Weather Hanoi ’s climate is typical of the region, experiencing three distinct seasons; a cool seaso

Hanoi , estimated population 3,398,889 (2007), it is the capital of Vietnam. golfclub travel case From 1010 until 1802, it was the political centre of an independent Vietnam golfclub travel case with a few brief interruptions. It was eclipsed by Hue during the Nguyen golfclub travel case Dynasty as the capital of Vietnam, but served as the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam. golfclub travel case The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is located at 21°2 N105°51 E 1760 km (1094 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanoi is the vibrant capital city of Vietnam as well as the most aesthetically-pleasing golfclub travel case cities largely due to its location on the banks of the Red River. The ancient city is a home of numerous interesting cultural sites including over 600 oriental pagodas golfclub travel case and temples that each has their own unique story and place in history. golfclub travel case Hanoi has some truly amazing country sides with peaceful lakes, verdant rice paddies and quaint Vietnamese villages. Ngoc Son Temple is situated on Island of Hoan Kiem Lake and is widely considered as the most beautiful lake in the city. Exploring this magnificent temple is a great way to learn about traditional Vietnamese history. One of the 'must-see' attractions is Halong golfclub travel case Bay , designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here, visitors can see the crystalline emerald green water and explore the dramatic limestone islets and hidden lagoons. Hanoi has a wide selection of accommodation on offer as well as a plethora of top restaurants, cafes and bars.
hanoiThe golfclub travel case capital of Vietnam sits in the country's northern region in a scenic setting on the right bank of the Red River. First-timers to the city may find it a bustling destination, but the constant hustle is in fact part of Hanoi 's inherent charm. Throw a rich selection of aesthetic and cultural sights and a steadily growing visitor infrastructure into the mix, and it's not difficult to see how Hanoi has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destinations.
Visual evidence of the city's fascinating past abounds, with architecture telling stories of French occupation and many older structures giving an insight into pre-colonial times. Temples and religious sites tell of the city's devotion to Buddhist beliefs, while some fascinating museums give insight golfclub travel case into Vietnamese culture.
Among the city's most interesting sights, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum arguably takes the top spot. No trip to Hanoi is complete without a visit to this sombre golfclub travel case but nonetheless fascinating attraction which illustrates the esteem and affection the Vietnamese people have for this historic figure. A visit to the nearby museum dedicated to Ho Chi Minh is also an essential experience.
Hanoi 's Old Quarter is a charming, character-rich area which for many visitors captures Hanoian golfclub travel case life at its most authentic. Classic old buildings, market stalls, traditional businesses and busy restaurants line the seemingly endless interconnected streets golfclub travel case that make up this unique part of the city. Hours can be whiled away wandering the maze of alleys, sipping coffee in quaint little cafés or enjoying fantastic food at any number of great dining venues.
The tourist infrastructure in Hanoi ensures golfclub travel case that there are plenty of accommodation options with establishments golfclub travel case to suit all tastes and budgets. The Old Quarter is largely made up of budget to mid-range hotels, while reputable international names such as Sofitel, Sheraton and Hilton offer upmarket golfclub travel case luxury accommodation at the southern golfclub travel case end of Hoan Kiem Lake.
The city is easily reached having its own international airport that maintains connections with a large number of major Asian cities as well as a reasonable selection golfclub travel case of international destinations. golfclub travel case Alternatively, visitors already in the country can take advantage of the bus and train networks which stretch from Ho Chi Minh City in the south all the way to Hanoi , covering a variety of destinations in between.
With a wealth of history and cultural heritage, good transportation golfclub travel case and accommodation options, excellent dining opportunities golfclub travel case and a vast selection of attractions, activities and daytrip options, Hanoi is the ideal destination for a weekend trip or longer vacation.
Physical evidence exists to suggest that the earliest inhabitants of Vietnam settled here as far back as half a million years ago, with significant settlements appearing in what is now Hanoi some 10,000 golfclub travel case years ago. The arrival of the Han Chinese in 214 BC marked the beginning of civilisation in the area, with the establishment of a military post here bringing development to the greater area.
the_chineseThe golfclub travel case Chinese exercised considerable control over local tribal inhabitants for a number of centuries using brute force as a means of ruling, and gaining themselves reputations as oppressors. By 938 AD, however, golfclub travel case the locals had organised themselves under the leadership golfclub travel case of Ngo Quyen and prepared to rebel. An autonomous Vietnamese golfclub travel case state was subsequently created, although it fell into anarchy following Ngo Quyen's death.
