(The capital of Vietnam) Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is located in the Red River Delta in the center of North Vietnam. It is the political, economic, cultural, commercial, and tourist center of the country. It was founded in 1010 AD during the reign of King Ly Cong Uan. Many ancient architectural features are still preserved in Hanoi, particularly in the fascinating warren of streets know as the Old Quarter. There are over 600 pagodas, numerous lakes and parks, where local tend together on weekends and in the evenings. The most notable lakes are fabled Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the City, and the vast expanse of West Lake. Popular sights include Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One-Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple and Vietnam’s first University, the Temple of Literature.