Hanoi (actually spelling Ha Noi), is a capital that wears its history on its streets. Though not as energetic as Ho Chi Minh City or not as newly developed as Danang, Hanoi is quite possibly Vietnam’s most charming city.

If history is on your agenda, there is plenty simply wandering around the city’s Old Quarter. Hoan Kiem Lake is immersed in Vietnamese legend.

In the Western Hemispheres, the mention of Hanoi elicits thoughts of war, bombing, and, perhaps, Jane Fonda. Outside of a handful of museums, you will find no mention of the war between Vietnam and the U.S. Instead, there is a city of culture and past more akin to a Chinese city than to its southern Vietnamese cousins.

Hanoi is a city of art. The style of painting and photography is unlike anything else in Asia. influenced by Chinese, French, and Japanese styles, and impassioned by Vietnam’s violent history, the original work found in Hanoi is something for art lovers and appreciators of beauty to behold.

Despite this, buyers should beware. About 10 years ago, Hanoi experienced an art renaissance. As the art world became aware of Hanoians, certain Hanoians became aware of the business opportunities for art. Unfortunately, many artists make a majority of their income from reproducing famous works and also reproducing their own famous works over and over again. This might bolster the tourist industry, which is growing by leaps and bounds, but seeing art as a mere business does not always suit the artist themselves.

Nonetheless, a connoisseur or a casual art museum go-er will both find something of interest in Hanoi. The Museum of Ar t (66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street) is a great place to see painting, sculpture, and even ancient carvings. Wandering around the nearly empty halls of this museum, anyone familiar with Vietnamese history can trace it through the art.

Galleries showing contemporary art are around the city. Hanoi Art Gallery (Trang Tien street) is a good, if overpriced gallery near Hoan Kiem Lake. The Van Gallery (13 Hang Gai street) is also worth a gander. Art Vietnam (30 Hang Than) is also worth a visit as the staff seem pretty knowledgeable. There are others, as well. I guess its up to taste.

Graphic art lovers will be in heaven simply walking around the streets and take in the billboards, many seem inspired by soviet era propaganda posters. There are some newer billboards as well.

Hanoi is considered by many to be the center of Vietnam’s art scene. Weather or not you are an art lover, this ancient city is worth a look.