Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. Its population in 2009 was estimated at 2.6 million for urban districts, 6.5 million for the metropolitan jurisdiction.From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam. It was eclipsed by Huế, the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802–1945), but Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam, and it became the capital of a reunified Vietnam in 1976, after the North's victory in the Vietnam War.
The city lies on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is 1,760 km (1,090 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City and 120 km (75 mi) west of Hai Phong city.
October 2010 officially marked 1000 years since the establishment of the city. The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is a 4 km ceramic mosaic mural created to mark the occasion.
The city will host the 2019 Asian Games.
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Places should not be ignored : ( Hanoi Tourism - A Handbook from A to Z )
Hoan Kiem Lake : (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword", also known as Hồ Gươm - Sword Lake) is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life.
The One Pillar Pagoda : (Vietnamese: Chùa Một Cột, formally Diên Hựu tự 延祐寺 or Liên Hoa Đài 蓮花臺) is a historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is regarded alongside the Perfume Temple, as one of Vietnam's two most iconic temples.
The temple was built by Emperor Lý Thái Tông, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. According to the court records, Lý Thái Tông was childless and dreamt that he met the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who handed him a baby son while seated on a lotus flower. Lý Thái Tông then married a peasant girl that he had met and she bore him a son. The emperor constructed the temple in gratitude for this in 1049,[1] having been told by a monk named Thiền Tuệ to build the temple, by erecting a pillar in the middle of a lotus pond, similar to the one he saw in the dream.
The temple was located in what was then the Tây Cấm Garden in Thạch Bảo, Vĩnh Thuận district in the capital Thăng Long (now known as Hanoi). Before the pagoda was opened, prayers were held for the longevity of the monarch. During the Lý Dynasty era, the temple was the site of an annual royal ceremony on the occasion of Vesak, the birthday of Gautama Buddha. A Buddha-bathing ceremony was held annually by the monarch, and it attracted monks and laymen alike to the ceremony. The monarch would then free a bird, which was followed by the people.
The temple was renovated in 1105 by Emperor Lý Nhân Tông and a bell was cast and an installation was attempted in 1109. However, the bell, which was regarded as one of the four major capital works of Vietnam at the time, was much too large and heavy, and could not be installed. Since it could not be tolled while left on the ground, it was moved into the countryside and deposited in farmland adjacent to Nhất Trụ Temple. This land was widely inhabited by turtles, so the bell came to be known as Quy Điền chung, which means Bell of the Turtle Farmland. At the start of the 15th century, Vietnam was invaded and occupied by the Ming Dynasty. In 1426, the future Emperor Lê Lợi attacked and dispersed the Chinese forces, and while the Ming were in retreat and low on weapons, their commanding general ordered that the bell be smelted, so that the copper could be used for manufacturing weaponry.
The temple is built of wood on a single stone pillar 1.25 m in diameter, and it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond. In 1954, the French Union forces destroyed the pagoda before withdrawing from Vietnam after the First Indochina War, It was rebuilt afterwards.
A replica was built in Thủ Đức in Saigon in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The Temple of Literature : (Văn Miếu, 文廟) is a temple of Confucius in Hanoi. The temple hosts the "Imperial Academy" (Quốc Tử Giám, 國子監), Vietnam's first national university. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of King Lý Nhân Tông. It is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The Temple is located to the south of Thang Long Citadel. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. The temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese đồng banknote. Just before the Vietnamese New Year celebration Tết, calligraphists will assemble outside the temple and write wishes in Hán characters. The art works are given as gifts or are used as home decorations for special occasions.
St. Joseph's Cathedral: (Vietnamese: Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội, Nhà thờ Chính tòa Thánh Giuse) is a church on Nha Tho (Church) Street in the Hoàn Kiếm District of Hanoi, Vietnam. The late 19th-century Gothic Revival (Neo-Gothic style) church serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi to nearly 4 million Catholics in the country.
Construction began in 1886, with the architectural style described as resembling Notre Dame de Paris. The church was one of the first structures built by the French colonial government in Indochina when it opened in December 1886. It is the oldest church in Hanoi.
The cathedral conducts mass several times during the day. For Sunday evening mass at 6:00 PM, large crowds spill out into the streets. The prayer hymns are broadcast and Catholics who are unable to enter the cathedral congregate in the street and listen to hymns.
Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh: is a large memorial in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, which is the place where Vietminh leader Ho Chi Minh, Chairman of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 1951 until his death in 1969, read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The Hanoi Opera House : (Vietnamese: Nhà hát lớn Hà Nội, French: Opéra de Hanoï) is an opera house in central Hanoi, Vietnam. It was erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911.
More : Anyone who has ever visited Hanoi will probably tell you that it may be
the most beautiful city in all of Asia. People have settled here along
the Red River for a thousand years. Nestled along wooded boulevards
among the city’s two dozen lakes you will find architectural souvenirs
left by all who conquered this great valley, from the Chinese who first
came in the last millennium to the French, booted out in our own
century.
