Hanoi Journals

Hanoi Highlights

An April 2000 trip to Hanoi by Heather F

Quote: With a long and chequered past, Hanoi is a city of contrasts. Elegant French colonial buildings and wide tree-lined boulevards contrast vividly with the never-ending throng of bicycles and motorbikes clogging the cities streets and the hustle and bustle of the colourful markets as business deals are made.

Hanoi Highlights

Overview

Quote:

Explore the markets
Sample the bread
Admire some of the French colonial buildings

Quick Tips:

Be prepared to bargain in the markets.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking or cycling.

Cheer!
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Temple of Literature

Attraction

Quote:

The Temple of Literature includes Vietnam's first University, built in 1076, to educate Mandarins. Not only is it a symbol of Confucianism but it was once the centre of academia. Eighty two-stone stelae placed on stone tortoise shells list the achievements of the men who received doctorates between 1442 and 1778. What stories must have been witnessed by the ancient banyan and frangipani trees inside the historic temple's walls!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 7, 2001

Temple of Literature
Pho Van Mieu
Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 4 942 1061 (VNAT

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One Pillar Pagoda

Attraction

Quote:

Originally built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the One Pillar Pagoda is a small, wooden shrine atop a stone pillar, 1.25 metres in diameter. It resembles a lotus blossom (symbol of purity) rising out of a sea of sorrow, a small lake. Many loyal followers may be seen kneeling deep in prayer at the altar and reverently leaving incense sticks behind.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 7, 2001

One Pillar Pagoda
Pho Ong Ich Kiem
Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 4 942 1061 (VNAT

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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Attraction | "Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum"

Quote:

One of the most macabre and eerie experiences is visiting Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum. The sight of the tiny, embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh with its rounded face topped with longish tufts of white hair and a small goatee beard below, entombed in glass, is almost spiritual. Aided by subtle lighting, complete silence and the regimentation of entering makes one aware of the high esteem in which this great man is held.

Leaving cameras behind, visitors (predominantly Vietnamese) must walk in single file across Ba Dinh Square to climb the red-carpeted stairs into the mausoleum.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 7, 2001

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
5 Pho Ngoc Ha
Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 4 942 1061

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Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre

Attraction | "Water Puppetry"

Quote:

Another traditional part of Vietnamese life, water puppetry, is performed in theatres around the lake. This is a uniquely North Vietnamese art form which depicts scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Water puppetry is performed using a pond as a stage in which the puppeteers stand behind a screen, deftly controlling the wooden puppets with rods, wires and strings hidden under the surface of the water.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 7, 2001

Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre
57b Dinh Tien Hoang St. Hoan Kiem District
Hanoi, Vietnam
(84-04) 8249494

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Old Quarter

Attraction

Quote:

Hang Hom, the Street of Coffins; Hang Bac, the Street of Silver; Hang Trong, the Street of Drums. What about a street of mattresses or tombstones, or a street of paint shops? Welcome to the Old Quarter. In addition to the wide cross-section of everyday life viewed, the Old French Quarter is a shoppers delight. Bargain for a traditional, hand-painted bamboo masks, paintings of Vietnamese everyday life on silk, hand embroidered tablecloths or clothes made of Vietnamese silk. For those who like war memorabilia, try a traditional Viet Cong helmet or an old Russian watch. Even for those who aren't stamp collectors, the large, colourful stamps of Vietnam provide a spectacle all their own. T...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 7, 2001

Old Quarter
Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam