The Journey of a Lifetime Continues!

 After 3 days in the busy capital of Hanoi, the CBT Vietnam team has finally arrived in SaPa!

With all of our supplies, luggage, and filming equipment, we hopped on an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. We all forgot about the rough 10 hour ride once we woke up with breathtaking views, cool weather, and refreshing smell of the mountainous area of Northern Vietnam.  What a change from the humidity of overcrowded Hanoi!

Once we arrived in the town, we checked into the beautiful SaPa Eden Hotel. While we waited for our rooms to be ready, the team headed to the rooftop restaurant for breakfast. It also gave us the chance to finally snap our own photos of this magical landscape!

For the next 10 days, the team will be staying in TaPhin and Lao Chai working on different projects, including homestay training, product development, and environmental training for kids.

We are all very eager to connect with the community and deliver the training we have been working on these past few months. Everyone is excited to stay in the homestays and build lifetime memories with the locals.

Did you know the project now has Instagram? Follow us at http://instagram.com/cbtvietnam!

Stay tuned with the CBT Vietnam blog and social media channels for more details on our work in the villages!

Ancient & Handicraft Villages Around Ha Noi

Bat Trang Pottery Village

Among the most famous Ancient & Handicraft Villages Around Ha Noi, Bat Trang Village, in Gia Lam District, on the outskirts of Ha Noi, by the banks of the Red River, is a well-known traditional professional handicraft village, specializing in making all kinds of pottery and porcelain.
Bat Trang pottery is made from a particular type of white clay. With this kind of clay, the potter's wheel is used to mould the items, which are then put out to dry, then decorated with designs, enamelled, and baked in small clay ovens. The temperature of the oven influences the final colour of the pieces. The models created include a variety of bowls, plates, cups, vases, and incense-burners. Bat Trang pottery is unique thanks to its high-quality, glossy, deep, fine, even enamel. The decorations and designs on these works are also very special.
When visiting Bat Trang pottery village during the day, travellers will discover that this village is constantly busy with vans transporting raw materials to the village and taking finished pieces away. 

More on Bat Trang Traditionnal Pottery Village

 

Quat Dong Embroidery Village

The village is located in Quat Dong Commune, Thuong Tin District, about 20km south of Ha Noi's centre. Quat Dong Village is considered to be historical home of embroidery in Vietnam. A local resident, Le Cong Hanh (1606-1661) was a member of King Le's envoy to China where he learned the craft of embroidery. After returning to his homeland, he taught this craft to the poor of Quat Dong. Ever since then, he has been regarded as the master and patriarch of Vietnamese embroidery.
For many Quat Dong villagers, embroidery is considered a long-standing tradition. The art of embroidery is taught within the family. In order to successfully complete a detailed and intricate scene, artisans have to first capture the image they wish to convey. Next is to stretch and test the fabric. This is followed by making a detailed sketch on the fabric and selecting the perfect thread colours to convey the desired contrasts and shadows. Once the needle work begins, the most time-con-suming challenges the artisans must face are to form gently curving edge lines while presenting the most intricate and minute details. The artisans must flawlessly combine and mingle the chosen threads with a steady hand for hours on end.
Now Quat Dong's products such as tablecloths, bedspreads, sheets and pillowcases are exported to many countries including, Japan, US, and EU countries, etc. 

 

Silk Village of Van Phuc

Van Phuc is situated on the bank of the Nhue River, 10km from the centre of Ha Noi, in Ha Dong District. The people of this village excel in the traditional skill of weaving silk. In the village, there is a temple that was built for the ancestor who taught the weaving profession to the people of the village and to the apprentices from other provinces who worked at the weaving looms.
The silk of Van Phuc is famous for being very fine. Today, the inhabitants of the village practice this traditional profession on an even larger scale. The silk of Van Phuc is not only used in Vietnam, but it is also exported to many other countries all over the world. 

