Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh

[vivian]

The capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is near the Red River (Song Hong) Delta, in the north of the country.

From the 1880s to World War II, Hanoi developed as a French colonial capital.

The region around Hanoi has been a wet-rice growing area for more than 2,000 years and is considerably cooler than the humid south.

Hanoi still lags behind Ho Chi Minh City in terms of population, commerce, and standard of living, but it is the seat of power.

For a long time that power was held by Ho Chi Minh, and you can visit his final resting place; the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

The Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's former house, and a new Ho Chi Minh Museum are all nearby. Hanoi's lakes and shaded boulevards also make for pleasant afternoon strolls.