Centuries old capital city, Hanoi lies on the banks of the Hong (Red) River in the far North of Vietnam. Once known as Thang Long, Rising Dragon, the city has endured many invaders throughout its long history, but still preserves its unique Vietnamese heritage. The city is hone to Vietnam’s oldest university
the Temple of Literature. Hanoi is the final resting place of the revered Ho Chi Minh, father of modern Vietnam, and is the cultural and artistic center of the country. The 36 streets of the Old Quarter, close by Hoan Kiem lake, is a fascinating area. Here the original street layouts with the old merchants’ houses have survived. Each street specialized in a specific trade, such as, silks, jewellery, leather, shoes and many other just as it does today.