 

Nhi Khe Village

Nhi Khe Village is located 20km south of Ha Noi in Thuong Tin District, along National Highway 1. There are several monuments of historical interest in Nhi Khe Village. Among them, there is the Temple worshipping Nguyen Trai, a well-known politician, diplomat and strategist. There is Trai Oi (Guava Farm), where Nguyen Phi Khanh (Nguyen Trai's father) organized classes as well as the lotus pond where he and his disciples used to walk and look at flowers.
Nhi Khe Village is also the native land of Duong Ba Cung, the collector of the works of Nguyen Trai after the Le Chi Vien tragedy. The stele for Duong Ba Cung is now in the Bai Seu field in Nhi Khe. From Nhi Khe, one can visit the Mui and Dau Pagodas.

 

Ancient village in Duong Lam

Duong Lam Commune consists of five ancient villages is located approximately 4km from Son Tay Town. This place was the homeland of Kings Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen. Two temples, Hum and Guom Hills, are dedicated to both monarchs. They are located near the site where the kings practised their martial arts and kept their elephants and horses. There is also Da grave, which is said to be the grave of Man Thien, the mother of the Trung Sisters.
Mong Phu is an ancient village of  Duong Lam that preserves nearly 45 ancient houses which have an age of 100 - 200 years old.
Duong Lam also features Mia Pagoda, which is listed as a national monument. This pagoda contains more than one hundred Buddha statues, including the most beautiful one of all, Tantrayana.

Duong Lam Ancient Village has a history of about 1,200 years and is well-known for its surviving laterite brick houses, built three to four centuries ago. Laterite is red clay formed from weathered basalt found in northern Vietnam. The village is also famous nationwide as “the hometown of two kings”. 

 

Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan weaving village

To discover Ancient & Handicraft Villages Around Ha Noi, you sould not miss this tourist destination. Phu Vinh Village is located in Phu Nghia Commune, Chuong My District. Every family in the village weaves bamboo and rattan products for domestic use and export. Their products are diverse in variety and designs. For instance, some designs require high technical skill, such as portraits, landscapes, panels and couplets. Other designs require skills and expertise such as fruit baskets, trays, hand baskets, bags, hats and lampshades. Household products are usually large and require constant changes to meet the demands of customers.
The outstanding feature of the bamboo and rattan craft in Phu Vinh Village is the specialization of the products. Households manually make the basic shapes of the products. Then, the enterprises or companies take the final steps and complete the products. Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan-woven products are being liked by both domestic and foreign tourists coming from Russia, Great Britain, France, Japan, and United States...

www.vietnamtravelguidelines.com - Ancient & Handicraft Villages Around Ha Noi.

Bat Trang Traditionnal Pottery Village

Situated only 15km south west of Hanoi, Bat Trang Traditionnal Pottery Village can be reach either by boat or by road. The number 47 bus from Hanoi to Bat Trang sets out from Long Bien Bridge of Hanoi every 15 minutes and stop outside the ceramic market area of Bat Trang. Bat Trang is a true craft village ans has achieved fame inside and outside Vietnam for over hundred years.

All members of the population are involved in some aspect of the making of marketing of ceramics. The villages do not grow food so this is all brought in. A recent innovation has been to open workshop, where the visitors to Bat Trang village and students can learn the basic skills, of forming a pot on a wheel. Because this has brought many visitors to the village, restaurants and food stalls have also opened.

The history of the ceramic making in Bat Trang can be traced to the fact there is such an abundance of good quality clay, and its close proximity to the Red River and Hanoi. Blue and white ceramics are exported to Asia and beyond.Most of the ceramics are still produced in small family workshops with the skill being passed down from parents to their children.

Visitors to Bat Trang should not leave without going to the market, where an amazing array of ceramics is for sale. Tourists of Bat Trang also should not miss the large communal house and the old Van Chi (Temple of Literature).

www.vietnamtravelguidelines.com -  Bat Trang Traditionnal Pottery Village.

More Ancient & Handicraft Villages Around Ha Noi

3 Successful Days In Hanoi

We have been in Hanoi for only 3 days and have had great success! Here's a quick synopsis of what we've been up to and who've we met.

We met with the dedicated Hanoi Open University volunteers who gave us a very warm welcome and who we look forward to getting to know even better as we travel to Sapa to work hand in hand on the CBT Vietnam Project both in Taphin and Lao Chai villages.

