Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam, is located on the bank of In 1010 Emperor Ly Thai To founded his capital on the the Red River in the northern section of the country. The city is nicknamed the "city of lakes", with 18 beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake,... Which are the lungs of the city, with their surrounding gardens and trees providing a vital source of energy. In 1010 Emperor Ly Thai To founded his capital on the fertile banks of the Red River, which he christened  "City of the Ascending Dragon'. A millennium later, Hanoi remains Vietnam's political centre with its crowded streets lined with reminders of its long and tumultuous history. Moving at a slower pace than southern Saigon, vital source of energy. there are plenty of tranquil neighborhoods to explore with ochre-colored colonial style buildings, tree-lined avenues and lakes.