It has been 10 years since I last visited Hanoi and I must say it was great to be back.
The city seems to retain a traditional vitality and wonderful atmosphere in the old quarter with so many street vendors carting colourful baskets of fruit and flowers amongst the rustic French colonial architecture lining the labyrinth of narrow streets.
This year Hanoi will celebrate its 1000th birthday. The large screen beside Hoan Kiem lake counts down to THE big day – 10 October 2010 – however it seems celebrations are going on all year round for this landmark event.
