Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and one of Southeast Asia's most captivating cities, with a thousand-year history reflected in its ancient temples, French colonial boulevards, and chaotic but charming Old Quarter of 36 trading streets. Hoan Kiem Lake at the city's heart is surrounded by temples and is the setting for evening promenades, while the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are among the unmissable cultural sites. Hanoi is also the main gateway for trips to Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and the northern mountains.