The Ha means river, noi means inner. Hanoi is the inner area between the Red and Nhue rivers.
At peak hours Hanoi is a traffic choked city of motorcycles where they funnel into narrow alleyways and winding streets.
Pavements are used for motorcycle parking where there's often a uniformed attendant you can pay to mind it.
Normal afternoon rush hour traffic. With a population of 8 million, Hanoi has 5 million motorcycles. It's Old Quarter is easily manageable by foot, but when you need to cross the road the trick is to step out, walk steadily and allow the vehicles to move around you. Stopping mid stream could be a catastrophe. And be alert to drivers who aren't fully aware of you. A red light for them doesn't necessarily mean stop, or give way. Also, a footpath doesn't mean it's just for pedestrians.
Armed with all the information needed for the Women's Museum. The Museum is dedicated to all aspects of the lives of women through time. One floor profiles the part women played in the revolution against the French and the war with the Americans.
Team work - with old style wheat grinder.
Traditional clothes from the Hmong Flower tribes of the mountainous north.
A visit to Hoa Lo prison (Hanoi Hilton) which was used by the French colonists for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war.
Locals, typically old men, bring their caged birds when out in the park, sitting reading the newspaper or having coffee so their bird can learn the songs of other birds.
Masks on bamboo
The hat salesman
The Neo-Gothic style St Joseph's Cathedral, 1886, was one of the first structures built by the French colonial government.
Temple guardian
Motorcycle brick delivery man loading up
Small parts recycling. I'm sure the man would have anything you'd be looking for to replace a broken part.
Sewing repairs lady
Bananas for sale
Dong Xuan market is big and bustling and stuffed full of vendors selling clothing, food and goods in bulk at wholesale prices.
A variety of dried mushrooms for sale.
A few things you may want, but nothing you need.
Hoan Kiem lake is in the historical centre of Hanoi, it means 'Lake of the Returned Sword'. Legend claims that in the 15th century Heaven sent the Emperor a magical sword which he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. After the war a giant golden turtle took the sword into the depths of the lake to return it to its divine owners. The lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting on the small island which was built in the 18th century.
Vietnamese pancake stuffed with prawn and bean sprouts.
Snails of course, the French have been here.
This delivery guy has a chilly box on the back for chilled goods.
Haircut anyone?
You'd need to be extra cautious delivering eggs while manoeuvring Hanoi traffic.
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