Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is primarily distinguished as a historic city, associated as it is with ancient legends and myths. Distinguished by its many lakes, parks, and pagodas, it is full of hcaracter and ever-changing expression. Nature, too, is one of the attractions: the city is located in the Red River Delta and only a few hours' from the magical Halong Bay, with its thousands of rock outcrops that resemble a Chinese brush painting.