Hanoi Things to Do Tips by sailor_p

Hang Bo - a street for tailors'

materials

Hanoi's Old Quarter, with more than a thousand years of history, is Vietnam's most lively and unusual place. There are about 36 streets in the Old Quarter and walking in the Old Quarter is like a maze to me, getting lost despite arming myself with a map! Exploring this maze of streets was definitely a fascinating experience to me.

Each street is unique - selling a specialised item. For example, at Hang Bac, you will find rows and rows of goldsmiths and at Hang Gai, you will find nothing but silk! For fans of shopping like me, this is one place you should check out!

The Old Quarter is also good place to hang around in the evenings. There are numerous cafes from all range and you just choose what you like or your budget has for you. It's also safe for single ladies too. But, as in any crowded place, do watch out for pickpockets. I met one during my second night at the Old Quarter. I was shocked that he came close to me but learning that I have noticed his presence and it was not that easy to take my wallet out of my bag, he walked away, joined by a young boy (perhaps his partner in crime).

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Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Let this be your first stop in Hanoi!

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 29, 2005

A beautiful morning to visit

President Ho

During my visit in Hanoi, I have the opportunity to explore the city highlights such as the Ho Chi Minh�s Mausoleum. In the tradition of Lenin and Mao, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, also known as �Uncle Ho�, is a glass sarcophagus set deep inside the Mausoleum.

A local guide told me that everyday, many Vietnamese and visitors would queue up to pay respect to Ho Chi Minh. It was a great pity that during my visit, the Mausoleum was closed as Ho Chi Minh�s embalmed body went to Russia for maintenance.

However, rumours have it that his body is no longer sent to Russia but remained in Hanoi for secret maintenance. Other rumours also said that at times, only the wax body of him was used. Well, the rumours have not be certified, so it's up to you to believe it or not! *wink*

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Address: Pho Ngoc Ha & Pho Doi Can
Directions: The Mausoleum is located west of the Old Quarter. Admission is free.

Presidential Palace: Ho Chi Minh's Relic Area - The Presidential Palace

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 29, 2005

The Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace, housed within the Ho Chi Minh's Relic Area, is where President Ho Chi Minh worked from late 1954 to his last days in September 1969. The Presidential Palace, formerly called the General Governor for Indochina, is surrounded by beautiful mango trees.

Today, it is used for official receptions and not opened to public. Beautiful...

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Phone: (84-4)8234760
Address: 1 Bach Thao, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
Directions: The Ho Chi Minh's Relic Area is located just 5-10 min walk from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex.

Presidential Palace: Ho Chi Minh's Relic Area - House on Stilts

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 29, 2005

House on Stilts

Housed within the Ho Chi Minh's Relic Area, less than 3 minutes walk from the Presidential Palace, is the "House on Stilts". This is where President Ho lived on and off from 1958 to 1969. The house was built in the style of Vietnam's ethnic minorities and has been well-maintained today. There was a beautiful koi pond nearby and I was told that President Ho used to clap his hands to call the fish to him so that he could feed them. During his presidential years, he would also invite students from various parts of Vietnam to his "House on Stilts" for chit-chat and to share his wisdom to them. It is evident that till today, he still lives in the hearts of many.

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One pillar pagoda: A Unique Structure - One Pillar Pagoda

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 29, 2005

The iconic structure was rebuilt

after 1954

Did you know that the current iconic structure in Hanoi, One-Pillar Pagoda, is less than a hundred years old? According to my guide, one of the last awful acts of the French before quitting Hanoi, was the destruction of the One-Pillar Pagoda in 1954. The new government rebuilt the structure and remained till today. The structure is just walking distance from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

According to history records, the heirless Emperor Ly Thai Tong dreamed that he had met Quan The Am Bo Tat, the Goddess of Mercy, who, while seated on a lotus flower, handed him a male child. The Emperor then married a young peasant girl he met by chance and had a son and heir by her. To express his gratitude, he commissioned to have the structure built in 1049.

According to the Lonely Planet Guide, the One-Pillar Pagoda, built of wood on a single stone pillar 1.25m in diameter, is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, symbol of purity, rising out of a sea of sorrow. Today, many tourists visited the pagoda to offer their worship and sought the Goddess for blessings.

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Address: Pho Ong Ich Kiem

Temple of Literature: Only Scholars Need Apply...

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 30, 2005

A place for the

academically-inclined

If you have the calibre to be a scholar, the Temple of Literature is just the place for you!!!

The Temple of Literature is slated as the first university in Vietnam. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the institution was established to honour scholars and men of literary accomplishment. Between 1442 and 1778, about 116 examinations were conducted on the premise.

Today, the Temple of Literature is a well-visited place by tourists and locals who wish to pray for their children to excel in examinations. So, only scholars need to apply...

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Address: Pho Quoc Tu Giam
Directions: The Temple of Literature is about 2km west of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The Museum of Ethnology: A Place to Know the Ethnic Minority Groups Better

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 30, 2005

A typical Bahnar Communal House

If you are not able to visit Sapa, then this is the place you should go during your visit to Hanoi.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology features a wide collection of art and daily items gathered from the various tribal groups in Vietnam. The collection is fascinating and you can see the efforts and pain taken to introduce the ethnic groups to visitors. What I like about the museum is that it takes the efforts to have an open air space, exhibiting the types of houses stayed by the groups. It was a great experience especially I don't have the time to spare to travel to Sapa.

Though this place is far away from Central, you shouldn't miss it. The building of the Museum was also assisted by the French.

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Phone: (84-4)7562193
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Things To Do: Ngoc Son Temple

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 30, 2005

Story of Hoan Kiem Lake Told on the

Wall

The Ngoc Son Temple was founded in the 18th century. Located on an island in the northern part of the Hoan Kiem Lake, the temple is dedicated to the scholar Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century. To reach the temple, you need to cross the ever popular red bridge (The Huc Bridge).

Admission is not free by the way. I think it is about 2000VND.

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Address: Hoan Kiem Lake

Things To Do: St Joseph Cathedral

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 30, 2005

The St Joseph Cathedral is worth

visiting

Located inside the Old Quarter, this neo-Gothic church makes you feel like you back are to the medieval Europe. I was told that the church was established in 1886. It is really badly in need of a good paint as it looks pretty run-down me. When I was there, the locals are decorating the church for an occasion.

Do note that, there are many boutiques and shops located around the church. Worth visiting when you are in Old Quarter.

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Address: Pho Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake: The Heart of Hanoi

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Written by sailor_p

on Nov 30, 2005

At the heart of Hanoi...