Hanoi is not only the capital of Vietnam; it is the political and cultural center of the country. Hanoi Overview tells us that it is a city begat by mythology and inspired by legends. It has been a survivor of countless violent struggles and political intrigues, sustained on patriotism, ideology and the willful independence of its people. This is a city that has experienced an eventful millennium.

Located on the banks of the Red River with tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake at its heart, Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take place there. Hanoi Overview relates the tale about its history when Ho Chi Minh established the Viet Minh during the Second World War in order to gain independence.