Hanoi, Vietnam

Today’s Asian experience has completely changed in the last 20 years. Cities offer the best in accommodations, roads that are modern and accessible and cultural attractions that can match any modern city on the planet. And together with the modern-day pluses is the seamless mix of ancient and historic attractions. And nowhere else is this more apparent than Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi. Hanoi, located in the North of Vietnam, is the country’s second largest city. With over six million residents, it’s equal or larger in size to most cities throughout the world. And since it’s so large, you’ll need at least a few days to explore this sprawling metropolis. You can choose to rent one of the many bicycles (called cyclos) to navigate the crowded and winding streets or motorbikes that offer a bit more speed. Renting a car is also an option in today’s modern day Hanoi. Though a trip to Hanoi is possible all year round, the best time to visit is during the months from December through... Read more

Wow.  What a bunch of senseless comments on this page.  Hanoi is one of the most unique and nauanced cities in all of Asia.  The rapid modernization that it is undergoing will undoubtedly negate some of that, but there is still time to see bits of it.  It is a city built around the rhythms of previous eras.  The streets are mazes of commerical activity with some of the most amazing tea houses and restaurants tucked away in unsuspecting alleys.  The city wakes up very early (4:30am~6:30am) and you can see exercisers circling any number of the city's many lakes.  The thousands of cafes througout the city wake up at about the same time, and serve as the primary socializing space for the majority of Hanoians.  In the evening, sidewalks are packed with men drinking bia hoi (a cheap, locally made draft beer) and rehashing the days affairs.  For the average tourist, the solicitations one gets while walking around the old quarter can be very annoying, but all one needs to do is rent a motorbik... Read more

Best looking women in Asia. Beyond that it was like a trip to the stone ages. I did not like the total darkness at night. I guess they still can't afford electricity. Absolutely no entertainment except creepy, crappy karaoke bars. And of course the water puppets.

an embarassment to America!

Best viewed from the bomb sight of B52.

I refuse to go to Vietnam and support the Reds.

Hanoi has charm and energy and great noodle soup ("pho"). Try the corner of Nguyen Du and Pho Hue streets for tasty pho. Hang Gai is called silk street, where you can buy very decent silk at good prices. Most of the trinkets sold are hits with friends when you get home - like the wooden frog instrument. Rent a bike and ride around at 11pm (without much money in your pocket). The traffic is minimal and the air is cleaner.