Vietnam\'smost charming city, Hanoi is hometo about 4 million people. Less vibrant and more reserved than its cousin to thesouth, Hanoi is agreat place to explore on foot. If Ho ChiMinh City is defined by hustle and bustle and people on the move, Hanoi\\'strademark is green parks and tranquil lakes.

The city is divided into districts, many of which take their name from a lakewithin the district\\'s boundaries. Each district has its own charms.Perhaps themost interesting district, is that of Hoan Kiem. At its center is Ho Hoan Kiem(Lake of the Restored Sword). A broad path encircles the lake, attractingresidents to its shores throughout the day. At dawn you\\'ll find young and oldwalking, jogging, practicing Tai Chi and playing badminton. After dark, youngcouples walk hand-in-hand or seek privacy under the trees and on the numerouspark benches at the water\\'s edge.

To the north and west of the lake is Hanoi\\'s famed old quarter with itsconfusing maze of narrow cobblestoned streets. Home to numerous guest houses,mini-hotels, art galleries, restaurants and shops, the old quarter is worth aday of aimless wandering and discovery. Many visitors, particularly backpackers,choose this area as their base in Hanoi.

South and east of the lake, thewide tree-lined boulevards of the old French quarter offer a stark contrast tothe confusion of the old quarter. The French colonial influence, obviousthroughout the city, is particularly evident here. Many colonial villas are nowhome to embassies, upscale hotels and restaurants.

Those spending more than a couple of days in Hanoi will want to explore otherareas of the city as well. Ba Dinh District, west of Hoan Kiem, is theup-and-coming business center and home to the posh Hanoi Daewoo Hotel. Scenic HoTay District to the north is dominated by Ho Tay (South Lake) and boastsnumerous historic sites and temples.

Hanoi awakes early, with activity in the parks beginning before sunrise andwinding down by 7 a.m. Most offices, stores and museums open around 7:30 am,closing for lunch between 11 and 1, and reopening again until 5 p.m. Mostrestaurants stop serving at10 p.m.

Hanoi has four distinct seasons. Winters can actually be quite chilly;although snow is foreign to Hanoi residents. Summers are hot and rainy. Probablythe best time to visit is spring and fall.