Hanoi the capital of Vietnam will be a thousand years old in 2010. With its tree-lined avenues, old narrow streets, historic sites, the majestic Red River flowing on its outskirts, and most of all, an ambience of old-word hospitality and friendliness. It is also one of Asia’s greenest cities with an abundance of parks and lakes as well as a host of cafes and art galleries and an Old Quarter steeped in history.

By day the city hums with commerce and moves at motorbike speed; by night the city is an enchanting, 19th century Asian village best experienced from the seat of a silent cyclo.

Hanoi lies in the fertile Red River Delta, Vietnam's second largest river. Beneath modern-day Hanoi lie artifacts and relics of the early Bronze and Iron ages, dating back to 2,000 B.C. The city was officially founded in 1010 by Emperor Ly Thai To, who in 1010 renamed the area Thang Long or Soaring Dragon. Soon after some of the city’s oldest structures were built including the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university.

 

Places of interest

 

One Pillar Pagoda

It is located in Ba Dinh district, built in 1049. Its original name was Dien Huu, expressing a wish for longevity of the second Ly emperor. The pagoda has the shape of a lotus blooming on its stem. Legends said that King Ly Thai To was old but had no son.

One night, in a dream the king saw the goddess of Mercy sitting on a lotus flower offering him a male child. Shortly after that the queen got pregnant and she gave birth to a son. The king thanked the goddess by ordering the construction of this pagoda in the form of a lotus and named it Dien Huu, meaning long lasting happiness and good luck.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visiting Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum is an unforgettable experience. Inside an imposing building lies the embalmed body of the founder of modern Vietnam. When visiting the mausoleum the following rules need to be observed: No short sleeves & skirts are allowed. Silence should be observed when entering the tomb and definitely no photographs (in fact all bags have to be left outside). It’s quite an experience as you queue with many Vietnamese, some of whom have traveled many miles to make the pilgrimage. The mausoleum is a unique opportunity to reflect upon the life of one of the 20th century's more revered historical figures. Next to the mausoleum is a replica of "Uncle Ho's" wooden house on stilts.

 

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature was the first university in Vietnam and for centuries the principle center of learning. Parts of the Temple date from 1070. Over the years, parts of the Temple have been destroyed and parts have been added. What remains is spectacular. The longevity of the structure is even more astounding when you consider that the hot, humid climate of Vietnam isn't really suited to preservation. The Temple of Literature is still actively used as a place of worship, with many altars of burning incense and statues of the Buddha.

The Temple of Literature is located on Van Mieu St., 2km west of Hoan Kiem lake. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.00 to 11.30 am and 1.30 to 5pm.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

The museum contains documents, artistic works, photographs and other items, which vividly detail Ho Chi Minh's accomplishments in developing modern Vietnam. Portions of the museum focus on the links between revolutionary Vietnam and the outside world.

 

Note: All museums are closed on Monday. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is only open during the morning from everyday (except Friday and Monday) and is closed from September to November for annual maintenance.

 

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Restored Sword, is located in the heart of Hanoi, just south of the District of the 36 Guilds. The lake takes its name from a legend involving the Emperor Le Loi who celebrated his defeat of the Chinese by a nautical gala. He appeared at the helm of his ship, holding the magic sword which had given him the victory when a giant tortoise grabbed the sword. Since the sword had done its duty--freeing the Vietnamese from the Chinese, the Emperor named the lake after this event.

Today this beautiful lake is surrounded by a lush park--the site for badminton, exercises, and jogging

 

The Old Quarter

When set foot in Hanoi, you should save a little time to walk around Hanoi’s old quarter, also known as the 36 Streets offers a glimpse in to Vietnamese life from ages past. The old quarter has more or less kept to its traditional of maintaining guild streets that trade – wholesale and retail – in a particular product such as fabrics, garments, spare parts, mattresses, toys, foodstuffs, and so on. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities.

 

There are also two ancient houses in the Old Quarter that are especially worth visiting:

Ancient House: 87 Ma May St, built over 110 years ago.

Ancient House: 38 Hang Dao St, built on the foundations of a 17th century

 

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 base on architecture of Paris Opera House; it is also one of Hanoi's grandest buildings. Opera House overlook square is not large but beautiful so it connects Trang Tien with Hang Khay Street.   

 

Hoa Lo Prison

Better known as ‘The Hanoi Hilton’ it became famous during the American War .In 1996, a modern, 26-storey office block was built on the site. However, large sections of Hoa Lo have been preserved and converted into a museum.

 

Ngoc Son Pagoda

Hoan Kiem Lake was already considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi when NgocSonTemple was built on an island. The temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda and was renamed Ngoc Son Temple since temples were dedicated to the scholar Van Suong who was considered to be one of the brightest stars in Vietnam's literary and intellectual circles and the National hero Tran Hung Dao who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, this 19th century temple is a delightful place to escape the bustle of Hanoi.

 

Quán Thánh Temple

Quán Thánh Temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010 - 1028). The temple honors Saint Tran Vu, a legendary figure who helped King An Duong Vuong chase away demons during the construction of Co Loa Citadel. The central feature of the temple is a giant, black, bronze statue of Tran Vu cast in 1667.

 

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest of all pagodas in Hanoi. Located beside the dazzling WestLake in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism.

 

Museum of Ethnnology

This is a must-see for anyone intending to visit either Mai Chau or Sapa, or indeed anyone interested in Vietnam’s cultural diversity. The museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the grounds.

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