Now that I have visited all three major cities that make up Vietnam’s north, central, and southern regions, I think it’s only right to add to the resentment felt by each city toward the others by determining which one is better—Hanoi, Hue, or Saigon. One is the capital city where all power is centralized, the other is where Vietnam’s historic and intellectual roots run deepest, and the city to the south is the economic heartbeat of the entire nation. Who will come out on top?
Using broad generalizations based on only a few days of visits, stereotypes, personal bias, and an arbitrary point system, I will finally put this debate to rest.
Energy Every city has a certain “energy” to it. It can either electrify you with its zooming traffic and modern vices or lull you into a sleepy pace. This energy is unique to each city and is the determining factor to whether or not it if fitting to your own personal energy. Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon all run on a distinct energy that is the result of their location, history, economy, and people.
Once the capital of all of Indochina under the French and the current one under Vietnam’s communist government, it is difficult not to feel the authority this important city carries. All important governmental organizations and decisions are centered here. In cities such as these, there is always an air of stuffiness. Hanoi emits an energy of subtle restraint that exudes from the way people speak, dress, and conduct themselves. People speak very politely (though their thoughts may differ) and are always dressed properly here, despite the overbearing heat. The architecture, left over from the French, gives the city a sense of “chic-ness” that would be commonly associated with Paris. And because French influence is found all over the city, there is a sort of romantic mood to it that is quite charming and if not for the flurry of motorbikes and Vietnamese signs, can be mistaken for any other city in France.
Saigon’s enery is a stark contrast to Hanoi. Saigon is basically New York, but 10x more exciting, 20x noisier, 30x more congested, and 40x more polluted. Saigon is a fast city—of fast traffic, fast money (it is the economic powerhouse of Vietnam), and fast people. Saigon is anything but subtle restraint. No one waits for anyone here and they are not shy to tell you so in colorful words. The style of dress is loud, a sort of ghetto-fabulous with a Vietnamese twist. The constant boom of construction gives this city an impression of constant development. The city is ever-expanding, adding new districts and high rises to give room to an expanding upper class with so much money amidst so much poverty. Saigon’s energy is the sort of energy found in the world’s economic capitals, with all its glories, temptations, and downsides.
Hue, the often forgotten middle child overshadowed by its more glamorous sisters. Unlike Hanoi and Saigon, Hue’s energy doesn’t emit authority or fast exhilaration. Rather, Hue is more of a sleepy city, moving at a slow pace similar to the flow of Hue’s famous Perfume River. The sleepiness of Hue lends to a relaxed mood that is made apparent by the slower traffic and the pace at which people move. Also once the center of Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty, the historical roots unique to Vietnam gives this city a more traditionally Vietnamese feel than its more modern siblings to the north and south.
Winner: Hue, for its relaxed ambiance and firm grasp of history and tradition (+1)
(-)Hanoi’s air of restraint can feel a bit suffocating and uppity/ Saigon’s nonstop pace and congestion gets really tiring.
Architecture/Scenery As mentioned, Hanoi’s architectural layout is very similar to that of a French city. Narrow streets balanced with grand, tree-lined boulevards, and tiny parks dotted all over the city, Hanoi is Paris with a Vietnamese twist. It is difficult not to become enamored by the architecture in this city. It has that old world feel and charm of a French city. There are also a lot of historical buildings still standing, dating far back in time--Vietnam’s first university, old temples, and buildings integral to Vietnam’s mythical beginnings. A walk around Hanoi really is a walk through Vietnam’s pre-modern history. The scenery around Hanoi is lovely and has been the focus of many poetry and songs, all of which discuss the beauty of this ancient city. There are many trees and parks scattered throughout the city, giving the city a sense of calm amidst the chaos of the city. The areas around the many river banks that run through Hanoi are especially beautiful. Around evening time, when the sun is just about to set, people come out and sit along river banks to catch the rare breezes that come by. This lovely scene took me back to no other place than the Seine River in Paris.
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