The residents of Hanoi, like those of most of the country are, and have for many generations been, devoutly religious people and this is evident in the number of Buddhist temples and pagodas to be found throughout the city.
Visitors with an
interest in Buddhist culture and others with a simple appreciation for
aesthetics will be fascinated by the city’s popular landmarks and well
known tourist attractions.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum attraction:
The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh or
‘Uncle Ho’ as he is affectionately named, is held in the Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum which is open daily for public viewing and is undoubtedly the
city’s most popular attraction. Visitors must leave cameras and bags at a
checkpoint before entering the building to witness this once great
leader’s remains.
Proper reverence and decorum must be
observed at all times. It sits along side the impressive soviet-styled
Ba Dinh Square, rather practical for military parades but otherwise
expansive and featureless. Behind the Mausoleum is the former Government
house and humble quarters where Ho Chi Minh ran Northern Vietnam from
for 18 years.
Old Quarter - tourist attraction:
The city’s Old Quarter is a veritable
labyrinth of winding streets in which a myriad of traditional old
fashioned tradesmen are located. Purveyors of silk products, textiles,
religious objects, jewellery and antiques provide the opportunity for
hours of wandering and perusing and when your feet begin to hurt,
there’s no shortage of places to sit down and enjoy a cup of strong
Vietnamese coffee.
Temple of Literature attraction:
Originating from the 11th century city
that was founded by Emperor Ly Thanth Tong, the Temple of Literature is a
fascinating historical building that was once the most holy dwelling of
the disciples of Confucius. Several small buildings and a series of
walled courtyards comprise the entire structure which is open daily for
public viewing and regularly attracts large numbers of visitors.
One Pillar Pagoda attraction:
Constructed in honour of the Emperor Ly
Thai Tong, the One Pillar Pagoda is a building with some interesting
historical significance as well as being one of the city’s most
interesting structures from an architectural perspective. As the Pagoda
was constructed to mark the bearing of a son by the Emperor and his
wife, locals like to come here and pray for fertility and pregnancy. The
pagoda is built to resemble as lotus flower.
Quan Thanh Temple attraction:
Dedicated to the sacred figure Tran Vu
Quan, the Quan Thanh Temple was built in the 11th century during the
reign of King Ly Thai To and later in 1893 was subject to renovations
which gave it the appearance that it has today. A statue of Tran Vu Quan
cast in black bronze is one of the more interesting features of the
temple while a 1.5 metre-high bronze bell is also worthy of mention.
Ngoc Son Temple attraction:
Located in the middle of the Hoan Kiem
Lake central to the city, Ngoc Son Temple is a structure which dates
back to the 18th century and is one of the city’s most photographed
landmarks. The temple is of significant historical interest having been
built initially as a dedication to various sacred Buddhist figures. On
the causeway leading to the temple, visitors can view traditional
writings known as ‘cau doi’.
Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre attration:
Located at the north east bank of the
Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre is one of the city’s most
popular indoor attractions and draws full houses at most performances
with both locals and tourists making up the crowd. The ancient art of
water puppetry is demonstrated with genuine skill and finesse and it’s
easy to get drawn into the short tales that the puppets are used to tell
even if you are unable to understand the Vietnamese commentary.
- Hanoi travel guide
- Vietnam tour package
- Hanoi Tourist Attractions
