On the occasion of announcement of Top Destinations 2010 which were voted by readers of Frommer, a prestige tourism publisher in America, Ron Emmons, author Frommer's Thailand and co-author Frommer's Southeast Asia has commented that Hanoi happens to be Asia's most Asian city.
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Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi |
Every year, during October and November, Frommer's guidebook editors and Frommers.com staff start gathering in meeting rooms and dialing up colleagues abroad to determine what places they think tourists should know about during the coming year. They aim for a list packed with value picks, emerging cities, and smart alternatives to over-hyped spots.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has ranked as the third in 2010's list of top destinations, after Tunisia and Copenhagen, Denmark's capital. And Hanoi is described briefly as followings:
Vietnam's bustling capital may be a 1,000 years old, but it's a thriving metropolis with a French colonial soul. A cultural center littered with pagodas, temples, and historic monuments, Hanoi offers plenty for the traveler seeking an authentic yet eclectic Asian experience. The eating scene is colorful with excellent meals available at both street-side stalls and fine eateries. Nightlife won't disappoint with the labyrinthine Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake housing dozens of bars from Western ex-pat establishments to disco-infused nightclubs -- plus the legendary Minh's Jazz Club. There's also a cool and contemporary art gallery scene showcasing young artists along Pho Trang Tien. And if you love to shop, try the funky boutiques on Nha Tho, or Cho Hang Da, the huge Dong Xuan market that transforms into a night bazaar on weekends.
Other places representing in the list of 12 Top Destinations 2010 are Santiago de Cuba, Cuba; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Hawaii (the Big Island), United States; Salta Province, Argentina; Isles of Scilly, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Melbourne, Australia; Florida Panhandle Beaches, United States; Kerala, India.
This is a good news for Vietnamese people in general and Hanoi people in particular, especially it comes at the right time when everyone is preparing and directing toward the grand celebration of 1000th year Thang Long – Hanoi in the coming year, 2010.
Phuong Anh (Edited)