My Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A view of Sword Lake in the center of Hanoi.

By Thuy Le

Junior Reporter

Youth Journalism International

HANOI, Vietnam – I am a Hanoian. For those of you who are not yet aware of my hometown, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, that little S-shaped country in Southeast Asia.

With well over 6 million people, the bustling atmosphere of the city can be definitely predicted.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

The Hanoi Opera House 

When one first arrives in Hanoi, it is likely that they will be stunned by the traffic here in a country where the majority of the population own motorbikes and wear helmets.

Therefore, crossing the streets has become a crucial art that foreigners and even many local residents aspire to grasp.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

Ho Tay, or West Lake, in Hanoi

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A traditional Vietnamese toy made of rice

 dough and often sold on the street 

Hanoi enjoys a tropical climate, yet there are four seasons, with the most pleasant periods being late-August to late-October and early-February to late-March.

The summers are particularly hot and humid with an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, or about 91for those of you who use the Fahrenheit scale.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

Thap But, or the Pen Tower. It is in the form of a pen and was 

constructed long ago to honor studying. 

It is not without reasons that Hanoi belongs among Frommer’s “Top Destinations” in Asia: the city basically has almost everything.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

  A man does calligraphy. Traditionally, Vietnamese get one

 of these works at Lunar New Year festival to hang in the home.

For those with an interest in culture and history, there are an ample number of historical sites and attractions, especially in the Old Quarter where streets have merchants and households specialized in particular trades, such as silk, jewelry and other artisan crafts.

For those who have shopping in mind, the major centers as well as small boutiques are there to serve, offering all the brand names like cK, Mango, Converse and so forth.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

The historic Temple of Literature in Hanoi 

Regardless of one’s purpose of visiting Hanoi, trying the cuisine is absolutely a must. Besides the renowned Pho, Cha Ca, Banh Cuon and Com are believed to come from Hanoi.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A street view in Hanoi

 near the

home of Youth

Journalism

International reporter Thuy Le

Mentioning food, I suppose it is necessary to introduce to you the street culture of Hanoi. No, I am not referring to graffiti or hip-hop, it is rather concerned with the fact that Hanoians frequently have their meals on the pavement. By this I mean on the sidewalk.

In addition, the image of peddlers is present everywhere and the traditional, intimate markets remain more attractive than the self-service supermarkets.

Thuy Le / youthjournalism.org

A drawing of the Old Quarter in Hanoi 

My life to date has always been contained in this lively city, except for a few occasional trips.

These 17 years have been long enough for me to fall in love with my hometown, yet I fear no amount of time could allow me to understand it thoroughly.

I could rant on and on about Hanoi, but to avoid producing an all-word tour guide, I would like you to take a look at the photos and if possible, visit my wonderful Hanoi.