One of the gateways to Vietnam and its esteemed capital, Hanoi is a stunning melting pot of Vietnamese culture. It was previously the capital before 1802 when the Nguyen dynasty moved the capital to Hue, and became the capital of North Vietnam from 1954 to 1976, before becoming the official capital after reunification. In October, 2010, the city celebrated its 1,000 year birthday. Some architecture was heavily influenced by France, causing some to dub the city the Paris of the East. Among its many districts, the most popular is the Old Quarter, located on the shores of the Hoan Kiem Lake. Here you can discover a variety of markets, historic sites like the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda - highlights on most Hanoi city tours - and delicious food from street food vendors. While visiting this exhilarating city, make sure to take in a Water Puppet Show, a traditional form of theatre found here.

Hanoi Overview