We have met with many PATA members including Jewel Tours, Buffalo Tours, 365 Travel and Hanspan Travel. who are all excited about the CBT Vietnam project. They are looking forward to meeting the Red Dao woman of Taphin to learn about their homestays and herbal bath product and look forward to sending travellers to Taphin to enjoy an unforgetable authentic village experience. Equally excited were Footprint Vietnam Travel and Little Hanoi Hostel.

We have also gathered many supplies from Hanoi's shopping streets including what is needed for the environmental lessons we will deliver to the school children in Lao Chai.

 

Tonight we take the night train to Sapa.

Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Top-end:

Bao Son International Hotel

50 Nguyen Chi Thanh St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3835 3536
Fax: 3835 5678
95 rooms, US$70-160

Best Western Muong Thanh Hotel

C2 Bac Linh Dam St., Hoang Mai Dist.
Tel: 3641 3182
Fax: 3641 3178 168 rooms

Capital Garden Hotel

4 Hoang Ngoc Phach St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3835 0373,
Fax: 3835 0363
87 rooms, US$99-169

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Lot X7, Le Due Tho St., My Dinh commune, Tu Liem Dist.
Tel: 62706688
Fax: 62706666
US$135-2000

Danly Hotel

22-24 Dao Tan St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 6273 0565
Fax: 6273 0567
50 rooms, US$55-300

Flower Garden Hotel

46 Nguyen Truong To St., Ba Dinh Dist
Tel: 3715 2688
Fax: 3715 2699
83 rooms, US$95-165

Fortuna Hotel Hanoi

6B Lang Ha St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3831 3333
Fax: 3831 3300
200 rooms, US$128-228

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

360 Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3831 5000/3831 5555
Fax: 3831 5010
411 rooms, US$240-4800

Hanoi Horison Hotel

40 Cat Linh St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3733 0808
Fax: 3733 0888
250 rooms, US$160-290

Hanoi Hotel

D8 Giang Vo St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3845 2270
Fax: 3845 9209
218 rooms, US$208-308

Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel

1 Le Thanh Tong St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3933 0500
Fax: 3930 0530 269 rooms, US$115-685

Hotel Nikko Hanoi

84 Tran Nhan Tong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3822 3535
Fax: 3822 3555
257 rooms, US$130-1200

Intercontinental Hanoi Hotel

1 Nghi Tam St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 6270 8888
Fax: 6270 9999
359 rooms

Lake Side Hotel

23 Ngoc Khanh St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3835 0111
Fax: 3835 0121 78 rooms, US$120-290

Melia Hanoi Hotel

44B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3934 3343
Fax: 3934 3344
306 rooms, US$180-300

Mercure Hanoi La Gare

94 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3944 7766
Fax: 3944 8317
102 rooms, USS85-179

Movenpick Hotel

83A Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3822 2800
Fax: 3822 2822
151 rooms, US$280-500

Sedona Suite Ha Noi Hotel

Quang Ba St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3577 1211/13/14
Fax: 3577 1215
175 rooms, US$280-500

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel

11 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3719 9000
Fax: 3719 9001
299 rooms, US$205-450

Silk Path Hotel

195-199 Hang Bong St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3266 5555
Fax: 3938 1288
106 rooms; US$159-900

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel

15 Ngo Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3826 6919
Fax: 3826 6920
363 rooms, US$204-2500

Sofitel Plaza Hanoi Hotel

1 Thanh Nien St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3823 8888
Fax: 3829 3888
317 rooms, US$120-278

Sunway Hotel Hanoi

19 Pham Dinh Ho St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3971 3888
Fax: 3971 3555
145 rooms, US$75-350

Thang Loi Hotel

200 Yen Phu St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3829 4211
Fax: 3829 3800
178 rooms, US$79-410

Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Mid Range

Central Ha Noi Asia Hotel

23 Nguyen Cong Tru St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3821 2045
Fax: 3821 5872
60 rooms, US$62-200

ATS Hotel

33B Pham Ngu Lao St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3824 3428
Fax: 3824 8152
52 rooms, US$25-50

