Hanoi

History

Through history, Hanoi has known many names. During Chinese domination of Vietnam, it was known as '''Tống Bình''' (宋平, ''Peace of the Song Dynasty''?) and later '''Long Đỗ'''. In 866, it was turned into a citadel and was named '''Đại La'''. In 1010, Ly Thai To|Lý Thái Tổ, the first ruler of the Ly Dynasty|Lý Dynasty (朝李, ''Triều Lý''), moved the capital of Đại Việt (大越, the ''Great Viet'', then the name of Vietnam) to the site of the Đại La Citadel. Claiming to have seen a dragon ascending the Red River, he renamed it '''Thăng Long''' (升龍, ''Ascending dragon'') - a name still used poetically to this day. It remained the capital of Vietnam until 1397, when the capital was moved to Thanh Hoa|Thanh Hoá, also known as Tây Đô (四都, ''Western Capital''). Thăng Long then became '''Đông Đô''' (東都, ''Eastern Capital''). In 1408, Vietnam was invaded by Chinese troops from the Ming Dynasty and Đông Đô was renamed '''Đông Quan''' (東關, ''Eastern Gateway'') by the Chinese. In 1428, Vietnam was liberated from Chinese rule by Lê Lợi, the founder of the Le Dynasty (朝黎, ''Triều Lê'') and Đông Quan was renamed '''Đông Kinh''' (東京, ''Eastern Capital'' - the name known to Europeans as Tonkin; and evidently, the same characters used for Tokyo). During the Tay Son Dynasty, it was named '''Bắc Thành''' (北城, ''Northern Citadel''). In 1802, when the Nguyễn Dynasty(朝阮, ''Triều Nguyễn'') was established and then moved the capital down to present-day Huế, it was renamed ''Thăng Long''. However, the second syllable of the toponym is actually a homonym of the word ''long'', and so, actually suggests “to flourish” as opposed to “dragon”. Therefore, the name would then have appeared as 升隆, roughly ''to ascend and flourish''. In 1831 the Nguyen Dynasty renamed it '''Hà Nội''' (can be translated as ''Between Rivers'' or ''River Interior'') . Hanoi was occupied by the France|French in 1873 and passed to them ten years later. It became the capital of French Indochina after 1887. The city was occupied by the Japan|Japanese in 1940, and liberated in 1945, when it became the seat of Vietnam's government. From 1946 to 1954, it was the scene of heavy fighting between the French and Viet Minh forces. At that point, the city became the capital of an independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam|North Vietnam. During the Vietnam War Hanoi's transportation facilities were not disrupted by the bombing of bridges and railways, which were, however, immediately repaired. Following the end of the war, Hanoi became the capital of all Vietnam when North and South Vietnam were united on July 2, 1976.

Places of interest

In the city are the Vietnam National University (formerly Hanoi University), Ho Chi Minh|Hồ Chí Minh mausoleum, the National History Museum, the Revolution Museum, and several historic monuments. The National Museum of Fine Art is also located in Hanoi. mausoleum]] The following medical facilities are located in Hanoi:

Hanoi Dental Clinic

Hanoi Family Medical Practice The Old Quarter is famous for its small artisans and merchants, including many silk shops.

Transportation

Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, located in the Soc Son District, approximately 25 mi/40 km north of Hanoi. There are two main highways linking the airport and city. The highway from the airport to Thang Long Bridge is more direct than Highway 1, which runs along the outskirts of the city. Wartime damage and the depressed economy have left many of Hanoi's roads, bridges and railways in poor condition. Motor scooters, bicycles and rickshaws (cyclos) are the main modes of transportation, although the city also has many new, metered cabs. There are four terminals at Noi Bai, including the domestic arrival, domestic departure, international arrival and international departure terminals. There is a separate building with a lounge for diplomatic VIP passengers. Government security forces control security at Noi Bai Airport.

External links

http://www.vietscape.com/travel/hanoi/

http://www.arikah.net/TourismVietnam-TravelGuide/Vietnam-Hanoi

http://www.ianandwendy.com/slideshow.htm?files=OtherTrips/ChinaVietnamCambodia/Vietnam/Hanoi