General information about Hanoi

If you get the chance to visit Hanoi, I’m sure it will be an experience you never forget. Along with being the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is well-known for its fantastic locations, cuisine, and residents.
The Old Quarter is a maze of streets that dates back to the 13th century and is the most historic part of Hanoi. Guilds erected the communal houses in the Old Quarter as modest temples to a local deity known as the Bach Ma, or White Horse, who symbolizes the city itself. The Temple of Literature, a Confucian sanctuary and longtime center of learning in Vietnam, is another must-see attraction.
The best place to enjoy traditional Vietnamese arts, including opera, theater, and performances with water puppets that depict Vietnamese myths and folklore, is in Hanoi. The city is also home to many charming little bars. Pull up a small plastic stool on a corner or in one of the many quaint, open-air bars serving the local brew bia-hoi for a vivid taste of local street life, Hanoi style.
In Hanoi, it is difficult to eat poorly. The best local cuisine in Hanoi is available at tiny, one-dish eateries that are typically just open-air joints along the street, where you might wonder why a line is snaking out the door. Anywhere you go, you can find the common pho, a noodle soup served with slices of beef or chicken, fresh bean sprouts, and condiments. Also, make sure to try Hanoi’s renowned “cha ca” spicy fish fry.