What is the Capital of Vietnam? Hanoi

Capital City of Vietnam

The capital city of Vietnam is Hanoi, located in the northern part of the country, near the banks of the Red River. Hanoi is one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia, with a rich history that spans over a thousand years. It has long been the political and cultural heart of Vietnam, serving as the capital of different dynasties throughout history, as well as being a center for education, business, and government in modern times. See Vaultedwatches for other major cities in Vietnam.

City Overview

Hanoi is a city that seamlessly blends its ancient history with modern development. The city’s Old Quarter is known for its centuries-old architecture and narrow streets, while the French colonial period in the 19th century has left a lasting legacy in the form of grand boulevards, government buildings, and churches. Today, Hanoi stands as a vibrant metropolis, with a population of over 8 million people and a rapidly growing economy that is driving Vietnam’s modernization. It is an economic hub, especially for industries such as textiles, machinery, and information technology.

Hanoi is also a major cultural center. It is home to numerous museums, theaters, art galleries, and traditional theaters like the Water Puppet Theatre. The city also hosts a vibrant food scene, with dishes like Pho (noodle soup), Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich), and Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) being popular throughout the country and around the world. Hanoi is known for its green spaces, including Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a central feature of the city and a symbol of Vietnamese folklore and cultural heritage.

In addition to its modern amenities, Hanoi retains its traditional atmosphere, with ancient pagodas and temples, including the Temple of Literature (the first university of Vietnam) and One Pillar Pagoda.

City Facts:

• Area: 3,358 km²
• Population: Approximately 8 million (in the metropolitan area)
• Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7
• Highest Mountain: Fansipan (3,143 meters), located in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range in the northwest of Vietnam
• Longest River: The Red River (Sông Hồng), which flows through Hanoi and is essential for the region’s agriculture and economy.

Major Landmarks

Hanoi is rich in history and culture, with numerous landmarks and attractions that reflect its heritage:

• Hoan Kiem Lake: This picturesque lake, located in the heart of the city, is surrounded by legends. The Turtle Tower on an island in the lake is a symbol of Hanoi. Locals believe the lake is the site of a miraculous event in Vietnam’s ancient past, when a mythical turtle returned a magical sword to a dragon king.
• The Temple of Literature: Founded in 1070, this ancient Confucian temple was also Vietnam’s first university. It is a serene and beautiful place to visit, with stunning architecture and lush gardens.
• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: This monumental structure is the resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. The mausoleum is an important national symbol and a pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese.
• One Pillar Pagoda: A unique architectural structure built in 1049 during the reign of Emperor Lý Thái Tông. The pagoda stands on a single pillar in the middle of a lotus pond, representing the Buddhist concept of enlightenment.
• French Colonial Architecture: The influence of French colonialism is evident throughout Hanoi, particularly in the Hanoi Opera House, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, and many grand boulevards lined with French-style buildings.
• Hoa Lo Prison: Known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War, this prison was used by the French colonialists to house political prisoners and later by the North Vietnamese to hold American prisoners of war.

Climate Overview

Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by distinct seasons: hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The city experiences considerable rainfall during the summer months, which can lead to occasional flooding.

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	15°C	19 mm	9
February	16°C	30 mm	10
March	19°C	40 mm	12
April	22°C	50 mm	14
May	26°C	200 mm	14
June	29°C	270 mm	13
July	29°C	350 mm	12
August	28°C	350 mm	12
September	27°C	250 mm	14
October	24°C	100 mm	16
November	20°C	40 mm	17
December	16°C	25 mm	10

Other Capitals in History

While Hanoi has served as the capital of Vietnam for much of its history, there were periods when other cities also held the title of capital.

Thang Long (Vietnam’s Historical Capital, 1010–1802)

Hanoi was known as Thang Long before the name was changed to Hanoi in the 19th century. Founded in 1010 by Lý Thái Tổ, the city became the capital of the Lý Dynasty and remained the political and cultural center of the country for almost 1,000 years. During this period, the city grew in both size and importance, becoming a key player in the region. In 1802, the capital was moved to Hue by the newly established Nguyễn Dynasty.

Hue (1802–1945)

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam from 1802 until the rise of the French colonial regime in 1945. Hue is known for its ancient Imperial City, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The Nguyen emperors ruled from Hue, and it remained the center of Vietnamese governance and culture for over a century. However, Hue lost its capital status after the establishment of French rule in Indochina, and Hanoi once again became the capital.

Saigon (1955–1975)

During the period of South Vietnam, Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) served as the capital from 1955 until the fall of the city in 1975. Saigon was the economic and cultural hub of the South, and its status as the capital was closely tied to the non-communist government of South Vietnam. After the Vietnam War, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the communist revolutionary leader.

Country Facts

General Information about Vietnam

• Country Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
• Population: Approximately 98 million (as of 2023)
• Area: 331,210 km²
• Largest City: Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), with a population of over 9 million people.
• Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND)
• Official Language: Vietnamese
• ISO Country Codes: VN (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), VNM (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)

Geographic Features

Vietnam is a long, narrow country that stretches over 1,000 km from north to south, bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east. Its terrain is characterized by lush, mountainous regions, particularly in the north, and vast plains in the south, notably the Mekong Delta.

Economy

Vietnam has experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, largely driven by exports such as textiles, electronics, and agricultural products. The government has transitioned from a centrally-planned economy to a market-oriented economy, promoting foreign investment and industrialization.

Culture and Society

Vietnam’s culture is a mix of indigenous traditions and influences from China, France, and other Southeast Asian countries. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are the predominant religions, while the country also has a rich history of folk music, dance, and festivals. Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, spring rolls, and banh xeo, is renowned for its balance of flavors and fresh ingredients.