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VIETNAM NORTH VIETNAM Some of the most spectacular scenery in Vietnam is in the Tonkin region stretching from the Hoang Lien Mountains (Tonkinese Alps) eastward across the Red River Delta to the islands of Halong Bay. This area is home to many hilltribes, some of which have not been influenced by Vietnamese or Western life. A favourite vacation spot for Hanoi locals is Sam Son beach, 16 kilometres south-east of Thanh Hoa. The Tam Dao Hill Station, founded by the French in 1907, consists of weathered grand colonial villas. Here there is superb scenery, refreshing weather and good hiking trails. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty which ruled from 968 to 980 AD. The ancient citadel covers an area of three square kilometres and the outer ramparts enclose temples, shrines and the place where the king conducted his court. 236 www.paradisesonline.com Two sanctuaries worth visiting are Dinh Tien Hoang and Dai Hanh. A short boat trip away is Bich Dong Grotto in the village of Van Lam, and the Tam Coc Caves and the Xuyen Thuy Grotto. Close to the town of Ninh Binh is the Cuc Phong National Park, great for nature lovers. The Perfume Pagoda is one of several pagodas and Buddhist shrines built into limestone cliffs in the Huong Tich Mountain. A few hours drive from Hanoi is Halong Bay. With its 3000 islands rising from the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, it is an awe-inspiring sight and an absolute must on any itinerary. Day or overnight boat trips are easily arranged and are the ideal way to take in the spectacular islands. Hanoi Hanoi is Vietnam's capital as well as the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. This beautiful, charming city was chosen as the capital by King Ly Thai To in 1010 and was renamed Thang Long (the Soaring Dragon) and Hanoi has been the capital ever since. Rich in ancient history, Hanoi preserves almost 600 pagodas, temples and many streets with centuries-old architecture busy with trade activities. The city also preserves its poetic features with rows of trees lining both sides of the streets, parks covering dozens of hectares and natural lakes. Tourists can visit President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Co Loa Castle, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam—the oldest university in Vietnam), the Ambassador's Pagoda—the official centre of Vietnamese Buddhism, Chua Thay—the Master's Pagoda, Tay Phuong Pagoda (in Ha Tay Province), Lenin and Thu Le Parks, the Hoan Kiem Lake and the West Lake. Other attractions include the Museum of History, the Army Museum, the Museum of Revolution, the Museum of Fine Arts and a suburban village, where visitors can acquaint themselves with the life of Vietnamese peasants. The Old Quarter of 36 ancient trading streets is a fascinating area to explore, with its bustling trade and tunnel houses. In some of the quiet streets off beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake are an increasing number of boutiques and gift/souvenir shops that combine local and modern styles, with delightful restaurants and cafés in historic shophouses.