Hanoi Vietnam Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Hanoi, the heart and soul of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West, tradition and modernity, set against a backdrop of over a thousand years of history. Founded in 1010, Hanoi has served as a vital political and cultural center throughout its existence, especially as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. This rich history is reflected in its well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, and unique museums in the city center.
Today, Hanoi is known for its vibrant street life, exquisite cuisine, and bustling Old Quarter, where the past lives on in the narrow lanes and traditional shop houses. Visitors are captivated by the city’s serene lakes, including the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, and the blend of Vietnamese and French cuisine that fills the air with tantalizing aromas. Travelling to Hanoi offers an immersive experience into Vietnam’s history, culture, and the warmth of its people, making it an unforgettable destination for those eager to explore the depths of Southeast Asian heritage.
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Hanoi Vietnam
Things To See & Do In Hanoi Vietnam
There is huge amount to see and do it Hanoi, my favourite thing is to sit by Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the world go by….however here are a few others.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an important part of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was the centre of ancient Hanoi and served as the political centre for eight centuries.
Location: Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh has been imortalised in Vietnamese history Aand he is revered in Hanoi as the country’s greatest leader. His preserved body is now laid to rest in a glass case in the Ba Dinh area of Hanoi and is very important to the people of Hanoi. The sombre building was modeled after Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow.
Address: 8 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Turtle Lake is a pretty lake in the centre of Hanoi and is popular with locals and visitors. Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island in the centre of the lake and linked by a bridge, makes a beautiful background for photos. Around sunrise and sunset, this area becomes especially busy with people walking, exercising and generally enjoying the lake.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter – think amazing French colonial buildings with masses of scooters, motorbikes, bicycles and cars weaving in and out of tiny narrow streets and around traders selling food, souvenirs and just about everything else and you have Hanoi old town. Street vendors dish out delicious to customers perched on tiny seats and a Bia Hoi is a must after a busy day. A delight for the senses.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a temple complex in the centre of Hanoi that was originally built to be a centre of learning dedicated to the Chinese sage and scholar Confucius. Over the next 1000 years many more buildings have been added and filled with ornate pavilions, shrines, and a lovely garden.
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi Vietnam.
Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi Opera House is in the heart of the French Quarter and is very French and very elegant. Built in 1911 and modelled after the Paris Opera House the Hanoi Opera house oozes Parisian charm from its ivory-toned columns, ornate balustrades and Gothic domes.
Address: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Vietnam
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