The pretty Hoan Kiem lake in Old Hanoi

HANNOIED IN HANOI

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November 20th 2012
Yes, I’m afraid so… We’re slightly bitter, spoiled tourists in regards to Hanoi. After the dazzling bright lights of Saigon, the dreamy lanterns of Hoi An, and the simply mystical atmosphere of Halong, Hanoi just wasn’t all that exciting. Don’t get us wrong: It IS a beautiful city with plenty of stunning French colonial vestiges (our favourites being the Opera and the Metropole ... read more

Asia » Vietnam » Red River Delta » Hanoi

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The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Independence was declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when they were defeated by Communist forc... ... read more