One of the most beautiful cities in Asia, Hanoi is home to a large number of attractions and places of great tourist interests. Must visit places and things to do in the city include:

One Pillar Pagoda:Built in 1049, the One Pillar Pagoda was destroyed after the French defeat in 1954 and was rebuilt by the new government. This unique pagoda is built on a single stone pillar that is just about one meter in diameter.

Ho Chi Minh`s Mausoleum:The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, this mausoleum is a fascinating place to know about the life of this great leader. The embalmed body of the leader is enclosed in a glass sarcophagus. The mausoleum closes down for about three months September onwards.

Temple of Literature:One of the best preserved Vietnamese monuments, the Temple of Literature dates back to 1070. The temple was the site for the first national university of Vietnam before it moved out to Hue in 1802. Considered to be one of the finest examples of Vietnamese architecture, the Temple of Literature is visited by travelers from world over.

Art Museum:The art museum in Hanoi features a great collection of sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and hill tribe articles. The Military Museum houses memorabilia from the war against USA and France. The main draw of the museum is the wonderful model of the Presidents House at the time of the Saigon fall.

From high budget business travelers to backpackers, Hanoi is home to a wide range of accommodation options that caters to travelers of all styles and budgets. Preferred mode of transport and purpose of visit are the two pre-requisites that help determine the area you would stay in.

Hoan Kiem:Those wishing to stay in close proximity to all the city attractions should prefer to stay in the Hoan Kiem area. The east side features two of the premier hotels in the city namely the Hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi and the Hilton Hanoi Opera. Those on a lookout for budget accommodation can opt for Thuy Nga Guesthouse in the south. Other great options in the region include Melia Hotel, Guoman Hotel and Hoa Binh Hotel.

Old Quarter:A haven for all backpackers, the Old Quarter is a 700 year old commercial area with a large number of budget accommodations. Single and twin sharing rooms are available in the area for less than $10. Added facilities like air conditioning are also available at an additional cost. Few of the most pleasant choices in the Old Quarter include the Classic Street, Quoc Hoa, Old Darling Hotel, Salute Hotel and Nam Phuong Hotel.

Beyond Central Hanoi:A little farther from the city center, this area hosts a range of modest hotels like the Thang Loi Hotel and the Meritus Westlake. Some of the nicest accommodation options in the city, along with many embassies and government buildings can be found in the Ba Dinh District. The classy Daewoo Hotel is frequented by the nobility from world over. Some of the most notable hotels in the area include Sunway Hotel Hanoi, Hotel Nikko and Green Park Hotel.

Hanoi International Airport, Hanoi (HAN)

Noi Bai International Airport, located 45 km from the city center, is the biggest airport in North Vietnam. It is an international airport serving the Vietnamese capital, and playing host to various national and international airlines, including Pacific Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Lao Airlines, Tiger Airways, Thai Airways and Nok Air.

You can opt for any of the ground transportation options available at the airport arrivals level, such as public taxis, mini bus and public buses. The airport boasts of almost all basic services and facilities to take care of the traveling needs of all travelers. Postal services, left luggage service and business class lounges are on offer at the departure lounge. Shopping and dining facilities are also available along with international duty free shopping where you`ll find a great selection of handicrafts and other local made products at competitive prices. There`s also long and short term parking facility at the airport for the convenience of the travelers and visitors.

September to November and February to April are the most pleasant times in Hanoi. The peak tourist season in the city starts in September and ends in April.

Hanoi experiences a tropical climate characterized by humid days almost all through the year. May to September is the summer time with hot and humid days accompanied by plenty of rainfall. Winters between November and March are cold and dry. Spring is a pleasant season characterized by light rains. Hottest month of the year is June with January being the coolest.

Currency:The official currency of Vietnam is dong (VND). Dollar and dong are equally acceptable almost everywhere. All hotels, restaurants and shops accept dollars. Credit cards are not widely accepted, except at large stores and hotels. ATMs are not commonly available hence cannot be completely relied on for extra cash.

Language:The mother tongue of the people of Vietnam is Vietnamese. Almost 86 % of the country`s population speaks this language. Other languages spoken by minorities in the country include Chinese, Murong, Nung, Tay and Hmng.