Though small in size, Hanoi is a pleasantly modest capital of Vietnam. Centrally located on the northern Red River Delta, Hanoi features an abundance of lake and green space. Although the transformation of Hanoi took place long time ago, a French colonial feel still covers much of Hanoi, as many massive colonial buildings are now used as government departments and foreign embassies.
Apart from being historically important, Hanoi is also the social and cultural center of the country. At the heart of Hanoi is the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. To the north of the lake are ancient streets of the Old Quarter, where crafts and specialty trades used to practice back in the 13th century. These bustling streets are often filled with bicycles and three-wheeled bicycle taxis weave among pedestrians. Tourists should also visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, known as the “liberator of the Vietnamese people” is kept in a glass case to honor him. Another famous tourist attraction is One Pillar Pagoda, in which is beautifully carved and decorated.