VIETNAM: Top 10 Spots that Hanoi Can Offer
March 06, 2018You will never run out for something to do in Hanoi, where you can see their ancient history and proudly preserved Vietnamese culture that is felt by visitors.
Standing still, Hanoi is almost living a thousand years old that carries its mind boggling history such as the temples, ancient citadels, unique theater and stunning wilderness. Your stay in Hanoi will offer you fun-filled days. So make sure that you’ll visit as many as these attractions in Vietnam’s capital. Here are my top 10 where to go’s in Hanoi.
Hanoi Opera House/Water Puppet Show
Considered as the world famous water pupper show, can see how their tradition collided with the art. This originated from a time when rice fields were flooded and villagers would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water. Using large rods to support the puppets it appeared as if they were moving across the water with the puppeteers hidden behind a screen.
Weekly schedules of the puppet show can be shown beside the ticket counter outside the theatre
Hoan Kiem Lake
Also known as Turtle Lake is a central feature of Hanoi and is a popular hangout spot throughout the day with locals and tourists. Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island in the center of the lake and linked by a bridge, makes a beautiful background for a few photos. Hoan Kiem Lake is free of charge, but there’s a fee of VND 20,000 to visit Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on a small island in the centre of the lake.
View of Hoan Kiem Lake during night time
Ngoc Son Temple
The temple attracts many visitors and was built in commemoration of the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao who was renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty.
Vietnam Military History Museum
Features artifacts from different campaigns and a collection of aircraft. It also houses an extensive collection of weapons that was used throughout Vietnam’s war-filled history.
Notable attractions include the wreckage of an American B-52 bomber, an M107 self-propelled gun, and a military tank that had ploughed through the gates of Saigon’s Presidential Palace
The entrance to the Vietnam Military History Museum Hanoi is priced at VND 30,000 and if you’re looking forward to photograph the displayed items, there’s an additional charge of VND 20,000.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
A stunning neo-gothic designed church was built about 120 years ago. The area surrounding the cathedral is always packed with hundreds of local people and tourists hanging out with friends for drinking, talking, and watching the street.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh has left a memorable mark on Vietnamese history and he is venerated in Hanoi as the country’s greatest leader. His preserved body was laid to rest in a glass case surrounded by Vietnamese guards. For me, this is more than a tourist attraction because I can learn about the living history of Vietnamese culture.
Temple of Literature
Often cited as one of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Visiting the Temple of Literature, you will discover historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a revered place that has seen thousands of doctors’ graduate in what has now become a memorial to education and literature.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing 40 metres high, the central flag tower is the most recognizable feature of the Imperial Citadel and is often used as a symbol of Hanoi.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
More than 1000 materials, photos and objects displayed in the permanent exhibition show the role the Vietnamese women played in the History and currently play in Arts and in the Family life.
These paintings will welcome you as you walk into the entrance of the museum
Dong Xuan Market/Night market
The largest of its kind in Hanoi. Housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building, this sprawling complex offers an extensive collection of fashion, apparel and souvenirs at some of the best prices in the city. Even if you’re not interested in printed T-shirts or cheap sunglasses, it is still fascinating to see the comings and goings of the local traders, and there is a wet market on the ground floor where the sights and smells of exotic produce assault the senses.
Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Hanoi Weekend Night Market is a busy, bustling gathering of roadside stalls and local food vendors that brings huge crowds of locals and tourists. It runs through the Old Quarter district from 19:00 onwards, starting from Hang Dao Street and running north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market.
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