Hanoi

On one hand, she contains within herself the features of a young girl who is full of energy but still shy somehow; on the other hand, she is much of a mature lady in her full blossom and both of these two faces of her are extremely beautiful. That is to say, within Hanoi, the old and the new continuously rub against each other. The busy, crowded and spectacular boulevards are caught sitting beside ancient, quiet and narrow lanes. At night, under the streetlight, every corner of Hanoi is covered in a warm lemon candy color.

People from all walks of life, all different tastes can please themselves in Hanoi thanks to its unique and irresistible attractiveness. There is no other place where you can find both social buzz and tranquility, both tradition and modernity.

In 1010, spreading the Edict on the Transfer of the Capital (Thien Do Chieu), Emperor Ly Thai To made a significant imperial capital relocation: from the mountainous area of Hoa Lu to a flatland surrounded by several rivers and lakes named Dai La. The new capital received the name of Thang Long – Ascending Dragon with the aspiration that the country will be gone through great thrives just like a golden dragon flies up high into the infinite sky. Since then, Thang Long – Hanoi nowadays, became the center of religion and politics, of culture, education and commerce of the entire region of North Vietnam. However, under Nguyen Dynasty, Thang Long was eclipsed by Hue as the new imperial capital, and it turned into the new name Hanoi during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. Later in the period of French Indochina (1902-1954), Hanoi continued to serve as capital, and remained this role through the two wars of Vietnam until the modern days. Today, traces of Vietnam’s unique history are easily found in every corner of Hanoi: temples and pagodas of hundreds years along the shore of West Lake, or French-style buildings remaining from its colonization scattered through the streets of Old Quarter.

Wandering around for a sightseeing routine, you can catch in sight a wide range of special architecture as well as natural beauty spots of Hanoi, which are nowhere to be found except for this unique city. One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple, West Lake, Sword Lake, and Long Bien Bridge are some destinations that can be listed.

At the center of the city is the fascinating Ba Dinh Square where former President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence. Mentioning Ho Chi Minh, do not miss the chance of visiting his Mausoleum at the center of Ba Dinh Square to learn about the iconic leader of Vietnam, who devoted his whole life to Vietnam’s national liberation, one of the world’s great men of culture.

The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) is the perfect symbol for Vietnam’s traditional fondness for learning as it hosts the Imperial Academy (Quoc Tu Giam) – the first university of Vietnam. Every year, students from every corner of Hanoi visit Van Mieu to pray for their success in studying. Interestingly, the Constellation of Literature pavilion (Khue Van Cac) located in Van Mieu’s second courtyard is the prototype of Hanoi TV’s symbol.

From the beauty of the gardens within the Temple of Literature to the diversity of Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi is the home for countless attractions that you cannot miss. Moreover, in the map of Hanoi’s culinary, the spotlights are given to noodle soup with beef or chicken (Pho), Ho Tay’s fried shrimp cake (Banh tom Ho Tay), La Vong’s grilled fish (Cha ca La Vong), Thanh Tri’s steamed rice-flour crêpes (Banh cuon Thanh Tri), Hang Manh’s grilled pork with rice noodles (Bun cha Hang Manh), and much more. Visitors can also learn about the culture, events and characters of Hanoi as well as Vietnam through a rich feast of museums considered as the most diverse among the whole country, including Hanoi Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and so on. So, come to Hanoi to embrace the raw energy as well as remarkable culture of Vietnam in particular and of Indochina in general.

BEST THINGS TO SEE:

1. Hanoi Old Quarter:
Packed with charming colonial architecture, Buddhist temples and pagodas, the Old Quarter, located near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hoan Kiem District, is Hanoi’s major commercial district. Its heart and soul is exposed in the ancient commercial streets which are named after their original businesses dating back about 1,000 years. Though most of the specialties (cotton, jewellery, herbs, and silk) have changed over time and have been replaced with a variety of modern-day commodities and services, visitors can still appreciate some of the original goods as well as get a feel of rich old Vietnamese customs.

2. The complex of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
This is the place that contains the tomb of President Ho Chi Minh and government buildings. To enter the mausoleum, you have to make the long line, so you should visit it in the early morning. The mausoleum was built in 1973, lying at the Ba Dinh Square where the President had read the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam. During the visit, you will find floor to floor the turbulent history of Vietnam in the twentieth century, the stories of the life of the President and the reason why Ho Chi Minh City has become the venerable leader of the nation.

