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74 | Viking Explorer Society News City guide HANOI A French-conceived colonial city, Hanoi embodies the fascinating contrasting nature of Vietnam, where old and new worlds combine. Dubbed the cultural capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is home to beautiful scenery—tranquil lakes and verdant parks amid French colonial villas and mansions. Cultural heritage sites will surprise you at every turn, meaning each step offers a chance to be delighted and charmed as you meander the pretty tree-lined boulevards. Hanoi means "city within the river's bend" or "inner river," owing to its location around the confluence of the Red River and the To Lich River. The region around the city was first settled in prehistoric times by an ancient people known as the Hoabinhians. Centuries later, the city was taken by the French in 1883 and eventually became the capital of French Indochina until 1954. MUST-SEES Despite an eventful history—marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities— Hanoi still preser ves many ancient architectural works, including the Old Quar ter and more than 600 pagodas and temples. Here you will find original streets and architecture from the early 20th centur y. To fur ther explore, take a leisurely ride through the Old Quar ter by electric car. In the hustle and bustle, don't be surprised to spot workers napping on their scooters or street vendors cooking up delicious treats. To brush up on local histor y, visit the Museum of Ethnology, which includes a number of fascinating exhibits that bring Vietnam's histor y and diverse culture to life. Then, head to the Temple of Literature, which was founded in 1070 as Vietnam's first university. This maze-like compound features inviting cour tyards, pavilions, walkways, lakes and a museum. The One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-centur y monument that was rebuilt af ter being destroyed in 1954, is nearby. En route, pass colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the city's biggest attractions and provides a valuable look at the histor y and culture of Vietnam. In addition to the mausoleum, the complex includes the Presidential Palace, a park and two modest homes that the former