanoi is an exotic mix of medieval houses, French influences and modern architecture, that will provide an intense experience of the Asian lifestyle.

Hanoi Travel Guide – Economy

With 13 industrial parks, Hanoi’s economy is mostly based on industry, but trade and finance are developing at a very fast pace. As population is rapidly growing, so does the real estate market, which now constitutes the city’s third industry. Recent progresses have also been made in agriculture, as modern techniques and utilities are adopted. The currency in Vietnam is the ‘Dong’.

Hanoi Travel Guide – Transportation

No Bai International Airport serves the entire northern region of Vietnam, but most long-distance flights to/from Hanoi usually make a stop in Hong-Kong or Bangkok. Hanoi is an important railway knot, but traveling by train can be sometimes difficult for a stranger, as the departure station may differ from the one you buy your ticket. Hanoi is also accessible by water - check out our Hanoi cruise deals for more details. The most common means of transportation around Hanoi is the motorbike (there are special lanes for motorbikes and bicycles). Tourists also have the possibility to rent a cyclo (or cycle rickshaw), who’s driver will guide them on the streets of the Old Quarter (that most Hanoi Travel Guides will list as the main attraction in Hanoi).

Hanoi Travel Guide – Geography and Climate

Hanoi climate is monsoonal, characterized by humid, hot summers and dry winters. The average temperatures vary between 27-32 ºC in summer months and don’t go lower than 6-7ºC in winter. The rainiest month is August, with 320 mm rainfall. Hanoi is situated on the banks of the Red River, hence the nickname ‘City of Lakes’: the low altitude of the land made possible the apparition of numerous lakes and ponds that surround the city.

Hanoi Travel Guide– Interesting Facts

Hanoi will celebrate 1000 years of existence in 2010. As most universities are concentrated in Hanoi, it is estimated that 62% of the scientists live and work here. The most common dish in the local cuisine is the Phở, a rice noodle soup. Local attractions include watching unusual practices like pigeon races, cock fights, rope climbing contests or water puppets theatre. The traditional dress for women is the Ao Dai (‘long dress). It can still be seen on Hanoi’s streets, as Vietnamese women wear it at national celebrations, weddings and as an office attire in some companies that require it. Even if any Hanoi Travel Guide will tell you about its French heritage, English has been the second most popular language in the country since 1990.

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