Vietnam Travel Destinations: Hanoi's Marvelous Blend of Natural Charm and Modern Luxury

After long years of historic wars and giant revolutions, Vietnam is finally enjoying the lure of its opulent heritage, burgeoning cultural life, and splendidly detailed landscapes. A haven of heroic legends and enchantingly glorious traditions, the thriving country of Vietnam is now beginning to unravel the nostalgic charm of its most enthralling towns and cities to capture the imagination of other cultures and entice millions of travelers from around the world.

Vietnam is being famed as Asia's fastest rising star, offering more than a wealth of history. Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of travel enthusiasts and holidaymakers are flocking to Vietnam to explore and get a taste of the country's legendary marvels, and of course, fall in love with the richness of its wonderful origins and marvelous blend of old-fashioned traditions and emerging contemporary culture. Vietnam travel destinations are certainly a prime attraction and an enchanting encounter that should never be missed.

Vietnam is situated on the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula, offering a plethora of enticingly beautiful landscapes and spectacular spots that are adored and worshiped by the outside world. But beyond this, Vietnam is a magnificent combination of tranquility and luxury. Indeed, while the country's picturesque natural attractions have drawn a number of passionate modern-day travelers looking for a complete privacy in an unspoiled setting, its superb mix of vibrant and eclectic nightlife have lured flocks of nightlife lovers seeking the glitz and glamour of the West.

Yet, unlike other Asian countries plagued by a myriad of colonial influences, Vietnam has retained much of its own unique charm and elegance. Featuring some of the loveliest towns and most livable cities in Asia, Vietnam is unsurprisingly a land of endless enchantment, enticing secrets, and awe-inspiring discoveries.
Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam, is without doubt one of Vietnam's largest and most beautiful cities. Despite the long battles that marred its early days, Hanoi has successfully harbored a wonderful civilization, with sophistication and wisdom, rivaling that of its Asian counterparts. The gracious city of Hanoi, also known as the cultural heart of Vietnam, hosts a wealth of gorgeous landmarks, spacious apartments, colossal hotels and glorious architecture.

Living in harmony with nature, the city is delightfully dotted with quaint lakes and verdant boulevards. Here lies the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, the local's most well-loved recreational spot that is also a favorite attraction among tourists. The Hoan Kiem Lake which means "The Lake of the Returned Sword" is not only famed for its unparalleled beauty and serene environment, but is also known for its wealthy history that is full of intriguing legends and myths.

The lake, being one of the most popular Vietnam travel destinations and the core of the city's vibrant life, is overwhelmed with an array of leisure activities. The Ngoc Son temple that perched on a small island in the center of the lake offers a good view of the sceneries surrounding it. Here anyone can catch a full glimpse of the locals playing traditional games such as chess and checkers.

Hanoi embraces the French colonial heritage, exuding an elegant European aura with its French style architecture and villas. Despite the evidence of French influences throughout the city, Hanoi has still\retained its ancient vigor. Aside from the sophisticated French style structures, Hanoi is dotted with vibrantly colored pagodas, highly acclaimed museums, and century-old buildings that exude a unique Asian charm.

Hanoi is one of the popular Vietnam travel destinations and an ideal place for travel aficionados and holidaymakers wanting to experience a mixture of old-world charm and modern elegance. For those planning a convenient trip to Hanoi, visit this Vietnam travel agency.

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Sightseeing in Hanoi: A Traveler's Guide

Sightseeing in Hanoi is one of the things you should include in your bucket list. A beautiful city located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is easily one of the best cities in Asia with its rich culture, magnificent architecture, scenic landscapes, and bustling city life. There are a lot of places to visit in Hanoi, and it will take you more than just a day to see all. This is where this guide comes in handy.

Get Acquainted with the Culture.
First thing you should do once you get to Hanoi is to acquaint yourself with the city's rich culture. As the capital city, Hanoi is also the second most populated city in Vietnam. It has a long history-the earliest inhabitants were known to have settled around 3,000 BC-serving as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. One quick way to soak in the culture is to visit any of Hanoi's many museums, including the National Museum of Vietnamese History, Vietnam Women's Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, and Ho Chi Minh Museum to name a few. If museums are not your thing, you can also visit the Hanoi Opera House, if not to watch an opera, but to admire the structure's architectural beauty.

Visit Parks and Gardens.
Aside from the many museums, Hanoi also has a number of nature parks and gardens that the whole family can enjoy. Cuc Phuong National Park, about 100 km south of the city, is the foremost national park in the country. Endangered species, millennium-old trees, and various flora and fauna are within the park, along with caves and hot springs. There are also bike and walk trails for the adventurous. Another park, but with a different theme, is the Thanh Cuong Viet Palace. There's the Botanical Gardens located in the city. Offering a welcome escape from the city noise, the Botanical Gardens boasts of old trees, sculptures, and open spaces ideal for walking or having a picnic.

Take a Walk Near the Lakes.
Hanoi is a city built between two rivers, so it is no surprise that the city also boasts of a number of picturesque lakes. One of its famous lakes is Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Returned Sword. It has a Turtle Tower in the center due to its association with the legend of a turtle that grabbed the emperor's sword and then disappeared. Another famous lake is the West Lake, which is also the largest lake in Hanoi. A number of gardens, restaurants and hotels, and other entertainment places can be found surrounding the West Lake.

Eat, Eat, Shop, Shop!
Vietnamese cuisine has seen a rise in popularity as the years pass by, and there's no better place to sample delicious local and fusion fare than in Hanoi. From the smallest eateries to the grandest restaurants, you are sure to find meals that will tickle your palate. One famous restaurant in Old Quarter Hanoi that you shouldn't miss is the Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant, which has been operating for over a century. Of course, after you eat, shopping is a given. You can buy just about anything from small trinkets to expensive, exotic décor in one of Hanoi's many markets. The Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter is a popular tourist shopping stop. You can visit the Van Phuc Silk Village, where the centuries-old art of weaving silk from silk worms is practiced.

Take a Walk, then Rest and Relax.
If you are looking for a more laid-back activity, all you need to do is walk around Hanoi's less busy streets, visit a temple, or observe the bustling city from the confines of a quiet restaurant. After a long day of enjoying these Hanoi activities, you can simply relax in your cozy hotel in Hanoi, like Serenade Hotel, and maybe try that spa and get a well-deserved massage.

Try any, if not all, of the Hanoi sightseeing activities listed above, and you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time.

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