2 Days in Hanoi, Vietnam

We loved Hanoi, Vietnam mostly for the food. Nate and I only had a few full days to experience the place in early 2012. treehousedad.c...
We loved it and took full advantage with 6+ meals a day before and after we hiked through the Sapa Region of North Vietnam. Ya, we almost got kidnapped by a rogue taxi driver, but insights at their museum, the great food, and learning about their tumultuous history made it worth it.
Hanoi, the age-old capital of Vietnam, is a mesmerizing blend of Eastern and Western influences, with roots stretching back over a millennium. Sprawled along the banks of the Red River, this city is a tapestry of historic temples, ancient citadels, and French colonial architecture, all speaking to a past shaped by a mosaic of cultural and political interactions.
The rich history of Hanoi is palpable in its streets. The narrow lanes of the Old Quarter echo with the clatter and hum of commerce just as they have for centuries, while the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, with its legend of the returned sword, remains a peaceful gathering spot for both locals and tourists. Not far from here, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands as a testament to the nation's revolutionary journey and its deep respect for its founding leader.
In present-day Hanoi, there's a harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity. Skyscrapers punctuate the skyline, standing in stark contrast to the traditional stilt houses in the city's outskirts. The scent of pho, the quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup, wafts from street vendors in the morning hours, while in the evenings, contemporary cafes and bars come alive with the energy of youth and the sounds of modern music. Hanoi, as a hub for education and innovation in Vietnam, draws young people from all over the nation, making it a melting pot of ideas, aspirations, and cultures. While deeply rooted in its past, Hanoi's eyes are firmly set on the future, making it a city of both enduring legacy and vibrant evolution.
music: EBSUO31CETQMK6C6