More Hanoi travel facts

Hanoi facts: One reason that Hanoi is such a popular place to live is that Hanoians are relatively well off compared with those who live in the provinces. In 2009, the GDP per capita was around US$2,900, and this figure is currently jumping by around 10 per cent each year.

Hanoi facts: Since 1990, when there was hardly a motorised vehicle to be seen on the city’s streets, the change in Hanoi’s traffic scene has been dramatic. The characteristic cyclos (bicycle taxis) can still be seen there, but these days they have a hard time hacking a trail through bumper-to-bumper cars and motorbikes.

Hanoi facts: While some areas of Hanoi, such as the Old Quarter, can be very crowded, the city is blessed with several large lakes that are surrounded by paths for strolling and benches for relaxing; in fact Hanoi is sometimes dubbed ‘city of lakes’. The best known is Hoan Kiem Lake, right in the heart of the city, but two others worth visiting are Bay Mau Lake in Lenin Park and West Lake.

Hanoi facts: With its ancient temples, colonial architecture and many museums, the city is a treasure trove for sightseers. But the great thing is the fun doesn’t stop at sunset. After dark, visitors can enjoy a taste of Vietnamese cuisine at a fancy restaurant, spend their dong in the city’s glitzy shopping malls, or take in a performance at the Opera House.

Hanoi facts: There are several places in the vicinity of Hanoi that make rewarding day trips. Perhaps the most popular destination is the Perfume Pagoda reached by boat and a steep clamber (or cable car ride) up a limestone mountain. Other places worth checking out are handicraft villages such as Bat Trang (for ceramics) and Van Phuc (for silk) and the Co Loa Citadel, a former capital of the country.

Hanoi facts: Though Hanoi has less direct international air connections than Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of connections through Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Rail journeys from Hanoi include the classic two-day trundle down the coast to Ho Chi Minh City, an overnighter to the hills round Sa Pa, a jaunt to Haiphong near Halong Bay, or an onward ride to Kunming or Beijing in China.

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