Binh Minh Hotel

27 Ly Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3826 6442
Fax: 3825 7725
39 rooms, US$28-33

Bro&Sis Hotel

65 Cua Bac St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3716 4777,
Fax: 3716 4779
40 rooms, US$56-95

BSC Hotel

77B Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3823 2502
Fax: 3823 3754
23 rooms, US$25-30

Camellia 1 Hotel

12 Pho Hue St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3822 5140
Fax: 3822 5949
35 rooms, US$25-35

Cinnamon Hotel Hanoi

26 Au Trieu St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3938 0430
Fax: 3938 0429
10 rooms, US$75++
Email: info@cinnamonhotel.net
Website: www.cinnamonhotel.net

Cherry Hotel

235 Hue St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3976 3562
36 rooms, US$50-95

Classic 1 Hotel

22ATa Hien St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3826 6224
Fax: 3828 1727 40 rooms, US$18-40

Classic 2 Hotel

49 Luong Ngoc Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3926 1106
Fax: 3926 1107
12 rooms, USS18-40

De Syloia Hotel

17ATran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3824 5346
Fax: 3824 1083
33 rooms, US$75-120

Dien Luc Hotel

30 Ly Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3825 3167
Fax: 3825 0456
69 rooms

Dong Do Hotel

146 Giang Vo St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3831 4227
Fax: 3831 4928
30 rooms, USS25-40

Eden Hotel

94 Yet Kieu St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3822 7465
Fax: 3822 8235
25 rooms, US$20-40

Eden Hanoi Hotel

78 Tho Nhuom St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3942 3273
Fax: 3942 4619
35 rooms

Galaxy Hotel

1 Phan Dinh Phung St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3828 2888
Fax: 3828 2466
60 rooms, US$109-160

Golden Key Hotel

65 Quan Su St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3822 2428
Fax: 3822 0892
44 rooms

Hacinco Hotel

110 Thai Thinh St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3857 4040
Fax: 3857 2626
54 rooms, US$27-60

Heritage Hanoi Hotel

625 La Thanh St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3834 4727
Fax: 3834 3882
68 rooms, US$35-75

Hoa Binh Hotel

27 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3825 3315
Fax: 3826 9818
105 rooms, US$80-150

