A Day in Hanoi"

"A Day in Hanoi"

Created by: Cityseeker

11 Locations Bookmarked

President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum "Ho Chi Minh's Final Resting Place"

The resting place of the remarkable revolutionary Ho Chi Minh, this monumental mausoleum stands at the same place where the then- President read the Declaration of Independence. The glorious centerpiece of Ba Dinh Square, the mausoleum boasts an architecture which is a skillful melange of both modernist as well as traditional Vietnamese by dalbera styles. Inside, the mortal remains of the great politician are placed in a glass case amidst much protection. One of the most precious landmarks of Hanoi, this mausoleum proffers a somber experience, lending deep insights into the legacy the man has left behind, setting a striking example, not just for the country, but for the entire world. Cradled in the spiritual center of Vietnamese Independence, the mausoleum features a quiet line that forms to view 'Uncle Ho's' body, which is a vision of sheer respect and dignity. Sitting in front of Ho's stilt house, this moving mausoleum is one of the priceless possessions of the city.

+84 4 825 5128 2 Hùng Vương, Hanoi

One Pillar Pagoda "A Temple for a Son"

Dubbed as one of Vietnam's most important temples, this unique pagoda stands in the midst of a tranquil lotus pond. Unfortunately, the original One Pillar Pagoda was destroyed in 1954, and a reconstructed version stands in its place. Originally constructed under the orders of Emperor Ly Thai Tong to commemorate the long-awaited birth of an heir, the pagoda by staffan.scherz was rebuilt by the Vietnamese government in 1955. When it was initially built, the Emperor believed that the luck had been foretold in a dream about the Goddess of Mercy handing him a male child on a lotus flower. So, for the entire pagoda to be built on a single stone pillar makes sense, as it exemplifies a blossoming lotus emerging from a sea of sorrow. Deeply entrenched in the Buddhist belief of purity, this pagoda is skillfully fashioned from wood, standing gloriously under traditional, pointed roofs. In the heart of the pagoda is an ornate sanctum enshrining Boddhisatva Avalokitesvara, and fringing the pagoda is a tapestry of verdant trees, a placid pond and rambling green lawns.

+84 4 942 1061 Pho Ong Ich Kiem, Hanoi

St. Joseph's Cathedral "Peak of Vietnam's Religious Past"

St. Joseph's Cathedral, which anchors one of Hanoi's most touristy streets, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Speckles of light still dance through stained glass work, leaving a kaleidoscope of color on the towers, which stretch toward the sky. Its doors first swung open in 1886, during the earliest days of colonial rule, and the cathedral still holds mass twice by Bonjin/凡人[ラナ] daily. During other hours, visitors can enter through a door on the side of the cathedral.

+84 4 926 3366 Pho Nha Chung, Hanoi Maison Centrale "Original Hanoi Hilton"

The French built this prison in 1896 to house up to 450 opponents of colonialism. However, in reality more than four times this number were imprisoned in appalling conditions. Indeed, the tiny, damp and dark cells evoke eerie claustrophobia, which would be multiplied by the use of manacles and the presence of rats. More recently, American prisoners of war were kept here, including the first ambassador to Vietnam, Pete Peterson. Today, only a small section remains and it is preserved as a museum.

+84 4 824 3011 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake "Morning Glory Run"

This small lake between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter is central to Hanoian folklore. A ghostly shrine (the Turtle Pagoda) standing on an islet at its center pays homage to a golden turtle. In the 15th century, this heroic reptile is said to have returned a magic sword to its home in the lake after it had been taken. These days, the sculptured park along the by nguyenkhactuhd23 banks plays host to postcard sellers, hawkers, elder men playing chess, llone photographers looking for a snap among others.

+84 4 942 1061 Pho Le Thai To, Hanoi

Municipal Water Puppet Theater "Liquid Stage, Vividly Painted Puppets"

Easily one of the greatest highlights of Vietnam, the Thang Long Puppet Theater features an ancient art form which goes back to the 11th Century. This water puppet theater features an ornamental stage bearing vibrant puppets which perform in deep waters. The original location of this kind of art form, this theater features beautifully-designed sets, musical by user:She instruments and a bamboo screen used by puppeteers to conceal themselves. The puppets, typically designed to look like the characters in Vietnamese fables, are controlled by 11 puppeteers, who launch fire- breathing dragons, acrobats and dancing maidens across the watery stage. Having originally hailed form Northern Vietnam, the theater has largely framed the cultural landscape of the country. Also sheltering an invigorating line-up of traditional, Vietnamese operatic vocal performances, the theater houses performances which are weaved with stories of ancient villagers, harvest time as well as enigmatic Vietnamese mythology. The band is just as important and impressive, providing the music that keeps the legends alive, giving tourists a taste of the beauty of Vietnamese sounds.

+84 4 824 9494 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi

Museum of Vietnamese Revolution "A March through Party History"

The rustic Museum of Vietnamese Revolution houses mostly photos that document the country's various struggles for independence and the history of the Communist Party. Aside from capturing revolutionary moments, the images, which date from 1858 to the present, provide a glimpse of the changing rhythm of Vietnamese streets spanning across three centuries. The objects on display offer a creative and multi- dimensional insight. Some of the more original artifacts include a 1920s jar that stored revolutionary documents, a Japanese Buddhist drum used to rally support for the Party in the 1960s and Vietnam's first sewing machine.

+84 4 825 4151 [email protected] 25 Tong Dan, Hanoi

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology "Informative Ethnographic Exhibits"

A short taxi or motorbike ride outside of Hanoi's center brings you to the Museum of Ethnology. The French-designed building and surrounding grounds, which simulate life in the provinces, warrant the trip even before you step inside. The museum displays a dizzying array of artifacts from all over Vietnam. Brief descriptions in French, English and Vietnamese of tools, clothing and recreated homes provide a sketch of several by vi:User:Rungbachduong Vietnamese ethnic minorities. A craft shop sells books, bags and other items from various ethnic communities at reasonable prices.

+84 4 756 2193 www.vme.org.vn/ [email protected] Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Hanoi

Ho Tay Lake Water Park "Lots of Watery Fun for Kids of all Ages"

The latest addition to Hanoi's entertainment parks, the Ho Tay Lake Water Park is having the same success as a similar park found in Ho Chi Minh City. With 12 large and small slides, including some group tube rides, it is a big attraction for Hanoi families. Most Vietnamese cannot swim, but the slides, wave making pool and floating tube lake have been crowded since opening, with safety staff on guard at all times. The water appears a little murky, but the staff assures customers it is filtered and chlorinated constantly.

+84 4 718 4222 614 Pho Lac Long Can, Hanoi

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