Travel to Vietnam and delve into the heart of Hanoi. The capital of Vietnam, not only an essential administrative center but also a historical gem with a legacy spanning thousands of years, where cultures intersect and witness significant historical and cultural events. That's why Hanoi is a place with numerous historical landmarks, fortresses, temples, and traditional streets, where travelers can feel the nostalgia through architectural marvels and the lifestyle of millennia.
In this article, Passionate Travel will guide travelers to explore 5 must-visit tourist attractions in Hanoi.
1. Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - One Pillar Pagoda
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the resting place of the great leader of the Vietnamese nation. Officially inaugurated on September 2, 1973, the mausoleum is located at the site of the old podium in Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh delivered the first Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most uniquely designed temples in Asia, representing a cultural symbol and spiritual destination in Hanoi's capital. With its ancient architectural charm and historical significance, this temple offers visitors a visual and captivating insight into Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
One Pillar Pagoda is named as such because its main structure is built on one large pillar , resembling a single column. This pillar highlights the unique feature of the pagoda and creates the distinctive image that people often refer to when talking about the One Pillar Pagoda. This large pillar is constructed in the middle of an artificial pond, adding to the impressive nature of the pagoda and making it one of the iconic symbols of Hanoi, Vietnam.
2. Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is a prominent destination, showcasing its antique charm during the day and transforming into a vibrant and bustling space at night. Visitors can leisurely wander through the 36 streets, discover unique items on each street, explore historical landmarks, traditional markets, and immerse themselves in the lively urban atmosphere at night.
Some famous tourist destinations in the Old Quarter:
Ngoc Son Temple
The Ngoc Son Temple is surrounded by three distinctive architectural structures: Thap But, and The Huc Bridge. Visitors can explore, admire the scenery, and offer prayers at this famous temple at any time of the year. However, the beginning of the year is always the ideal time as the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year fills the streets, and people often come here to burn incense, praying for a healthy, lucky, and successful new year.
Hang Ma Street - a vibrant and colorful paradise
Hang Ma Street is one of the most vibrant and bustling ancient streets in Hanoi. Especially during festivals and Tet holidays, the entire street is brilliantly decorated with lanterns, balloons, creating a lively atmosphere filled with sounds, lights and colors.
Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in Hanoi, located in the city center, in Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District. The market was built during the Nguyen Dynasty and stands as one of the symbols of the capital city of Hanoi. Dong Xuan Market is a vast trading area, covering an area of over 20,000 square meters, accommodating thousands of stalls. The market offers a wide range of products, including food, dry goods, household items, clothing, footwear, as well as souvenirs and gifts.
Visitors to Dong Xuan Market can experience a vibrant and lively shopping atmosphere, as the market is bustling with buyers and sellers from early morning until late at night. The market is known for its diversity, and customers can find almost anything they are looking for. The enthusiastic and friendly local vendors are always ready to assist and provide advice to customers.
When visiting Dong Xuan Market, tourists should definitely try the local specialty drink, egg coffee, to warm up during the chilly winter days in Hanoi. This hot beverage is made from brewed coffee and egg, creating a unique and comforting flavor. Enjoying egg coffee in the brisk atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter is a wonderful way to embrace the enchanting winter vibes of this city.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake situated in the center of Hanoi is the convergence point for famous ancient streets such as Hang Dao Street, Hang Ngang Street, Luong Van Can Street, and areas like Trang Thi street, Trang Tien, Ba Trieu street, Hang Bai street and Dinh Tien Hoang street.
With a spacious area of approximately 12 hectares and a circumference of about 1.7 kilometers, Hoan Kiem Lake is ideal for walking to enhance health, leisurely enjoyment or utilizing various means of transportation like Motorbike, Cyclo (Pedicab) and Tourist electric car.
Cuisine of the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a gathering place for renowned specialties such as bun cha, beef pho, chicken pho, Vietnamese pate bread, and various traditional desserts. Among the 36 streets and wards, Ta Hien Western Quarter stands out with the distinctive specialty of Hanoi's draft beer, creating a lively and appealing atmosphere for diners.
3. Westlake
West Lake, located in the northwest of Hanoi, is the largest natural lake in the city, covering an area of up to 500 hectares, with a circumference of about 20 kilometers. Surrounding West Lake is a lush green road, stretching about 18 kilometers. Especially during the Ly-Tran period, West Lake became an exclusive tourist area for kings and nobles. When visiting West Lake, tourists can explore Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple and the Tay Ho Palace, all of which are landmarks that have left a mark on millions of visitors.
Additionally, tourists can enjoy local specialties such as West Lake shrimp cakes and Bun Oc (snail noodle soup) in the Tay Ho area.
