Hanoi the beating heart of Vietnam

Hanoi, the 1000-year-old capital of Vietnam can’t be missed if you are traveling to Vietnam. There are some important facts about Hanoi that will certainly attract people to the city, as followed:

-         Hanoi is the UN-awarded city of peace and it is the only city in Asia Pacific to receive this honored award.

-         Hanoi is the UN-awarded green city that it is the only city in Vietnam to receive this honor.

-         Hanoi is one of the oldest cities of the world and the oldest city in Vietnam that it was founded more than 1000 years ago. In 2010, the city magnificently marked and celebrated 1000^th anniversary of the city establishment.

Those important facts can somehow point out the green, peace and rich and deep culture of Hanoi – the beating heart of Vietnam. Located in the north of Vietnam, Hanoi is the economic, political and cultural center of the country with rapid economic growth and infrastructure development. However, there are a lot of things for visitors all over the world to check out this old beautiful city. 

Hoan Kiem Lake with the Turtle Tower in the middle

One of the best spots for tourists to explore when traveling to Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake which situates right in the heart of the city center. Hoan Kiem in Vietnamese means Returning Sword. The legend is that centuries ago a hero King used a great magical sword and led the country to expel the Chinese invaders. Once he was traveling on a boat with his courtier on the Lake, a big holy turtle ascended from the lake and told him to return the sword he used in the war. The Turtle said that the sword was given to him by the Saint of Water to help him expel the enemies. Nowadays, Hoan Kiem Lake is the most attractive site for tourists. The lake itself has a special unique deep green color. Especially, the lake is the home of a few big rare turtles. These turtles are thought to be thousands yeas of age. In the middle of the lake is an old turtle tower that is the sanctuary for the turtles to relax when they are ascending from the water. On the right of the lake, there is a beautiful red bridge connecting to a holy shrine of those turtles. It is important to remember that in the perception of Vietnamese people, turtles are one amongst the four holiest creatures. Therefore, the shrine on the lake is where people practice their belief into the holy tortoises.

Beautiful handmade crafts sold in the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Next to the Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Hanoi is a city of more than one thousand years of age, therefore beside the development and modernity, the city also reserves its oldness and solemnity. In the Old Quarter, people will see the old brick houses that have experienced the ups and downs of the city. In addition to that, tourists can also explore many kind of traditional handcraft villages inside the quarter such as silversmith, blacksmith and many other great handmade products.