The Turtle Tower in the middle of Hoàn Kiếm Lake is more than 150 years old. For the Hanoians, this is not only a tourist landmark, but also a bold image in memory, evoking cultural and historical beauty. VNA /VNS Photo Nhật Anh

Hà Nội was honoured as a "City for Peace" in 1999 by UNESCO - an event with profound political and cultural significance. It expressed the belief and desire for peace of the Vietnamese people in general and the Hanoians in particular.

Twenty five years since then, the capital city has had multiple changes for the better. Becoming a "safe and friendly" destination, it is increasingly introduced, widely promoted, and highly appreciated by international organisations.

With a stable political system, national security, and improved cultural, economic and spiritual life of the people Hà Nội has attracted a great number of foreign investors and tourists.

The city has also made remarkable progress in promoting economic development, accelerating the process of industrialisation, modernisation and international economic integration.

Along with the government's goal of planting 1 billion trees in 2021-25, Hà Nội is making efforts to improve the environment, both helping to reduce dust and noise while enhancing urban aesthetics. VNS

International visitors participate in cultural activities at the walking street around Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Thành Đạt

Foreign tourists enjoys a cyclo ride, one of Hà Nội's tourism products. VNA/VNS Photo Lương Tuấn Đức

Long Biên Bridge is not only a famous historical site of Hà Nội, but also a symbol of the bravery and resilience of the Hanoians. Built between 1899 and 1902, the bridge was bombed on many occasions during the anti-American war, and each time after bombing it was quickly repaired. The bridge is still in service today for trains, bikes, motorbikes and pedestrians. VNS Photo Trương Vị

SCHOLARLY: A boy asks for some beautiful letters from a calligrapher at the Temple of Literature, a typical custom of the local people during Lunar New Year holiday. VNA/VNS Photo Khánh Hoà

Covering about 500ha, West Lake is the largest lake of the city. VNS Photo Trương Vị

Two old ladies pictured when they are on the way to the market early in the morning under cool weather of Hà Nội's beautiful autumn. VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

Ever wanted your portrait painted? The Hoàn Kiếm Lake area is a famous meeting point for artists to sketch, paint and display their works, and it's a ideal place to wander around all day. VNS Photo Trương Vị

Young Hanoian women in áo dài (long dress) walk along a street. The city now has an annual Áo Dài Festival to honour the national traditional costume. VNS Photo Trương Vị

Phan Đình Phùng Street is known as one of the most romantic streets in downtown Hà Nội with ancient dracontomelum trees along the sidewalks. VNS Photo Trương Vị

Hà Nội not only hasve the famous Old Quarters with ancient streets and thousands of red tile-roofed houses, but also high-rise buildings in the western area. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

A view from above of Nguyễn Trãi Street in Thanh Xuân District which is one of the most crowded areas in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

Hà Nội welcomed more than 22.6 million tourists in 2023, an increase of 32.4 per cent year on year, according to the city's Department of Tourism. Among the arrivals, international tourists were 4.1 million, three times higher compared to the same period in 2022. The total tourism revenue reached VNĐ84.25 trillion (US$3.5 billion), a rise of 58.4 per cent year on year. VNA/VNS Photo Lương Tuấn Đức