Hanoi and Nyachang, Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi – one of the most beautiful capitals of Southeast Asia (Vietnam has a good rest there) – is full of charm and imbued with a sense of eternity. Its core is a 600-year-old old quarter, around which a charming city grew more than a century ago. The rich cultural heritage of two eras harmoniously coexists with modernity, making Hanoi the heart of Vietnam’s recreation.
The “City in the Bend of the River” was founded by Emperor Li Thai To in 1010 AD. around a massive fortress near Coloa, the ancient capital of the first state of the Viet. In those days, it was called “Thang Long”, which means “flying dragon”. According to legend, at the moment when the boat of Emperor Lee Thai To moored to the shore, he saw a fabulous golden dragon flying up. This is a good omen and gave the name to the new capital.
The arrival of the French in the 19th century marked the beginning of the period of reconstruction – for the sake of the new European Quarter, part of the fortress and several ancient temples were demolished, which was later compensated by the splendor of colonial architecture that transformed the city.
The city is divided into several parts: the natural center is located north of the picturesque Lake of the Returned Sword. In the middle of the lake rises the Temple of the Turtles, carefully preserving the spirit of past centuries. Nearby is the unique, always full of life, Old Quarter, or “36 streets”, – the most ancient and crowded shopping area of Hanoi. In the XIII century. along the Red River, on which the city stands, settlements of artisans were formed – each street specialized in certain products, and over time 36 guilds formed. Unusual “pipe buildings”, shops where hardworking craftsmen make their goods, small courtyards with cheerful lanterns, ancient bridges and sacred pagodas make the city uniquely colorful and cozy.
The Old Quarter is the only Vietnamese vacation spot where streets have been preserved whose names have existed for more than five centuries: Silk, Sugar, Fan, Shoe and others. True, now on many streets they sell completely different goods that are indicated in their names, but some of the ancient guilds have remained in their original places. For example, on Hang Ma, the “Street of Paper Offerings”, for five centuries they have been selling paper products – bright multi-colored lanterns, tinsel and copies of real objects that the Vietnamese burn as offerings to their dead ancestors.
The southern part of the city, replete with shady boulevards and architectural gems of the former French Quarter, is set aside for business districts. Here, in old mansions, there are government agencies, embassies and business centers. To the west stands the serene Temple of Literature and the majestic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Hanoi owes its rich past to the excellent local cuisine – a successful combination of the traditions of France and China with the heritage of the Viet. The same applies to the cultural life of the city – the most multifaceted in Southeast Asia.
Hanoi today, on the eve of the celebration of its millennium, is an elegant, educated and wealthy city, where museums and galleries coexist with chic shops and trendy restaurants, a city of exotic temples and pagodas, elegant colonial villas, noisy narrow streets and wide boulevards, a city filled with aromas flowers, captivating with the beauty of gentle lakes and parks and enchanting with an endless number of smiles.
Hanoi is located in the tropical monsoon zone. The average annual temperature here is 23 C, but it can vary from 5 to 40 C. The dry season lasts from October to April – at this time there is almost no rain. From May to September it is very hot and rainy.
Nyachang
Nha Trang is a wonderful seaside resort with ideal weather conditions from March to October. During these months, the air in Nha Chang warms up to + 33-35 ° C, the sky is bright, the sun shines seven days a week, and the sea is very clear, clean and warm. In October it gets cooler, winds blow, it rains, squalls and typhoons happen. In winter it is dry and cool, +20-22°С.
Many beaches of Nha Trang are very beautiful, mostly sand dunes with golden sand and palm trees in the distance. Emerald sea. Today it is a thriving resort with a beach area and luxurious 5 * hotels both on the coast and on separate islands.
For those who wish to be away from the crowds of tourists, excursions are organized to the coastal areas and more than 70 islands. In addition to magnificent beaches, the city is famous for historical relics inherited from the time of the Cham civilization dating back to the 7th-12th centuries. The preserved towers and pagodas allow you to feel the glorious past of this land. The attention of tourists is invariably attracted by the old part of the city with a fishing flotilla anchored. Nearby is the ancient Long Son Pagoda, next to which stands a huge white Buddha statue. The city also houses the Institute of Oceanography with a huge aquarium, where many species of marine flora and fauna are collected.
Nha Trang is famous for its pristine beaches and ideal conditions for water sports. A strip of deserted beaches and secluded bays, numerous islands and amazingly beautiful coral reefs provide tourists with excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. In the city you can easily find a huge number of restaurants and cafes for every taste and budget. On the territory of the waterfront you can taste the most delicious seafood dishes – shrimp, lobster, mackerel, tuna and other marine life.