Hanoi - Part 1 • VIARAMI

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam after reunification and after Hoi-Ci-Minh-City, the second largest city in the Asian country.

From 1010, the city was the political centre of Vietnam for almost 800 years. It was replaced by Huế during the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945). At times (1883-1945) it served as the administrative centre of French Indochina for the French.

A man walks past a large, tan building with teal shutters.

Hanoi municipal building with large portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

The iconic red bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, with people walking across and a fountain in the lake.

Hanoi statue depicting three figures: a woman with a sword, a man holding a torch, and a seated man with a rifle.

A gray statue depicting revolutionary figures stands in a Hanoi park; several people sit on benches and take photos.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi with the Vietnamese flag flying.

On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh, born Nguyễn Sinh Cung and leader of the Việt Minh independence movement since 1941, proclaimed the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). The Vietnamese National Assembly choose in 1946 Hanoi as there capital.

In 1973, construction work began on a masoleum for Ho Chi Minh, who died in 1969. The centre of Ba Dinh Square, where he read the Declaration of Independence in 1945, was chosen as the place for this. The 41 meter wide building is partly inspired by the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow.

Vietnamese flag waving on a flagpole against a white sky.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, guarded by two soldiers.

Tourists view guards standing at the entrance to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi.

Large group of people walking towards Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam; Vietnamese flag visible.

The Flag Tower of Hanoi is part of the Hanoi Citadel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has a height of 33,4 meters (41 m with the flag). It was built 1812 and is today part of the Vietnam Military History Museum.

Hanoi building with Vietnamese flags and palm trees.

Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi, featuring its modernist architecture and wide staircase.

Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi, entrance with hammer and sickle emblem.

Stone altar with Buddha statue, fruit offering, lilies, and incense.

Young girl with stuffed animal standing near a small brick temple in Hanoi.

Hanoi street sign, Pho Chua Mot Cot and Duong Hung Vuong, in front of yellow building.

Hanoi storefront with a handwritten Pho sign, a small table, and a scooter.

Stone tower on a rocky hill with people climbing.

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi, Vietnam: Gothic architecture, weathered facade, large clock, and ornate doors.

Close-up of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, showing its aged stone facade, clock, and cross.

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam, with three bonsai trees in front of its entrance.

A paved pathway winds through a park with lush green grass and palm trees, overlooking a lake and city skyline.

Person using outdoor exercise equipment in a park.

Lush green trees lining a calm, dark green pond.

## West Lake

The West Lake or Hồ Tây is the biggest lake of Hanoi. It is not the only lake in the capital, which is the reason why it is called the "city of lakes.".