Hanoi

What is Vietnam without some culture and history? The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the imposing places to go in Hanoi. This monumental marble edifice takes you through the life history of the founding father of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh fondly nicknamed as Uncle Ho, desired a simple cremation but contrary to his wishes, the Vietnemese people constructed this mausoleum out of admiration for him. They erected this architectural wonder after gathering materials from all across Vietnam. Set in the building’s deep bowels you will find the pale and frail body of Uncle Ho, laid to rest, inside a glass sarcophagus. Location: 2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, VietnamTimings: Weekdays- 7:30 AM – 10: 30 AM, Weekends- 7:30 AM – 11: 00 AMHighlights: Armed guards guard the entrance and during mid-morning guards changing ceremony is performed. Respectful attire and attitude is expected and checked upon by the guards of honor standing next to the sarcophagus within the inner sanctum. This mausoleum stays closed between October to November as Ho Chi Minh’s body is sent to Russia once a year for maintenance and preservation.

Located in Hanoi’s historical center the Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Lake or the Lake of the Restored Sword is one of the scenic places to visit in Hanoi. This lake offers a tranquil escape from the city’s maddening crowds and hectic pace.  Legend has it that when Lê Lợi won the battle against the Ming Chinese, he became the king. While boating, he met a giant tortoise at the lake’s center that said that now that peace was restored in the nation the sword with which he won must be returned to the God of Waters. After surrender the sword was returned but the water surface remained radiant. Since then this lake was called the Restored Sword. You must circle the lake to have a look at the historical monuments and temples that surround the lake. Location: HanoiTimings: 12 AM – 12 PMHighlights: Hundreds of people visit this green water lake to enjoy the beautiful sight and to spot the soft shell turtles that swim here.

One of the most iconic places to visit in Hanoi is the Tháp RùaTower that built for commemorating Lê Lợi. Lê Lợi created an insurgent army and help Vietnam gain freedom from the Ming Chinese in 1400s. It was built in the 19th century on a tiny island in the lake of Hồ Hoàn Kiếm. People lovingly call this island the “Turtle Islet”. Public cannot access this attraction but view it from a distance while walking around the lake. Location: Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, VietnamTimings: Sun-Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PMHighlights: Post sunset the area of the Turtle Tower comes alive when lights are up with the open restaurants and the rooftop bars. It is a great place for photographers and tourists.

One of the most interesting places to visit in Hanoi the Bat Trang Ceramic Village belongs to Hani’s Gia Lam district. A location of the banks of the rivers Pho Hien and Thang Long, the traditional pottery and porcelain village has a history of seven centuries. The 14th century village has an area that is rich in clay hence the village potters have an advantage of ingredients required to create fine ceramics. Right from colorful bracelets, to teacups, kettles, bottles, bowls, plates, flowerpots, jar, vases, and wind chimes there are many exclusive items that are made here and exported. You can spend an entire day here indulging in the pottery-making experience or join a buffalo tour for shopping and sightseeing. Location: Bát Tràng, Gia Lâm, Hanoi, VietnamTimings: 8 AM – 5: 30 PMHighlights: The Bat Trang Ceramic Village has unparalleled scenic beauty and lovely ambiance that is extremely mesmerizing.

Explore the amazing architecture by visiting the Quan Su Temple. Nowadays this temple is Hanoi’s official Buddhism center. The stately pagoda served various ambassadors who called on the Le dynasty’s emperors. During the 15th century a hall was built to receive guests and then this pagoda was erected so that they could worship without any worries. This magnificent temple today stands in customary hues of yellow and houses an orange tree in its premise. The Quan Su Pagoda is one of the popular places to visit in Hanoi that you cannot miss. Location: 73 Quán Sứ, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, VietnamTimings: 6 AM – 7 PMHighlights: This religious Buddhist Pagoda houses Vietnam’s Central Buddhism Association Command.

Founded in the year 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, Temple of Literature was built as a university devoted to Confucius- a chinese philosopher. Later in 1076, it transformed into a prestigious academic school. Being the first national University of Vietnam, today the Temple of Literature honors the finest scholars of Vietnam. It is one of the classic Hanoi places to visit today as it has been recast as a place of study rather than a devout landmark. The gardens, ponds, halls and five courtyards serve as picturesque backdrops during student graduation. Originally, those born out of noble families were exclusively granted admission here but post 1442 the Temple of Literature became egalitarian.Location: 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội 100000, VietnamTimings: 8:00 AM – 4: 30 PMHighlights: On Vietnam’s official banknote you will find the Temple of Literature printed. This temple’s layout bears resemblance to Confucius’s birthplace.

Erected in the 6th century, the Chua Tran Quoc is one of the incredible Hanoi places to visit. This pagoda is notably the oldest and has been here around for 1500 years now. On the grounds here you will spot a Bodhi tree under which it is believed that Buddha searched for enlightenment. You can visit here anytime to offer your tranquil prayers.Location: Southeastern shore of West LakeTimings: Open 24 hoursHighlights: You will find a lot of Buddhist philosophy and symbolism in this temple.

If you are a history buff then one of the most stunning Hanoi places to visit is the Museum of Vietnamese History. This museum is the city’s focal point as it is set amidst the Botanical garden and houses some very fascinating exhibits. The museum gives you a good understanding of how the Vietnamese society underwent evolution. There are artifacts from the Bronze Age as well as from the modern day. Some of the masterpieces that will boggle your mind are the ones from the Champa Kingdom and a phenomenal sculpture of Lord Shiva with a moustache.Location: 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, VietnamTimings: 8: 00 AM- 11:30 AM, 1: 30 PM – 5 PMHighlights: Built in the year 1929 this museum is a combination of French and Asiatic architecture. The encompassing green enclosures of the museum give you an alluring escape from the city’s clamor.