Getting into Hanoi
The trip into the city from Noi Bai Airport takes about an hour and offers some poignant glimpses of modern Vietnamese life: farmers tending their fields, great rivers, modern highways that abruptly become bumpy roads. The drive is especially breathtaking at dusk when the roads fill with bicycles, and everything takes on the same deep colors as the modern paintings you see in Hanoi's galleries. Somehow the setting sun seems enormous here as it dips into the cornfields on the horizon.
On the edge of the city the road dissolves into a maze of winding, narrow, wooded lanes. You are surrounded by roadside artisans, shops and taverns, then by graceful villas and commuters on bicycles, cyclos and motorbikes. Modern buildings appear from nowhere, looking so out of place that you have to wonder if they were dropped from the sky and just left where they came to rest. While you tell yourself that nothing as preposterous as Hanoi can be so beautiful, you cannot help but be dazzled.
Getting Around
The trip into the city from Noi Bai Airport takes about an hour and offers some poignant glimpses of modern Vietnamese life: farmers tending their fields, great rivers, modern highways that abruptly become bumpy roads. The drive is especially breathtaking at dusk when the roads fill with bicycles, and everything takes on the same deep colors as the modern paintings you see in Hanoi's galleries. Somehow the setting sun seems enormous here as it dips into the cornfields on the horizon.
On the edge of the city the road dissolves into a maze of winding, narrow, wooded lanes. You are surrounded by roadside artisans, shops and taverns, then by graceful villas and commuters on bicycles, cyclos and motorbikes. Modern buildings appear from nowhere, looking so out of place that you have to wonder if they were dropped from the sky and just left where they came to rest. While you tell yourself that nothing as preposterous as Hanoi can be so beautiful, you cannot help but be dazzled.
Getting Around
Meter taxis and hired cars are easy to find in Hanoi. If you plan an extended visit you might consider renting a bicycle or motorbike.
Xe-ôm or motor taxi driver are omni present in Hanoi
The north end of Hoan Kiem Lake is Hanoi's "ground zero." Practically
all the city’s economical hotels, tourist shops, and cafés catering to
visitors are located here. Not only is it the oldest part of the city,
it is the busiest and most interesting. Every street is winding,
intimate, and shady. At night the lights of storefronts keep the streets
lit and animated.
Depending on which guide book you read, this district of Hanoi is variously called the "Old Quarter," the "Ancient Quarter," and "36 streets."
It is wedged between the northern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, the walls of
the ancient Citadel, and the levies that protect the city from the Red
River. The 36 little streets in the quarter are each named for a
commodity once sold by all the businesses on that street. Streets here
are named for the medicine, jewelry, fans, copper, horse hair, chicken,
and even coffins once sold on them. This explains why the names of some
of the longer streets inexplicably change after one or two blocks. As
you explore, you will still happen upon entire blocks of tinsmiths,
tailors, paper goods merchants, and lacquerware makers.
In the Ancient Quarter the most appealing mode of transportation for
those who do not care to enjoy the "36 Streets" on foot is the cyclo.
Often they are driven by men wearing pea-green pith helmets that make
them look like soldiers. Settle on the fare in advance (a dollar or less
one way). Most drivers will also quote you an hourly rate and will take
you to all the obligatory cultural and historical spots.
Sightseeing
Hanoi is very compact, and the city’s most interesting places for
tourists are all relatively close to each other, which makes it easy to
enjoy the best parts of the city on foot or by cyclo. You could probably
explore the Ancient Quarter and visit all the places below in a single
day, but why rush?
Sightseeing on your very first morning in Hanoi should begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum,
without a doubt the city’s single most visited site, and one of
Vietnam's most revered places. The cyclo ride from Hoan Kiem Lake takes
only about five minutes. The Mausoleum is open only in the mornings,
from 7:30 to 10:30 in the Summer and from 8:00 to 11:00 in the Winter.
There are often large crowds, so arrive early.
This imposing shrine was built on the edge of Ba Dinh Square,
the place where Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence
of the Republic of Viet Nam to half a million of his countrymen in 1945,
following the surrender of the Japanese. The angular gray granite
edifice stands stern and alone against the skyline. The street and
square are usually so abandoned that the whole scene is enormously
stately, like a miniature version of Tiananmen Square.
As you exit on the side of the building, look for the ornate yellow
former Governor’s Palace, which also faces Ba Dinh Square. Although not
open to the public, it is a poignant contrast to Ho Chi Minh's House on
Stilts, which sits along a tiny lake in the wooded park behind. He lived
and worked here in incredible simplicity from 1958 to 1969. Built of
teak, the little house is an architectural gem, and many of his personal
things remain on display.
The One Pillar Pagoda is about 50 meters away. This little
architectural curiosity gets its name because the shrine sits atop a
single massive pedestal. The original was built by Emperor Ly Thai To,
who was inspired by a dream.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum
is probably Vietnam's most important contemporary architectural
achievement. Opened to the public in 1990 to commemorate Ho’s centenary,
the exhibits are like a huge scrap book which chronicles his rather
transient early years. Guides are available.
