The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. Throughout the thousand years of its history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural heritage including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, and President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Hanoi also has 18 lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake. The city is also famous for its traditional handicrafts like bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery. There are many famous professional handicraft villages like the Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, and Yen Thai glossy silk.