the 'old town' isn't as old as hanoi's long history would suggest (it first became capital in 285 bc - then called co lao - and again in 938) and had to survive 1000 years of chinese occupation and 150 years of french rule - - yet it has a lot of character and is still at the heart of the vietnamese nation ... a thriving streetlife, many historic buildings and interesting cafes & restaurants makes it a pleasure to visit this quarter! more (on food) soon ...