You can not help being overwhelmed by the serenity of Van Mieu (Temple of Literature)
and Quoc Tu Giam (National University) from the moment you pass through
its towering gates. Together, they make one of Asia’s loveliest spots.
Hidden from the humming metropolis behind high stone walls and ancient
Frangipani trees are some of Vietnam’s most magnificent religious
structures and historical treasures. Great pools filled with blooming
Lotus bear names like "Well of Heavenly Clarity". Dating from 1076, this
was this part of Asia’s most prestigious center of learning for
aristocrats and the children of the Mandarins. The focal point of the
site is the Sanctuary dedicated to Confucius, which is filled with
elaborate Chinese reliquary. Live performances of traditional folk music
by costumed women are ongoing during public hours.
One can visit Hanoi's attractions by discovering them himself or herself (read our suggested itinerary for walking tour) or with a prebooked guided Hanoi city tour.
Hoan Kiem Lake
A corner of Hoan Kiem Lake
Although not at its geographical center, after the expansion of Hanoi
into a major metropolitan area in 2009, little Hoan Kiem Lake remains
the very heart of life in Hanoi. According to a 15th Century legend, a
giant turtle presented Emperor Le Loi with a magic sword with which to
defeat Chinese invadors. In accordance with their pact, the Emperor
returned the sword to the turtle after a glorious victory in battle.
Thus, the lake was named Hoan Kiem, or "restored sword."
The lake itself is like a living thing with a personality that changes
continuously with the hour and the season. Some of your most vivid
memories of Hanoi might come from the 45 minute walks you take around
Hoan Kiem at sunrise, at midday, and again after dark.
Shortly after dawn, hundreds of people take their daily exercise on the
footpath that circles the lake. If you arrive around six you will see a
dozen badminton games, scores of old people practicing Tai Chi, and
many shirtless young men jogging or stretching.
During the day the lake belongs to tourists and to workers from
surrounding government offices. Tour busses and taxis park at the North
end of the lake, near the gates and foot bridge which lead to the Ngoc
Son Pagoda. Scores of young people sell post cards, maps, and paperback
books here. Others shine shoes or offer to memorialize your visit with
photos taken with must surely be war-era 35mm cameras. Although
persistent, they are seldom rude. Many speak wonderful English and are
well worth having a conversation with.
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Pagoda sits on an islet at the North end of the lake. The
oldest structures in the complex dated back to 1225, though most of what
you see was either built or reconstructed in the 19th century. In
addition to the two beautifully ornate Confucianist sanctuaries
dedicated to various long-dead humans, a huge stuffed turtle (which most
certainly never swam in this lake) resides in a glass display case. The
spot is lovely, not only for the ostentatious architecture, but for
interesting people who take refuge from the city here. Your camera may
capture old men playing checkers in the Pavilion of the Stelae, someone
fishing quietly among the willows which practically obscure the island
from view, a couple posing for their wedding photo with the Tortoise
Pagoda in the background, or the young photographers who always gather
on the red wooden bridge.
Practically across the street from the bridge is the water puppetry theater.
Scenes from Vietnamese lore and history (including ancient battles) are
elaborately performed by colorful lacquered puppets in an indoor pond,
accompanied by traditional Vietnamese folk music. It sounds awfully
corny, but missing this Hanoi attraction is like going to Paris and
skipping the Eiffel Tower. Tickets for the evening performances are
cheap and sell out early in the day. Avoid seats closest to the water or
you may get splashed.
The Old Quarter
Some of the 36 streets that make up the Ancient Quarter still offer
only a single commodity. One of the best is Hang Quat, where shops sell
an incredible array of lacquered wood candle sticks, bowls, picture
frames, religious shrines, and decorative pieces. Practically every
single item is painted in some combination of red, white and gold. Many
of the things are elaborate to the point of being garish. Since prices
are staggeringly low, buy what you can. Like folk art in other
developing nations, these uniquely Northern Vietnamese handicrafts will
begin to die out along with the present generation of artisans creating
them. The shelves of shops in Ho Chi Minh city are already filled with factory made schlock. Sadly, this will happen in Hanoi soon enough.
Vietnamese silk is among the world’s finest. Hang Gai (thread street) has for centuries been home to some of Hanoi’s best silk shops.
Hanoi Culture
Hanoians are proud people; they take pride in their cuisines, their
etiquettes, their rich tradition and about their own love for the city
not only to international tourists but also to people from other
provinces in Vietnam. Hanoi food is listed among things you should try
before leaving to another world. (read our top 5 must-try foods in Hanoi).
Adding to that, Hanoi is packed with museums,
monuments, cafes, restaurants, discos, handicraft stores and almost
anything that make your stay both convenient and entertaining. Most
travellers spend about 2-5 days to tour the city but should you fall in
love with Hanoi, you can always stay longer!
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