Vietnam being primarily a Buddhist country, Hanoi is the home to several Buddhist temples and shrines. One Pillar Pagoda was built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong dedicated to his long awaited heir. However, as the temple was destroyed during the war with the French a replica was built in 1954. The Tran Quoc Pagoda dates back to the 17th century and contain a Pipal or Bodhi tree, which is said to have been grown from a cutting of the original tree under which the Buddha sat and gained enlightenment. One of the popular pagodas in Hanoi is the Tay Ho Pagoda. This is built on a part of land protruding in to the lake with the same name. You can go on an enticing boat ride around the lake as well.
Vietnamese cuisine is unique and undeniably unforgettable. While in Hanoi you will come across the Snake Village. This is a special location where there are several restaurants specializing in cobra food stuffs. Live cobras are kept on display so the visitors get to choose the cobra they would like to indulge on. If you order cobra blood wine, the chef would kill the cobra then and there, to get the blood and also serve you with the beating heart. This is definitely for the more daring traveller. Dog meat is also a popular dish found in many restaurants. However, Hanoi also is the home to several excellent international restaurants as well, so that you can satisfy your taste buds in any way you please.
If you are looking for a serviced apartment Hanoi has a host of options to choose from. Hanoi apartments will treat you with the warm Vietnamese hospitality. Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi is one such option located conveniently close to the business district, where you can enjoy luxury in a private and comfortable setting.