3. Temple of Literature:
This temple was built in 1070 to venerate Confucius. In 1076 it became the first national university in Vietnam. Since that time, this monument is considered as the symbol of education, being painted on the Vietnamese currency worth 100,000 VNĐ. With the harmonized structure of yin and yang in the old buildings, you feel like back to hundreds years ago to discover the university life in the feudal period.

4. Tran Quoc Pagoda (Pagoda of the country’s defense):
It was built in the sixth century, this is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. During a thousand years, the pagoda was restored many times in various dynasties, being influenced by the different architectures that make it a unique place. Entering the pagoda, you will feel a quiet space in the corridor, the mysteries hidden in the old stupas, listening to the Buddhist chant while the wind coming from West Lake plays with your hair.

5. One pillar Pagoda:
As its name, this pagoda is built on a pillar to recreate the dream of King Ly Thai To and to worship the Goddess of Mercy. The pagoda is the symbol of the lotus flower, the purity also the cultural city of Hanoi.

6. Hoan Kiem Lake and Temple of Jade:
For a long time, the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem lake) has been considered as one of the sights of Hanoi. Among the emerald green lake emerged two mounds, lush vegetation surrounding two small buildings: the turtle tower and temple of Jade. With the beauty and the legend of the lake, this is a place not to be missed on the tour in Hanoi.

7. Museums:
There are some well-known museums that you should visit. Museum of Ethnology gives you the information of the origin and traditions of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam with many artifacts and traditional houses built by their ethnic in the museum campus. Museum of the Vietnamese woman, on the other hand, tells you about the life and lifestyle of Vietnamese women and their role in the wars in Vietnam. Museum of Vietnamese Art is a collection of works of art in painting, sculpture and statue.

8. West Lake:
The city’s largest lake, known as both Ho Tay and West Lake, is 15km in circumference and ringed by upmarket suburbs, including the predominantly expat Tay Ho district. On the south side, along Thuy Khue, are seafood restaurants, and to the east, the Xuan Dieu strip is lined with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and luxury hotels. A pathway circles the lake, making for a great bicycle ride.

THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN HANOI:

1. Quan an ngon:
Quan An Ngon is located in a French colonial villa. Just entered the restaurant, you will feel an ancient space of France which is shown by the yellow buildings with brown large windows. The combination of French architecture and Vietnamese cuisine will bring you the feeling on Vietnam both traditional and classic and delicate.

Hours: 8.30am – 10.00pm
Price: $ 5-20.
Address: 26 Tran Hung Dao street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

2. Home Restaurant:
Home restaurant is a French villa built in 1935. During 80 years, the French colonial architecture is preserved almost intact. Vintage style along with the collection of tables and chairs of 1910-1930 have given a sense of nostalgia and relax from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Main dishes are the specialties of Hanoi and are changed according to the season to serve guests better.

Opening Time: 10.00AM – 2.00pm; 5.30pm – 10.00pm
Price $ 5-20.
Address: 34 Chau Long Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Site: http://www.homerestaurant.vn/

3. Buffet Sen:
Buffet Sen (Lotus Buffet) is a system of restaurants scattered in the historic areas of Hanoi as the West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, the French Quarter. With Asian and European styles and merge between classic and modern, Buffet Sen gives diners a gastronomic feast with over 150 dishes from Vietnam, Japan, France, Italy, etc. luxurious space, hearty meals and dedicated staff, Buffet Sen is the ideal destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Opening Time: 11.00am – 14.00pm; 18.00pm – 21.00PM
Price: $ 10-20.
Address: 614 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
60 Ly Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem District. Hanoi
Site: http://sentayho.com.vn/

4. Mam Restaurant:
Mam means “fish sauce.” This popular name demonstrates the culinary feature of this restaurant. The restaurant is designed in traditional style with warm colors and rustic decor to remind rural images of Vietnam. Menu is a collection of ethnic dishes prepared by talented chefs. Surely you are satisfied with the gastronomic festival in Mam restaurant.
Opening Time: 7.00am – 10PM
Price: $ 05.10.
Address: 11 Hang Mam Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Site: http://mamrestaurant.vn/