Hanoi

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture with Southeast Asian, French, and Chinese influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade.

A major tourist destination, Hanoi offers well-preserved French colonial architecture as well as religious sites dedicated to Buddhism, Catholicism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Hanoi is sometimes referred to as the “Paris of the East” with its tree-lined boulevards, more than 20 lakes, and thousands of French Colonial buildings.

The majority religion is Buddhism, with Mahayana Buddhism widely practiced. Smaller groups practice Theravada and Hoa Hao Buddhism. That being said, the actual practice of most of the population, particularly in the rural areas outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is focused on ancestor worship and the existence of spirits. Many Buddhist temples accommodate folk traditions along with the traditional Buddhist practices.

Christianity is a minority group, roughly 8% of the population. Most of these identify as Catholic with a smaller group following Protestantism. French missionaries are largely responsible for this abnormally large segment of the population regularly attending church services, worshiping, and engaging in prayer and religious studies. The churches represent not only places of worship but important cultural and historical landmarks within the city.

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