Hanoi masterfully blends its medieval past with its new face for the future. The Old Quarter of Hanoi is so tragically beautiful for its age old charm, where the narrow streets twist and turn around themselves, where the vendors wear cone shaped hats and implore for your attention, and the locals sit calmly and watch the world go by over a cup of steaming coffee. Hanoi has it all, a glorious colonial past, a modern outlook and a distinct culture. There is something romantic about this city that can be considered the old dame of Asia. It has fast emerged from the shadows and turned a new leaf attracting those travellers who are familiar with going down the lesser travelled tourist route. Hasten yourself for a trip through time, where huge colonial mansions sit alongside beautiful boulevards and parks dot the city.
January and February prove to be a great time to be in Hanoi, as the majority of festivals take place during this time. One such event that occurs as a celebration of the new lunar calendar is Tet, which happens either at the beginning of January or at the latter part of February.
Tet is a celebration that can last for as long as a week with much merriment and good cheer among friends and family. Locals and believers visit pagoda around town, and many auspicious practises take place to usher in the New Year with fresh hope and prosperity. Cultural events and performances can be seen at the Museum of Ethnology during this period. Shops and homes are decked in red decorations and sweets are specially prepared for Tet in Hanoi. This sacred time in Hanoi is truly a spectacular explosion of colour, and a wonderful time of the year to be in this city of Vietnam.
For the traveller in search of Hanoi accommodation, will find Somerset Hoa Binh to be a smart choice. Providing Hanoi apartments that meet the requirements of both the leisure and business traveller in the city, Somerset Hoa Binh creates new levels of stylish living.
