The internet has emerged as the best source for practical information about Hanoi–information on restaurants, travel, accommodation may be updated and revised without the intervening periods of writing, editing, printing and distribution required for books. However, books often offer a broader and deeper perspective on Hanoi and Vietnam than is available online. Fortunately these two are not mutually exclusive–one can learn about Vietnamese culture and history from the many excellent books on these subjects, and keep track of changes in the social landscape through online resources.
