- Also spelled:
- Ha Noi
Hanoi
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What is Hanoi?
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam, located in the northern part of the country on the western bank of the Red River. It is a province-level municipality administered by the central government. Hanoi has been settled since prehistoric times and has served as a political center for Chinese conquerors. In 1010, it became the capital of Vietnam under the name Thang Long, remaining the main capital until 1802. The city was renamed Hanoi in 1831, meaning "Between Two Rivers". Today, Hanoi is transforming from a commercial city to an industrial and agricultural center.
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Where is Hanoi located?
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is in the northern part of the country on the western bank of the Red River. It is about 85 miles (140 km) inland from the South China Sea. Hanoi is more than just the national capital; it's also a province-level municipality that the central government administers. Roads and railway lines link Hanoi with other major Vietnamese cities.
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Why is Hanoi important to Vietnam?
Hanoi is important to Vietnam because it has served as the country's capital for much of its history. LĂœ ThĂĄi Tá», the first ruler of the LĂœ dynasty, chose Hanoi as his capital in 1010, and it remained the main capital until 1802.
Under French rule, Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1945 and became the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945. Today, Hanoi is a major industrial and agricultural center with a developed infrastructure that includes roads, railways, and airports. Several historical sites, such as the Temple of Literature, are located here.
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What are some famous landmarks in Hanoi?
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has many historical sites. The Temple of Literature, dating back to the 11th century, stands as a testament to traditional Vietnamese culture and education. The One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, is another ancient structure.
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the "Lake of the Restored Sword," offers scenic views. The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, constructed in the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city also has museums such as the Vietnam Revolution Museum and the Army Museum.
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How has Hanoi's history shaped its culture?
Hanoi's culture is a tapestry woven from its long history as a political center and its interactions with various powers. As a region settled in prehistoric times, Hanoi was often chosen as a political center by Chinese conquerors. In 1010, it became the capital of Vietnam under the name Thang Long, remaining so until 1802.
Under French rule, starting in 1883, Hanoi was an important administrative center and, in 1902, became the capital of French Indochina. After Japanese surrender in 1945, Ho Chi Minh seized power in Hanoi, making it the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Despite damage from foreign aggression and civil war, historical sites like the Temple of Literature (1070) and the One-Pillar Pagoda (1049) remain. Chinese influence permeates traditional Vietnamese culture, while Western influences grew in the 20th century.
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What role does Hanoi play in Vietnam's government, education, and economy today?
Hanoi serves as the capital of Vietnam and plays a central role in the nation's governance, education, and economy.
Government
Hanoi is where the National Assembly elects the president. As the country's capital, Hanoi is the center for policy decisions and the administration of government ministries and organizations.
Education
Hanoi is home to Vietnam National University, the country's largest multidisciplinary institution for higher learning. This highlights Hanoi's role as a key center for education and academic advancement.
Economy
Hanoi has transformed into an industrial and agricultural hub, producing machine tools, textiles, and chemicals. The city's location also makes it a communications center with roads and railways connecting it to major Vietnamese cities and beyond.
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Hanoi, city, capital of Vietnam. The city is situated in northern Vietnam on the western bank of the Red River, about 85 miles (140 km) inland from the South China Sea. In addition to being the national capital, Hanoi is also a province-level municipality (thanh pho), administered by the central government. Area mun., 1,205 square miles (3,120 square km). Pop. (1999) city, 1,523,936; mun., 5,053,654; (2009) city, 2,316,722; mun., 6,451,909; (2014 est.) city, 3,292,000.
History
The region around present-day Hanoi was settled in prehistoric times, and the location was often chosen as a political centre by Chinese conquerors. In 1010 Ly Thai To, the first ruler of the Ly dynasty (1009â1225) of Vietnam, chose the site of Hanoiâthen called Thang Long (âRising Dragonâ)âfor his capital. Thang Long remained the main capital of Vietnam until 1802, when the last Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen (1802â1945), transferred the capital south to Hue. The city occasionally was renamed for periods of time, and one of these names, Dong Kinh, given to it during the Later Le dynasty (1428â1787), became corrupted by Europeans to Tonquin. During the French colonial period (1883â1945) the name Tonkin was used to refer to the entire region. In 1831 the city was renamed Ha Noi (âBetween Two Riversâ) by the Nguyen dynasty.
Under French rule, Hanoi again became an important administrative centre. In 1902 it was made the capital of French Indochina. This was largely because of Tonkinâs proximity to southern China, where the French sought to expand their influence, and because of Tonkinâs mineral resources. Hanoi remained the administrative centre during the Japanese occupation (1940â45) of the territory.
In August 1945, following the Japanese surrender, the Viet Minh under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh seized power in Hanoi, and the city was established as the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The French, however, reasserted their control over Hanoi from 1946 until their defeat at Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954. Shortly thereafter Hanoi became the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).
During the Vietnam War, the bombing of Hanoi by the United States in 1965, 1968, and 1972 caused massive damage. Following the collapse of South Vietnam on April 30, 1975, North Vietnam extended its control over all of Vietnam. On July 2, 1976, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was proclaimed, and Hanoi was established as its capital. The city observed its 1,000th anniversary in early October 2010 by staging a number of events that culminated with a massive parade on October 10.
The contemporary city
Since 1954 Hanoi has been transformed from a primarily commercial city into an industrial and agricultural centre. Manufactures include machine tools, electric generators and motors, plywood, textiles, chemicals, and matches. Rice, fruits and vegetables, cereals, and industrial crops are grown in the surrounding area.
Hanoi is also a communications centre. Roads link Hanoi with other major Vietnamese cities, and railway lines provide access to its port of Haiphong; to Kunming in Yunnan province, China; and to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Small oceangoing vessels can sail to Hanoi on the Red River, and many small rivers are navigable from the capital to most parts of northern Vietnam. Hanoi has two airports.
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Many of Hanoiâs centuries-old monuments and palaces have been destroyed by foreign aggression and civil war, but there remain several historical and scenic points. Among the latter is Lake Hoan Kiem (âLake of the Restored Swordâ). Historical sites include the Co Loa citadel, dating from the 3rd century bce; the Temple of Literature (1070), dedicated to Confucius; the Mot Cot (âOne-Pillarâ) Pagoda (1049); and the Temple of the Trung Sisters (1142). In addition, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, built in the 11th century, was designated in 2010 as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The University of Hanoi, the Revolutionary Museum, the Army Museum, and the National Museum are important cultural institutions.