Hanoi is a city with the charm of exotic marketplaces, modern amenities and a buzzing street life. In contrast, Hanoi is also a city with the serene natural beauty of the Red River and Ha Long Bay – tranquil pagodas, and downright tasty cuisine. All mixed in with the complications of foreign colonialism, a recent history of drawn-out wars, and the uniquely Asian problem of highly compact quarters catering to an exploding population. Hanoi, with its rich culture, history and tradition is undoubtedly one of the world’s poignantly distinct cities. Although a city of such esteem needn’t such a list, here are five reasons to see it for yourself.
Fine Arts Museum – B?o Tàng M? Thu?t
Associated with the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, the Fine Arts Museum is housed in a 1930?s French-built structure exhibiting traditional architecture. It bares the essentials of fine national art, taking on a platitude of mediums including sculptures, paintings and artifacts, dating as far back as the 10th century. From exhibitions of impressive Buddhist deities, to the various realms of folk art and thematic sculptures, all three floors of the Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi offer an opportunity to explore a fine culture of art and its many facets.
