Although the area of Hà Nội has been inhabited one way or another for 5000 years, 2010 will mark 1000 years since Hanoi was officially established. I have to say, Hanoi ended up being one of my favorite places so far. My first impressions were from the back of a motorcycle at 6am after an all night bus ride. It was sunrise and there were people all around Lake Hoan Kiem running, meditating and doing tai chi. It was rather calm compared to beautiful, chaotic mess the city become quickly after sunrise. I was surprised by how different Hà Nội is from Saigon. Hanoi is smaller, but definitely felt more dense. The traffic isn't as massive but , its more chaotic. Hanoi seemed much dirtier than relatively clean Saigon, but I definitely prefer Hanoi. There is
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