Hanoi Things to Do Tips by Designerartgirl

I didnt actually go inside the opera house , but i did walk past it, and its a massive building where the architechture is amazing that it stands out a mile in comparision to the rest of Hanoi.

It was this building where the Viet Minh announced that they had taken over Hanoi from the french occupants.

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Phone: 8254312
Address: Central Hanoi - faces east up Pho Trang Tien
Directions: near the hoan kiem lake in the centre of hanoi.

This lake is in the centre of the older part of hanoi and is surrounded by a number of cute little cafe's which look as if they've been left from the french occupation.

Surrounded by local legend that in the mid 15th Century, heaven gave the emporer a magical sword which drove the chinese out of Vietnam. The sword was then returned to the lake when it was taken by a giant tortoise. Since then it has been known as the lake of the restored sword (Ho Hoan Kiem)

Near the lake is the jade mountain temple, which is also quite pictureque, and in the south of the lake you can also see the Thap Rua, (tortoise tower) which is on a small island thing in the middle of the lake.

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Address: Central Hanoi
Directions: head to the old quatre and you'll find it. Its one of the larger lakes in hanoi.

This prision is one of hanoi's more interesting museums and it takes you on a walk around tour (following a map, although a guide can be arranged for a few extra Dong.

Inside you can see what it was like for the american POW during the vietnamese/american war. There are also bits and bobs you can view from torture instruments used on both the vietnamese under french rule, and against the americans during the war. (Including a french guillotine- which is worth visiting just to see the magnificence of it)

Its open most days except monday, from 8am til 11am, then 1pm till 4 pm

Entry is 10,000 Dong.

(ignore the motorcycle touts trying to take you, as its a quick walk there and back and this can save you some dollars or dong)

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Phone: 934 2253
Address: 1 Pho Hoa Lo, Central Hanoi
Directions: Old Quatre. Head to the south of the lake, and follow the road Pho Ba Trieu, take a right at Pho Hai Ba Trung. Pho Hoa Lo is about 400 m on your left.

The Vietnamese Water puppets is something which although sounds more like somthing kids would like, is something which is liked by all, and the best place to see it is in Hanoi in the waterpuppet theatre. Originally stemming from a way of entertaining themselves during the rainy season has become a national treasure. I found myself disapointed when it ended as i wanted to watch more.

Tickets are about 40,000 Dong, which is quite reasonable, and the entire show is sung/played in vietnamese. But dont worry, its easy to follow the story lines. Introductions are done in vietnamese, french and english.

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Address: Hanoi, next to the main lake.
Directions: Take a walk around the lake and you'll soon find the water puppet theatre.

Ho Chi Min's mausoleum is open for visitors in the mornings for viewing where you can see Ho Chi Min's embalmed body... except in November when it goes away for preservation...

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Address: Hanoi
Directions: Ba Dinh District

Well this museum wasnt fantastic but for the sake of getting out the hot sun for an hour i took a wander around the exhibits.

Its built over a number of floors, each floor dipicting how the women of vietnam have helped the country develop, from the guerella fighters to how important they are to society.

The top floor has exhibits about the fashion of the vietnamese women in the different parts of vietnam, from the hill tribes of the north to the traditional dress of the modern woman.

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Phone: (84-4) 8.259.936
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Str, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Website: btpnvn@netnam.vn
Other Contact: www.vietnamwomenmuseum.com