10 Must See Attractions in Hanoi

1

• 10 Must See Attractions in Hanoi

2

• Vietnam as a country has for a long time been
  associated with war and civil strife. Over the
  recent years however, Vietnam has emerged on the
  international scene as the cultural and
  historical jewel it has always been. Hanoi, the
  capital city, is home to more than six million
  people and the most popular tourist destination
  in Vietnam. A busy and hectic city, there are a
  host of highlights, a few of them listed below.

3

• Temple of Literature. Built around since the
  eleventh century, this tribute to Confucius is a
  reflection of the importance that was given to
  learning. There are a number of other temples
  around the country that have been dedicated to
  sages and scholars. Within the gardens of this
  complex is Vietnams first national university.
  Stroll around to see the five courtyards
  surrounded by beautiful gardens, halls and
  statues.

4

• Grand Opera House This magnificent 900-seat
  venue is an architectural mimic of the Paris
  Opera. Built between 1901 and 1911, the colonial
  beauty is a reminder of French influence in
  Vietnam. A lot of restoration has gone into
  preserving the former glory of the Opera House
  and now performances are held at the venue on a
  regular basis.

5

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Ho Chi Minhs mausoleum
  is modeled on Lenins tomb in Moscow. The
  legendary leaders final resting place is a
  landmark for the city of Hanoi. His embalmed
  body lies in the cooled central hall of the
  mausoleum, protected by military honor guard.
  The site also houses a museum for Ho Chi Minh.
  The staff at the mausoleum ensures that visitors
  follow strict dress and behaviour rules.

6

• One Pillar Pagoda Another Hanoi landmark, the
  original Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda was built in
  the 11th century. The one you will be shown by
  your Hanoi travel guide is actually a replica.
  The original pagoda was destroyed in 1954 by the
  French Union forces as they withdrew after the
  first Indochina war. This beautiful and unusual
  pagoda is built in the centre of a pond and is
  made to look like a lotus emerging from water.

7

• Hoan Kiem Lake In Hanoi, the City of Lakes, Hon
  Kiem is by far the most popular. It is the
  social and cultural focal point of the city and
  is extremely popular with visitors as well.
  Dotted with small but beautiful bridges, a number
  of pagodas can also be spotted here.

8

• The Presidential Palace A very interesting
  story comes along with a visit to the
  Presidential Palace. Constructed in French
  colonial style, this overly luxurious building
  was built for the French Governor General of
  Indochina. When Ho Chi Minh took over Hanoi and
  the rest of Vietnam, he refused to stay at the
  palace for symbolic reasons, choosing instead the
  servants quarters on the same compound. Later,
  he built a traditional Vietnamese stilt house for
  himself on the grounds of the palace.

9
National Museum of Fine Arts

• This museum showcases Vietnams fine arts from
  every period of its history. It is the countrys
  primary art museum and contains an array of art,
  crafts, sculptures and artifacts.

10

• The Hoa Lo prison was originally set up by the
  French for holding political prisoners, and later
  by the North Vietnamese to house POWs. When
  American POWs used the facility, they
  sarcastically named it the Hanoi Hilton. Though
  the prison was demolished in the 1990s, the
  gatehouse remains and is used as a museum.

11

• West Lake is a freshwater lake in the centre of
  Hanoi. It is the largest lake of the capital and
  its shores are lined with pagodas, gardens,
  restaurants and hotels. This lake is extremely
  popular with locals and visitors. Once at West
  Lake, be sure to go across the Tran Quoc Pagoda,
  Hanois most historic pagoda. This pagoda goes
  back about 1500 years and is the foremost symbol
  of Buddhism in the country. Restored to its
  original beauty, no visit to Hanoi is completed
  without visiting Tran Quoc.

12

• Water Puppet Theatre. Puppets used in water based
  setting are used to narrate old folk legends in
  this unconventional theatrical display. Though
  the narration is primarily in Vietnamese, one
  still enjoys the musical visual effect of the
  show.

13

• A word of advice Hanoi must be explored along
  with a Hanoi travel guide. Each of the places
  mentioned above has a story that goes along with
  its history, and those legends come alive when
  you hear them at the right place in the right
  ambience!