Luke Wood

Hanoi (which means River Interior) is the capital of Vietnam with has an estimated population of more than 3 million. The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam.

Hanoi is a city of lakes and Hoan Kiem Lake is in the heart of the city. According to legend, heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword which he used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. After the war, a giant golden tortoise snatched the sword from him while he was out fishing and took it to the depths of the beautiful lake. Since then, the lake has been known as Ho Hoan Lien (Lake of the Restored Sword) as the tortoise restored the sword to its divine owners. Thap Rua or the Tortoise Tower lies scenically on a centre island of the lake, making for more reflection photos.

The Old Quarter has the original street layout and architecture of the old Hanoi and a history that spans 2,000 years. It is located between the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Long Bien Bridge, a former city rampart, and a citadel wall. Interestingly, the Old Quarter started as a snake and alligator-infested swamp.

It evolved into a cluster of villages made up of houses on stilts and was unified by the Chinese who built ramparts around their headquarters. The area was named "Dominated Annam" or "Protected South" by the Chinese.

This area of the city bears the traces of its history. The streets are named after the goods that were produced there and that still are today: the street of silk, the street of cotton, the street of iron, the street of sugar, etc.

Most importantly is the beer which is served in Hanoi. Bia hoi is a commonly found draft beer and the freshest example of the style you will find. A glass of this beer can be purchase on the pavement for 2,000 to 4,000 dong (about 6 to 12 pence).

It can take a little searching but often a barrel will appear on the back of a bicycle or motorbike. Customers sit around on stools (the smallest I’ve seen since infant school) and drink until the barrel is dry. Then it is time to find a similar retail outlet, or more commonly the hotel.