It's a LONG way from Montana to Hanoi! The flight took about 30 hours (with layovers).
Hanoi, the "City within the River's Bend" was founded as the ancient capital 1010, though it dates back to the 3rd century. Today, Hanoi is emerging as a cultured and affluent city.
Hoan Kiem Lake is in the heart of Hanoi. Legend has it that in the early 15th century a golden turtle which lived in the water presented a general with a magical sword. With the help of that sword the general expelled the Chinese from Hanoi and established himself as Emperor.
It is thought that The Temple of Literature is the oldest archetectural complex in Hanoi. It was founded to honor the Chinese philospoher Confucius and served as a center for higher learning for more than 7 centuries. The ornate gate is known as the Constellation of Literature and was build in 1805. There are 5 courtyards which are separated by walls and pathways.
Hanoi became the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1954; 22 years later, in 1976, it became the capital of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam. During the Vietnam/American War, the Hanoi Hilton served as a prison to captured soldiers.
