The most popular tourist destinations that you shouldn’t miss in Hanoi
Hanoi is always the first places that tourists think about when considering their best tours in Vietnam. Not only famous for the amazing cuisine, Hanoi also attracts with numerous beautiful tourist destinations that you should visit once.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake
Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-come place when traveling to this city. The lake is associated with the legend about the giving back precious sword to the golden turtle of King Le Thai To. This is the ideal place in four seasons: brilliant with peach blossom and traditional festivals in spring, cool breezes in summer, charming with willow branches in autumn and splendid in the rain of yellow leaves and drizzling rain in winter.
Hoan Kiem Lake consists of two floating islands. The Pearl island is situated in the north of the lake with The Huc bridge. The smaller Turtle Island is in the middle of the lake with the hundred-year-old Turtle tower. At the weekend, the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake become walking streets with a lot of interesting activities such as street music and folk games.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is where the corpse of Uncle Ho - the great leader of Vietnam is placed. It is one of the best places to go in Vietnam. The entire campus in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the convergence of the quintessence of architectural and cultural space of thousand-year Hanoi capital. The mausoleum was designed to be resistant to bombs and earthquakes magnitude 7 Richter. It opens all morning except Monday and Friday.
Entering the mausoleum, you aren't allowed to bring the phone or recording machines along. After visiting the interior, you will get to Ho Chi Minh's house, the fish pond and heard many interesting stories about them. From the stilt house, you will visit Ho Chi Minh Museum - one of the biggest museum in Vietnam where the precious objects and materials about the life of President Ho are preserved and displayed.
One destination that you shouldn't miss when traveling there is One Pillar Pagoda which was ranked by the Asian Records Association as the most unique architecture. The entire pagoda is placed on the stone pillar like a lotus on the water.
The Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature (via vietravelmagazine)
The Temple of Literature built in 1070 under the King Ly Thanh Tong dynasty is the first university of Vietnam. Located in the south of Thang Long Citadel in an area of 55,027 square meters, the Temple of Literature is divided into 5 distinct areas connecting with others by a road. The highlight in the campus is Khue Van Pavilion. It is a square eight-storeyed building built on a floor by Bat Trang brick. The bottom floor is four brick pillars and the upper one is a wooden structure with 2 roofs. The four faces have four rounded windows lined with four lobes that symbolize the Khue Star.
The Khue Van Pavilion also appears in other Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan but the one in the Temple of Literature still has distinct features of Vietnam. In addition, the Temple of Literature also preserves 82 steles of Doctor which are considered as the treasures of the nation - one of the precious cultural heritage that the father left. It is the most eloquent demonstration of the studiousness for students today.
Hanoi Old Quarter
A corner of Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the most famous destinations for those who want to learn more about Thang Long - Hanoi. In the past, it was an urban area located outside Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This urban area focuses on small-scale industrial and commercial activities which form the characteristic streets. The ideal time to visit this place is in September, November, March, and April. Staring from Hoan Kiem Lake, you should take an electric car to go around the 28 streets. These destinations are O Quan Chuong, Bach Ma Temple, Dong Xuan market, and King Le temple - famous historical sites in Hanoi.
After 30 minutes, you will come back to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and start the walking tour to explore Hanoi Old Quarter. Dong Xuan market is the largest shopping area in the Old Quarter with busy trading activities. You can buy some clothing or souvenirs here. The behind area is the dining area with cheap and delicious food. The next destination is the vibrant young town in the inner Old Quarter - located in the first class conservation area of the crossroad Luong Ngoc Quyen - Ta Hien where there are many small lanes containing hidden traditional values of Hanoi.
Coming here, you can stop and find a seat to sip a glass of beer or enjoy traditional dishes of Hanoi. This place is called an international crossroad. Ending a day exploring Hanoi Old Quarter, you can sit next to Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the fresh air and take some photos.
If you’re a travel lover who wants to explore the culture and people of Vietnam, let’s consider Hanoi for your upcoming trip. For further information about other destinations in Vietnam or Asia, you can visit our website. Have a nice trip!
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