2022
1. Hanoi Old Quarter. This place is the top special historical vestige and sighted of the capital, luring international visitors caused by its construction. Located in the middle of Ha Noi, a rapidly developing city where changes to take place every hour, Ha Noi Old Quarter with its old-styled narrow streets full of antique brick houses seem to nostalgically resist the flow of time while still actively trying to adapt to the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. This one is a bustling area where merchants and artisans gathered to sell, Ha Noi Old Quarter consists of many small streets, meandering streets, each bears the name of the goods that was specifically displayed there such as Hang Bac (Silver Product), Hang Ma (Paper Product), Hang Go (Wood Product), just to name a few. Almost of foreigners want to have a background of Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem lake by electricity bike and “xich lo”. Located within Hanoi Old Quarter, the ancient house at 87 Ma May street which was built at the late of the 20th century, is quite intact with typical architecture of ancient houses on Hanoi street. Locate: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
2. Hoan Kiem Lake. This lake is known as the lake of the returned (or restored) sword, this lake marks the historical center of ancient Hanoi. Visiting this unique historical vestige comfortable lying around Hoan Kiem Lake, tourists get lost in a totally different world from the rest of the city and have the opportunity to explore the modest but energetic life of the local a hundred years ago, where there were no high-rise buildings, too much traffic or fancy stores. The walking zone (on weekend) surrounding the Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi has quickly become a hit to local and international tourists. Locate: Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
3. The Hanoi Opera House is the biggest theatre in Vietnam and speaks volumes as historical and cultural evidence of Vietnam. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior with many arguing it is aesthetically even more appealed than the Paris Opera House. Visitors today will be entertained at this architectural landmark which features a range of events including local Vietnamese opera, traditional folk music, ballets and many international concerts. The Hanoi Opera House is also the first choice for international meetings and conferences so you need to check online before visiting the Opera House ensure a performance is scheduled. Locate: Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
4. The Hoa Lo Prison is sarcastically changed the Hanoi Hilton by American POWs, was originally built by the French to become a house Vietnamese political prisoners. The North Vietnamese Army later used the prison likes the house prisoners during the Vietnam War. Well-known figures such as Senator John McCain, James Stockdale and Bud Day were many prisoners of war that spent time in this prison. Two-third of the prison was torn down to make way for the Hanoi Towers, the rest is turned into a museum and now is a popular tourist attraction in Hanoi. Older American tourists still come to Vietnam to look for signs of the war and to contemplate the significance of long-ago struggle. But a small group of young visitors shuttled by guides to catch up memories about the War. Locate: Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
5. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. This theater used to celebrate a peasant art form that began in the rice paddies over a thousand years ago. Puppets were simply carved. Puppeteers would stand in the water of the paddies, using it as a prop. The traditional activities include farming, or legends like the golden turtle and the emperor. The more modern version continues the use of water. Traditional Vietnamese instruments perform an opera narrating the puppets’ actions, and musicians will interact with puppets, which encourages the heroes and warning them of impending danger. Guests of the theater don’t need to brave the monsoon weather that would pour on outdoor audiences, but it can sit and enjoy a meal while discovering this ancient dramatic art. Locate: Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
6. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site owning an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance. The Forbidden City wall surrounded Kinh Thien Palace. The main part belongs to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is building D67 was the General Headquarters of the North Vietnamese Armed Forces during resistance war against American imperialists. From the outside, it appears much like an ordinary single storey house with a flat roof, but the detail of its construction betray its military importance. Locate: Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
7. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here is an important historical attraction of Hanoi that is known for honoring the national hero: President Ho Chi Minh. The building is where visitors can express their admiration and their gratitude toward the common father/uncle of Vietnamese who has led the country to independence and reunification. It is known among Vietnamese as Uncles’ Mausoleum, for the intimate and familiar atmosphere Ho Chi Minh created when he was alive. No short skirts or tank tops are allowed and there is high level of security check upon arrival. Day packs can be put in a safe deposit before you enter but make sure you do not carry many valuable items with you. Locate: Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
8. Tran Quoc Pagoda. Located on a small penisula on the East side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. The architecture of this Buddhist center is a subtle combination between the solemn and beautiful landscape on the peaceful and quiet ambiance of West Lake’s surface. Thanks to these historical and architectural values, Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts many tourists to pay a visit, both inside and outside of Vietnam. Localte: Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
9. Museum of History of Vietnamese Military. Also popularly known as Military Museum, this is one of the oldest museums in Hanoi. It is particularly interesting to see and important for those wishing to learn about Vietnam, because most of the country’s history is about war and fighting for independence. There are both indoors and outdoors sections with display of military-related artifacts. Its exhibition dated back to as early as Hung Vuong Era, which is considered the start of Vietnam as a country. The first thousand year of being colonized by Chinese is elaborately depicted, as well as the century struggle against French colony. Locate: Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
10. Temple of Literature. This place is the Vietnam’s first university, which is called Quốc Tử Giám (or National University), was established within this temple to educate Vietnam’s mandarin class in 1076. The university functioned for more than 700 years, during which, 2313 doctors graduated. Temple of Literature is accumulated old-traditional appearance. It consists of five courtyards lined out in order, entrance to the first, through the impressive twin-tiered Van Mieu gate leads to three pathways that run through the length of the complex. Locate: Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi
11. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is the most recent yet probably the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting Museums in Hanoi and Vietnam. The Museum comes out of the recognition that Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country and that more attention should be paid to promote socio-cultural diversity. Despite being out of the way compared with other museums in Hanoi, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is worth a thorough visit, for those who are keen to learn about the multiculturality of Vietnam and for those who would appreciate some green space. Locate: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay, Hanoi
11. Duong Lam Village. Duong Lam is a commune of Son Tay town located on Hanoi, Vietnam. Duong Lam becomes the first ancient village in Vietnam. This village has a history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years, with 956 traditional house. Today, Duong lam village still retains almost of the traditional features such as with port village, trees, courtyard, temples, well, water fields… Characteristics of the old traditional houses are completely built from blocks of laterite. For intangible cultural relic, Duong Lam has preserved variable festivals, customs and literature on the people and land of Duong Lam through different period of time. Locate: Sơn Tay Town, 40 km to the west of Hanoi.
Credit: Travel Sense Asia & Vietnam Online