Hanoi city guide

About

Immerse yourself in the captivating history, culture, and cuisine of Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city. Discover the city's thousand-year-old history, explore the bustling Old Quarter, and marvel at its beautiful lakes and iconic temples. This audio guide, part of our city package, will take you on a journey through Hanoi's unique blend of traditional Vietnamese and French colonial influences. Ready to uncover the secrets of this city of contrasts? Listen to the full story now.

Hanoi guide intro

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. This city is a beautiful blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. It is a city where you can find an ancient pagoda and a modern skyscraper side by side. Hanoi has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. It was first established as a fort by the Chinese in the 3rd century BC. It became the capital of Vietnam in the 7th century AD under the name Thang Long, meaning "rising dragon". The city was renamed Hanoi, meaning "between rivers", by the French in 1831. The Old Quarter is the heart of Hanoi. It is a bustling area with narrow streets filled with shops selling all kinds of goods. Each street was named after the goods that were sold there. For example, Hang Bac Street was known for silver trading. Today, you can still see this tradition in some streets. Hanoi is also known for its beautiful lakes. The most famous one is Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword". According to legend, a king received a magical sword from a turtle god to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. After the war, a giant turtle took the sword and disappeared into the lake. The city is also home to many cultural and historical sites. The Temple of Literature, built in 1070, is a temple of Confucius and hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university. The One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples. Hanoi's cuisine is known for its balance of flavors. Pho, a noodle soup with beef or chicken, is the most famous dish. Bun cha, grilled pork with rice noodles, is another popular dish. The city is also famous for its street food culture. You can find food stalls everywhere, offering a variety of dishes. Hanoi's culture is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and French colonial influences. You can see this in its architecture, food, and lifestyle. The city is also known for its traditional performances, such as water puppetry, a unique Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. In recent years, Hanoi has developed rapidly. Modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and entertainment centers have sprung up. However, the city still retains its traditional charm. You can see people practicing Tai Chi in the parks in the morning, street vendors selling fruits and flowers, and cyclos, the three-wheeled bicycle taxis, on the streets. Hanoi is a city of contrasts. It is a place where the old coexists with the new, where tradition blends with modernity. It is a city that has preserved its past, yet is not afraid to embrace the future. This audio guide is provided to you by sparkerio. We encourage you to visit other objects around you.