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Attraction Points
Hanoi is not only the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam but also the political, economic and cultural centre. Located on the banks of the Red River with tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake at its heart, Hanoi is an elegant city blended with many historical and cultural treasures.
Old Quarter with 36 streets packed with shops selling all kinds of goods, each street named for its primary good or service.
Hoan Kiem lake: This small lake between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter is central to Hanoian folklore.
The Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam. In 1482 King Le Thanh Tong ordered the erection of steles with inscription of all the names, birth dates and birth places of doctors, and other excellent graduates who took part in examinations since 1442. At present there remain 82 steles standing in the premises of Van Mieu. Apart from its cultural value, each stele presents an artistic project of stone carving and represents the nation's longevity.
One Pillar Pagoda first built in 1049 in the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. It is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the place to keep the remains of President Ho Chi Minh, the great patriotic who had been conferred the title "World Cultural Activist" and the national hero.
Museum of Ethnology focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. It is widely considered to be the finest modern museum in Vietnam and a tourist attraction in Hanoi.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, the traditional art of water puppetry dating back at least a millennium is unique to Vietnam, and the Thang Long troupe in Hanoi stages excellent performances nightly.
Bat Trang pottery village is situated on the left bank of the Red River, about 10km away from the center of Hanoi the most ancient and famous pottery village of Vietnam, continues to work today and is constantly developing.
Ha Long Bay – UNESCO World Heritage site - is Vietnam's most famous natural attraction located in Quang Ninh province – 160 km from Hanoi. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes resembling a geographic work of art.
Sapa – 300 kilometers northwest of Hanoi - is a favorite destination of tourists for its beautiful landscapes and the unique cultural identities of ethnic minority groups living there. |