Tran Quoc pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. Situated on a small island in the picturesque West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda exudes ancient beauty and tranquility, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. Tran Quoc Pagoda is constructed in the shape of the Chinese character (一), comprising main sections such as the triple gate, pagoda hall, ancestral house, stelae house, Hoa Phong Tower and Tran Quoc Tower. The triple gate is built in the style of a rolled arch, standing 10 meters tall and 12 meters wide. Hanging on the gate is a bronze bell weighing 1 ton, cast in 1677. Visitors can also explore the pagoda hall, ancestral house, stelae house, and various other architectural features within the pagoda.
Quan Thanh Temple
Quan Thanh Temple is one of the "Thang Long tu tran" (Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long), located at Quan Thanh Street. It stands as a sacred symbol of Thang Long, Hanoi. The temple was constructed to worship the national treasure, the Huyen Thien Tran Vu statue, standing nearly 4 meters tall and weighing up to 4 tons. In addition to this statue, the temple houses numerous rare historical artifacts dating back over three centuries.
The architectural layout of the temple includes three gates, a front pedestal, a middle pedestal, a courtyard, and a rear chamber, following the traditional Chinese architectural style. The three gates have pillars adorned with four phoenixes back-to-back and a kneeling goat on top, featuring carved images of dragon-fish, fierce tigers, and prominent couplets. Inside the temple, there are valuable artworks, including carvings on pillars, doors, beams, and over 60 horizontal boards, poems, and couplets inscribed in classical Chinese.
4. Exploring museums - a distinctive feature of the historical and cultural space in Hanoi
Museums are an integral part of exploring the historical and cultural space in Hanoi, preserving the unique cultural secrets, stories, and heritage of the country. For Vietnamese tourists, places like Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison and Water Puppet Theater are captivating stops to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the nation.
Museum of Ethnology
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, also known as the Museum of Ethnology, stands as a treasury showcasing the cultural diversity of ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Visitors are immersed in the serene ambiance reminiscent of the mountains and plateaus, where they can admire creatively crafted and unique murals, along with vividly displayed artifacts. The museum is an unmissable destination for those passionate about exploring Vietnam's cultural tapestry.
Hoa Lo Prison
Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison is a place that has witnessed numerous significant historical events, offering visitors an emotionally charged experience. Here, tourists have the opportunity to contemplate walls rich in meaning, along with artifacts and images that vividly portray the challenging yet resilient lives of the imprisoned individuals.
Water Puppet
Water Puppet is a unique venue offering insights into Vietnam's traditional art. Traditional water puppet performances not only bring moments of joyful entertainment but also open a window to the country's unique culture, narrated through charming and skillful puppet characters.
5. Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is the first university in Vietnam.This historical site reflects the spirit of respect for learning, appreciation for intellectual talents, and embodies the scholarly traditions of the Vietnamese people. When visiting the Temple of Literature, tourists can explore valuable documents and artifacts, especially the 82 stelae honoring doctors - an item recognized by UNESCO as part of the "World Documentary Heritage."
6. Exploring the Famous Train Street in Hanoi
Train Street, with its mere 2-kilometer length, has swiftly become an ideal destination for a diverse crowd, including foreign tourists and the youth of Vietnam. Every meter of Train Street unfolds as a historical narrative, revealing a captivating story to visitors. The brick walls, vintage advertisements, and unique images along the railway track recount pivotal periods in the city's history. This isn't just a place to enjoy coffee; it's an outdoor museum, allowing visitors to grasp the undulating history of the Vietnamese people.
7. Some tips for travelers when visiting Hanoi
When exploring Hanoi, foreign tourists may take note of the following tips for a complete experience in the capital of Vietnam:
Weather
Travelers should check the weather forecast before heading out and prepare appropriate clothing. Hanoi experiences seasonal changes, as follows:
Spring: Hanoi is typically fresh with cherry blossoms blooming, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Summer: Temperatures can rise up to 40°C, with hot and humid weather, and the possibility of heavy rain.
Autumn: Considered the most beautiful season, it is gentle, pleasant, and characterized by fresh, clean air.
Winter: It can get quite cold during this season, with temperatures often dropping below 10°C. There might be drizzle and mist.
Traffic
Traffic in Hanoi can be chaotic, especially during peak hours. Travelers may use ride-hailing services like Grab, GoJek or Be to explore Hanoi.
Using cash when travel to Vietnam
Currency: Use Vietnamese Dong (VND), the official currency of the country. Keep some small denominations of cash for convenience when paying at small shops, street food stalls, and markets.
Small denominations: For small transactions, especially in markets and smaller establishments, use small denominations of cash to avoid issues with a lack of change.
Conclusion
In summary, when exploring the rich tapestry of Hanoi, we encounter a city seamlessly blending historical and cultural heritage with the vibrant energy of modern life. Visitors can explore the symbols of Vietnam, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, wander through the charming Old Quarter of Hanoi reminiscent of a painting, experience the serene tranquility of West Lake, and discover various emotions while exploring Hanoi. Every moment in Hanoi is a step into a fascinating story unfolding before our eyes through its historical beauty.
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