Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, lies on the banks of the Red River. It is cosy with tree-lines, boulevards, lakes, parks, French colonial buildings, elegant squares..

As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam, where every dynasty has left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.

Hanoi is reknowned for being one of Vietnam's greenest cities, and as well as being covered with trees the centre is dotted with lakes. One of the most beautiful is Hoan Kiem Lake. It is in the historical center of Hanoi, and one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. West Lake is the largest lake in the northwest center with a perimeter of 17 km. It is an oxbow lake created from a curved part of the Red River.

A variety of options for entertainment in Hanoi can be found throughout the city. Modern and traditional theaters, cinemas, karaoke bars, dance clubs, bowling alleys, and an abundance of opportunities for shopping provide leisure activity for both locals and tourists.

Unique to Hanoi is the chance to watch 'Múa rối nước', Vietnamese water puppetry. Múa rối nước literally means "puppets that dance on water." The tradition dates back as far as the tenth century when it originated in the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. When the rice fields would flood the villages, villagers would entertain each other using this puppet form. The puppets are built out of wood and the shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers to control them. The appearance is of the puppets moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood the villagers, would entertain each other using this puppet form. Eventually, villages would compete against each other with their puppet shows. This led puppet societies to be secretive and exclusive, including an initiation ceremony that involved drinking rooster blood. Only recently were women allowed to join the puppet troupes.