Things to do in Hanoi

Apart from being the capital of Vietnam Hanoi is well known for a number causes. These are the main reason behind the popularity of Hanoi as a tourist destination. The city is frequented by thousands of tourists every year. There are a number of historical monuments in Hanoi. You will also have a great time visiting the religious destinations in the city. There are also a number of lakes to visit.
Hanoi as over thousand years of eventful history that can be marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities. But in spite of all these Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural specimens. These specimens include the Old Quarter and numerous pagodas and temples, the total number of which exceeds 600. The famous sites of Hanoi include the One Pillar Pagoda which is built in the year 1049, the Temple of Literature which was built in 1070, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Citadel as well as President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

Apart from these architectural wonders, Hanoi also contains 18 beautiful lakes. These lakes include Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, as well as Truc Bach Lake. These lakes can be termed as the lungs of the city. The gardens and trees surrounding the lakes provide a vital energy to the city.
If you are interested in handcrafted items then you can have a wonderful time in Hanoi. There are a number of handicrafts that are practiced in the city. These handicrafts include bronze molding lacquer work, embroidery as well as silver carving. There are a number of traditional handicraft villages where you can get these items for a lower price. You are sure to have a great time shopping during our trip to Hanoi.