Hanoi Things to Do Tips by richiecdisc

My original feeling was to give this place a pass. The idea of some old guy laid up stiff in a glass box just did not interest me and the opening hours seemed inconvenient (8am-11am Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday/Sunday as well from December-September). We had passed it a few times while it was closed and the guards surrounding the complex seemed like real pricks and I wanted nothing to do with closer contact to them. But we had a prolonged stay in Hanoi due to TET so we decided to give it a try. After all, it is free. I am glad we did as just the spectacle of entering the sacred grounds is worth venturing there early in the morning. You have to queue up in a huge line of predominately Vietnamese visitors and it takes a while to actually get in the building. Once in, you are horded through at a steady but respectful pace. You must wear nice clothing and show the utmost respect. I was walking in what seemed such a pose, with my hands clasped behind my back when a guard nudged them apart with his small wooden club. Not only can you not have your hands in your pocket, but they must be at your sides or in front only! The dress in pure white uniforms to add to the clandestine aura and Ho Chi Minh looks quite peaceful with his wispy white beard. It’s interesting for people watching as much as for the actual sarcophagus of the embalmed great one.

Leave a Comment

Address: on D Hung Vuong
Directions: Ba Dinh District is about a half hour walk from the Old Quarter and an interesting one a that, past many Embassies.

With one of the prettiest settings of Vietnamese temples, Ngoc Son garners its fair share of both local worshippers and tourists but somehow retains a nice quiet atmosphere and with its shady island location, it is a great place to escape the heat of the midday sun. We were lucky to have got out here on our only truly nice weather day in Hanoi. The red bridge’s name translates as Rising Sun and early morning is the time to get the best photos of reflected images of both structures.

Leave a Comment

Directions: It is on a small island on the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake is to Hanoi what Central Park is to New York City. It is a focal point for people to meet and what makes the city such a joy to live in. Early morning is best for a visit as Hanoians come out early to jog, do traditional stretching excercises and play badminton of all things. The name of the lake means Lake of the Restored Sword and comes from the legend about such a magical instrument given the local Emperor to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. After the war, a giant golden tortoise snatched the sword from him while he was out fishing and took it to the depths of the beautiful lake. Thap Rua or the Tortoise Tower lays scenically on a center island of the lake, making for more reflection photos.

Leave a Comment

Directions: This is the centerpiece of the Old Quarter and impossible to miss as it is quite large for a city lake.

This is a quiet oasis right in the heart of busy and often hectic Hanoi. It is also one of the few remaining examples of ancient Vietnamese architecture and is considered perhaps the city’s greatest cultural sight. Founded in 1070, it became the country’s first university in 1076 to educate the sons of mandarins. A stelae naming the birth places and achievements of those receiving their doctorate here is one of the temple’s highlights. There are five separate courtyards and the complex is quite large so allow ample time to enjoy its contemplative grounds. Admission is 20,000 dong ($1.25) and open 8am-5pm daily.

Leave a Comment

Address: Intersection of Van Mieu & Pho Quoc Tu Giam
Directions: It is a nice 2 km stroll west of Hoan Kiem Lake.

This is one of the coolest museums I have visited in Asia. You start at the top of the building and work your way down in a clockwise downward spiral, going from the past historically to the future. The overall feeling is one of going to a modern art exhibit and even if you do not completely understand what you are seeing, the spectacle is no less inspiring. Symbolism abounds but what’s so funny about peace, love and understanding anyway? Just go and shell out the 5000 dong (30 cents).

Leave a Comment

Address: Bao Tang Ho Chi Minh
Directions: Close to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, this area is about a twenty minute walk from the Old Quarter through an interesting part of town.

Built in 1906 as the Palace of the Governor General of Indochina, this restored colonial building is not open to the public but you can walk around the grounds for 5000 dong (30 cents) and snap photos.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Easy to find, it is just behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex.

Nha San Bac Ho was Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house built in the style of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities though unlikely he spent all that much time on the grounds during the war as it would have been leveled by US bombers had the great one been suspected of residing here. It is nonetheless an interesting place to see how the Communist leader modernized how the lower classes were living. It is also a peaceful place to spend some time in between visiting the Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Admission included in Presidential Palace price.

Leave a Comment

Directions: This is located just behind the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

The One Pillar Pagoda was one of Hanoi’s bigger disappointments for me. If it had been the original 1049 structure built to resemble a lotus blossom floating on the water, it would have been splendid. But the last thing the French did before leaving Hanoi to the Vietnamese in 1954 was to completely destroy the obviously non-military/Communist structure for no apparent reason. It was rebuilt by the new government in a bit too concrete style. Still worth a peek as conveniently located and free.

Leave a Comment

Address: Chua Mot Cot & Pho Ong Ich Kiem
Directions: This is located in the Ho Chi Minh Complex so easy to visit while out there.

Bac Ma is the oldest temple in Hanoi and crammed into the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, it offers a glimpse into what inner city life must have been like nearly a century ago, before the advent of Communism versus the Western World. Though dating back to 1010, the ancient temple was lovingly restored in 2000 on its 990th anniversary. It is still a major spot of worship for both locals and Vietnamese visitors and was quite busy during the days leading up to TET as well. It's inner courtyard was very peaceful despite the hectic activities just outside in preparation of the festival.

Leave a Comment

Address: P Hang Buom
Directions: This is located right in the heart of the Old Quarter.