Hanoi found order again in the four centuries that followed and successfully become the political seat of the country. With this new-found importance, golfclub travel case the city began embellishing its appearance with grand architecture, erecting important buildings such as the Grand Royal enclosure and the Temple of Literature, as well as Vietnam's first university. Developments didn't go unnoticed by outsiders, and Hanoi became an attractive target for the Chinese, Khmer and Kublai Khan.
At the beginning of the 15th century, the city fell to the Chinese again, but on this occasion their control was short-lived. The locals vehemently defended golfclub travel case their territory under the leadership of warrior Lê Lợi. Under Lê- Lợi, the Chinese were rapidly ousted and Vietnamese independence was reestablished.
French troops arrived in 1864, adding Hanoi to the list of Vietnamese cities already under their control. Local resistance was futile against the might of the French army and consequently Hanoi 's citizens resigned themselves to French control for close to a century. The French were eventually forced out following a serious of battles with the Viet Minh.
War During WWII, Hanoi , like many destinations in Indochina, fell to the Japanese. Japanese occupation began in 1940 and it wasn't until 1945 that they were successfully removed by the Viet Minh with the assistance of the United States who donated arms and money to the war effort.
the_vietnam_warThe Vietnam War lasted from 1965 to 1975, during which time Hanoi managed to sustain very little golfclub travel case in the way of damage owing to the fact that the conflict was concentrated golfclub travel case mainly in the south of the country. When the north and south were reunited after the war, Ho Chi Minh City was demoted as the country's capital and the title subsequently bestowed upon Hanoi .
Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam. It is encompassed by Thai Nguyen Province to the north, Vinh Phuc and Ha Tay to the west and south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces to the east and south-east. Hanoi means the hinterland between the rivers (Ha: river, Noi: interior). Hanoi s territory is washed by the Red River (the portion of the Red River embracing Hanoi is approximately 40km long) and its tributaries, but there are some other rivers flowing golfclub travel case through the capital, including Duong, Cau, Ca Lo, Day, Nhue, Tich, To Lich and Kim Nguu.
Weather Hanoi 's climate is typical of the region, golfclub travel case experiencing three distinct seasons; a cool season, a hot season golfclub travel case and a rainy season. The cool season begins in early October and lasts until the end of March, golfclub travel case after which things start to hot up and temperatures hover between the low 30s (°C) to 35°C. The hot season peaks in May but lasts until June, with humidity being high throughout the period.
The rainy season which follows sees a drop in temperature to the mid to upper 20s (°C). Precipitation is heavy throughout this season with volumes of 30cms per month not uncommon. While intermittent dry spells are frequent, golfclub travel case they are characterised by high levels of humidity.
From a visitor perspective, Hanoi 's winter or cool season is the best time to take a holiday in the city. Daytime temperatures are warm but not excessively hot and the chances of rain are slim. In theory, a trip to Hanoi can be made at any time of the year, however, outside of the cool season visitors need to be prepared for high temperatures or rainfall.
airportHanoi Noi Bai International Airport is the chief gateway to the city and the north of Vietnam, and is a modern aviation facility situated 22 miles from the centre of Hanoi . As the newest of the country's international airports, Noi Bai is relatively well equipped golfclub travel case with facilities for passengers, offering ATMs, currency exchange services and dining and shopping outlets.
The airport receives flights mainly from destinations in Asia with regular connections maintained with major cities golfclub travel case such as Bangkok, Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, Beijing, Osaka and Siem Reap. There are also flights to Moscow and Vladivostok by Aeroflot and Vladivostok Air respectively. National carrier Vietnam Airlines operates flights golfclub travel case to and from international destinations such as Frankfurt, Paris, Melbourne and Sydney.
Passengers requiring ground transportation to the city can make use of bus services with numbers golfclub travel case 07 and 17 running from outside the Arrivals area direct to the centre golfclub travel case of Hanoi . The journey takes about an hour and is the cheapest transfer option.
taxisTaxis are also available and provided you take an official airport service, the charge is fixed. An airport minibus also operates from directly in front of the terminal but leaves only when full, so passengers on tight schedules might want to avoid this option. Passengers arriving with Vietnam Airlines can take advantage of a free minibus to the city.
If you are already in Vietnam and wish to reach Hanoi by ground transportation, there are a number of options available. Buses starting at Ho Chi Min