Hanoi has a rich, colourful past with heroes and tales of derring do. Hanoians are rightfully proud of their heritage and retain no hard feelings towards any past enemies … after all, they won didn’t they !
Built on the delta of three rivers it has always been the centre of trade and commerce and consequently its wealth encouraged the growth of artisans, craftspeople and cultural expression. Today, this city of 5 or 6 million (actual data is hard to verify) is racing into the future. But unlike other large cities, it retains an intimacy unlike any other. Imagine a small town where there is always time to chat, where new residents are welcomed with pure delight. (new fodder for the gossip mill)

Get to know your neighbourhood – the flower lady and tea stall owner, the bike repairman and the shoeshine boy. And spend a few afternoons searching out the ‘things to do’ in your area. There are ballroom dancing classes, ping pong competitions, early morning badminton and the ubiquitous tea stalls, where you will be questioned mercilessly. One could fabricate a past life of glamour and fame – or one could tell the truth. Be aware that the information will spread throughout the community like wildfire and then your novelty will wear off.

www.vinacarta.com is an excellent map resource

www.hanoikidsclub.org is a group of university students who excort foreign travelers around Hanoi – free

Included in this section is:
An overview of the quisine
A list of Embassies
Essential phone numbers
A historical overview with a list of dynasties and a timeline
Holidays and your horoscope animal personality
Media including the Internet, newspapers and magazines, radio and TV
A lighthearted guide to the traffic … (is that possible ? Ed.)
Voltage
Weather forecast (grey, grey and more grey …. moving right along)