Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh was a modest man who wished to be cremated after his death. He hoped that his ashes would be scattered in the north, south, and middle of the country. Instead, he was embalmed, and his body remains on display in the mausoleum. The site also features other attractions, including the presidential palace, Ho's house, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the One-Pillar Pagoda.
Vietnam
A warren of narrow, congested streets, the old quarter is fascinating its own way. The streets are two-way, but narrow enough that I would consider most of them single-lane roads. There are sidewalks, but the shops tend to spill out onto them, and people park their scooters on the sidewalk. There are numerous cafes, many of which offer famously cheap beer, and Hanoi's renowned silk district is nearby as well.
Vietnam
Hanoi's French Quarter has broad streets and is dominated by colonial architecture. It’s definitely worth walking through the neighborhood; it has some interesting shops, and the wide streets are a welcome break from the narrow, busy lanes that cover most of the rest of the city.
Vietnam
One of several lakes in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by a peaceful park, and the walk around the water was quite pleasant, even in hot weather. Near the northern shore is an island with a Confucian temple, Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), on it.
Vietnam
A tranquil Confucian temple in the center of Hanoi. The temple is a series of beautifully kept lawns lined with trees, stone courtyards, and temples. It is a remarkably peaceful spot in such a bustling, overwhelming city.
Vietnam
Inexpensive but delicious Vietnamese food in the Old Quarter. Don't come here for class or ambiance, but the food and service were great.
Vietnam
A beautiful cafe situated on the shores of Hoàn Kiếm Lake with good drinks. It may be worth a stop for the beautiful setting if you're in the area and want a refreshing drink. But the food and service get mediocre reviews, so we don't recommend it for a meal.
Vietnam
A beautiful hotel with large, comfortable guest rooms, and outstanding pool and fitness facilities, the JW Hanoi is designed to cater to business travelers, especially those visiting the nearby national convention center. It's a ways outside the city center, though, so if you're planning on spending most of your time in the city, you may want to find a place to stay in the French Quarter.
