The 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 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 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 life at its most authentic. Classic old buildings, market stalls, traditional businesses and busy restaurants line the seemingly endless interconnected streets 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 that there are plenty of accommodation options with establishments 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 luxury accommodation at the southern 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 of international destinations. 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 and accommodation options, excellent dining opportunities 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 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 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, the locals had organised themselves under the leadership of Ngo Quyen and prepared to rebel. An autonomous Vietnamese 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, 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 15^th century, the city fell to the Chinese again, but on this occasion their control was short-lived. The locals vehemently defended 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.

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 War lasted from 1965 to 1975, during which time Hanoi managed to sustain very little in the way of damage owing to the fact that the conflict was concentrated 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’s climate is typical of the region, experiencing three distinct seasons; a cool season, a hot season and a rainy season. The cool season begins in early October and lasts until the end of March, 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, 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.