Hanoi: The Heart of Vietnam's Culture and History

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [koh]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeLàm ơn
  [lam uhn]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kweh kohng?]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe, còn bạn?
  [kweh, kohn bahn?]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bahn koh noy tyeng ahn kohng?]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hyehu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, làm ơn
  [toy muhn sem menoo, lam uhn]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chook sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, làm ơn
  [toy muhn thanh toan, lam uhn]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Đi ra!
  [dee ra]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kenh saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lath doong]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muhn moo-ah]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chee sem toy]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [bow nyew tyen?]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwah]
• Can you lower the price?Có thể giảm giá không?
  [koh tay zem zah kohng?]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [bay zoh la mai zoh?]
• It's one o'clockMột giờ
  [moot zoh]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ rưỡi
  [mooee zoh ruh-oi]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwoi sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwoi chieu]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwoi toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hom kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hom nai]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ngai my]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [hai]
• 3Ba
  [ba]
• 4Bốn
  [bon]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bai]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [mooee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [cho...uh dau?]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dia chee la zee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [bahn koh tay chee chaw toy (trern bahn doh) kohng?]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe (buýt) kế tiếp?
  [khee now la chuyen se (boot) keh tyep?]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi...)
  [moot vee (dee...)]

Hanoi, originally known as Thang Long, was founded in 1010 by Emperor Ly Thai To of the Ly Dynasty. Legend has it that the emperor saw a dragon ascending into the sky at this location, prompting him to establish the city and name it 'Ascending Dragon' or Thang Long.

Under the Ly and Tran Dynasties from the 11th to the 14th centuries, Hanoi flourished as a political and cultural center. The city saw the construction of many significant structures, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which served as the political heart of the country.

In 1407, the Ming Dynasty from China invaded and occupied Hanoi, renaming it Dongguan. This period of occupation lasted until 1428, when Vietnamese forces led by Le Loi successfully expelled the Ming invaders, leading to the establishment of the Le Dynasty.

The Le Dynasty, particularly under the reign of Emperor Le Thanh Tong, marked a golden age for Hanoi. The city became a hub of education, culture, and commerce. Literature and the arts flourished, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, was established.

In the late 19th century, Hanoi fell under French colonial rule. The French significantly transformed the city, introducing Western architectural styles, building extensive infrastructure, and establishing Hanoi as the capital of French Indochina in 1902.

During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Hanoi from 1940 to 1945. This period was marked by hardship and famine. Following Japan's defeat, the Viet Minh, under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, seized control of Hanoi and declared Vietnamese independence in 1945.

The declaration of independence led to the First Indochina War between the Viet Minh and the French. After years of conflict, the French were defeated at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, and the Geneva Accords were signed, dividing Vietnam into North and South, with Hanoi as the capital of North Vietnam.

Hanoi played a crucial role during the Vietnam War as the capital of North Vietnam. The city was heavily bombed during Operation Rolling Thunder. Despite the destruction, Hanoi remained resilient, and in 1975, following the fall of Saigon, it became the capital of a reunified Vietnam.

After the reunification of Vietnam, Hanoi focused on rebuilding and modernization. The 1986 Đổi Mới reforms marked a significant shift towards a market-oriented economy, leading to rapid urbanization and economic growth. Today, Hanoi is a bustling metropolis that harmoniously blends its rich historical heritage with modern development.

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is well-connected both domestically and internationally. The main gateway is Noi Bai International Airport, located about 45 kilometers from the city center. Flights from major cities around the world, such as Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, and various European cities, arrive here. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus to reach the city center. Alternatively, Hanoi is accessible by train, with routes connecting to other major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue. Buses also run from neighboring countries such as Laos and China.

Hanoi offers a variety of transportation options. The city has an extensive public bus system, which is the most economical way to get around. For a more convenient option, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available. Motorbike taxis, known as 'xe om,' offer a quicker way to navigate through traffic. Renting a motorbike is another popular option for tourists, but it requires a valid driver's license and familiarity with local traffic laws. For short distances, cyclos (cycle rickshaws) provide a traditional and leisurely way to explore the Old Quarter.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions and in local markets. ATMs are widespread in Hanoi, and many offer the option to withdraw both VND and USD. Make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Hanoi is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the Old Quarter and night markets. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or valuable jewelry. Areas such as Long Bien and parts of the Old Quarter can have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always use registered taxis or ride-hailing services.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical assistance. Most hospitals in Hanoi have English-speaking staff, and international clinics are available for more comprehensive care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available, and pharmacists can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't leave chopsticks sticking upright in your bowl, as it is considered bad luck.

To experience Hanoi like a local, wake up early and join the residents for morning exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit the local markets, such as Dong Xuan Market, to buy fresh produce and traditional Vietnamese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss out on trying street food, especially dishes like pho, banh mi, and egg coffee. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the Old Quarter's narrow streets, where you can find hidden cafes and boutique shops.