Hoang Long Hotel

185 Lo Due St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3972 0369
Fax: 3972 0373
40 rooms

Holiday Hanoi Hotel

27 Quoc Tu Giam St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3747 4106
Fax: 3747 4338
60 rooms, US$28-48

Hong Ngoc 2 Hotel

14 Luong Van Can St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3826 7566
Fax: 3824 5362 - US$31-52

Huong Giang Hotel

80 Mai Hac De St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3978 4616
Fax: 3976 4697
21 rooms, US$15-35

Huyen Trang Hotel

36 Hang Trong St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3826 8480
Fax: 3824 7449
19 rooms, US$35-45

Khan Quang Do Hotel

189 Hoang Hoa Tham St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3845 6987
Fax: 3722 4764
73 rooms, US$50-70

Kim Anh Hotel

132 Ton Due Thang St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3823 1291
Fax: 3845 9122
30 rooms Kim Lien 1

Hotel

7 Dao DuyAnh St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3852 2522
Fax: 3852 4919
276 rooms, USS25-150

Lucky Hotel

12 Hang Trong St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 38251029
Fax: 3825 1731
20 rooms, US$30-50

Mango Hotel

118 Le Duan St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3942 3704
Fax: 3942 3966
35 rooms

Melody Hotel

17 Hang Duong St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3928 3029
Fax: 3824 3746
66 rooms, US$25-40

Nam Hai 1 Hotel

37 Ma May St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3926 3632,
Fax: 3926 3633
52 rooms, US$38-80

Nam Hai Hotel

55 Duong Thanh St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3928 6630
Fax: 3928 6629
23 rooms, US$20-35

Nha Tho Hotel

9 Nha Tho St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3928 8118
Fax: 3828 5793
20 rooms, US$40-70

Nhat Tien Hotel

44 Hang Bun St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3716 4368
Fax: 3716 4369
38 rooms, US$30-40

Ocean Star Hotel

48 Tran Nhan Tong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3822 7725
Fax: 3822 5977
40 rooms, US$50-85

Orient Hotel

16 Lang Ha St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3834 5398
Fax: 3834 5396
62 rooms

Pacific Hotel

30 Cua Nam St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3936 2587
Fax: 3936 1798
40 rooms, US$22-41

Paradise Hotel

45 Nguyen Truong To St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3716 4126
Fax: 3716 4917
71 rooms, US$60-80

Phung Hung Hotel

2 Duong Thanh St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3825 2614
Fax: 3826 9279
60 rooms, US$28-45

Polonez Hotel

6ATran Nhan Tong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3822 5715
Fax: 3822 5228
18 rooms, US$30-45

Saigon Hanoi Hotel

80 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3942 4499
Fax: 3942 2631
44 rooms, US$59-89

Salute Hotel

7 Hang Dau St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3825 8003
Fax: 3934 3607
15 rooms, US$32-85

Suncity Hotel

59 - 61 Hang Than St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3826 6655
Fax: 3927 0808
32 rooms, US$25

Thanglong Opera Hotel

ICTong Dan St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3824 4775
Fax: 3824 4784
71 rooms, US$75-140

Trade Hotel

25 Ngoc Khanh St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3834 4677
Fax: 3834 3165
61 rooms, US$40-65

Trung Nam Hai Hotel

27 Phu Doan St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3928 8228
Fax: 3928 8268
18 rooms, US$20-40

Viet Anh Hotel

11 Ma May St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3926 1302
Fax: 3926 1306
25 rooms, US$18-60

Viet Bac Hotel

23 Hang Than St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 6273 3018
Fax: 6273 3015
26 rooms, US$25-40

Vietnam Trade Union Hotel

14 Tran Binh Trong St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3942 1776
Fax: 3942 0760
120 rooms, US$75-150

Volga Hotel

34-36 Nguyen Khuyen St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3823 2910
Fax: 3843 5803
24 rooms, US$20-30

Greater Hanoi

Au Co Hotel

19 Au Co St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3823 8044
Fax: 3719 2699
22 rooms, US$25-30

Cau Giay Hotel

110 Cau Giay St., Cau Giay Dist.
Tel: 3833 2951
Fax: 3833 3012
56 rooms, US$35-75

Dragon Hotel

48 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3829 2955
Fax: 3829 4745
30 rooms, US$39-86

Noi Bai Airport Hotel

Noi Bai International Airport, Soc Son Dist.
Tel: 3886 4745
Fax: 3884 0353
37 rooms, US$25-30

Sport Hotel

Lang Sinh Vien Hacinco, Le Van Thiem St., Thanh Xuan Dist.
Tel: 3558 9113
Fax: 3558 4201
100 rooms, US$55

Tay Ho Hotel

58 Tay Ho St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3823 2381
Fax: 3719 8690
115 rooms, US$35-75

Vesna Hotel

137B Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien Dist.
Tel: 2220 7733
Fax: 2221 7734
60 rooms, US$60-99

Hoang Tu Thai Binh Duong Hotel

95 Hang Bong St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3828 6708
Fax: 3824 6331
25 rooms

Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Budget

Central Ha Noi

Anh 1 Hotel

42 Chau Long St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3829 4000
Fax: 3829 4889
31 rooms, US$20-35

Hanoi Trade Union Hotel

1 Tang Bat Ho St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3821 4070
Fax: 3826 7427
60 rooms, US$12-14

Hoa Duong Hotel

1A Hang Mam St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3926 1686
25 rooms, US$10-25

Hoa Hong Hotel

88A Mai Hac De St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3821 6006
Fax: 3821 6441
14 rooms, US$17-30

Prince I Hotel

51 Luong Ngoc Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3828 0155
Fax: 3828 0156
14 rooms, US$15-30

Prince II Hotel

42B Hang Giay St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3926 1203
Fax: 3828 0156
10 rooms, US$15-30

Huong Duong Hotel

16A Nguyen Cong Tru St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3971 3627
Fax: 3821 1770
30 rooms, US$15-20

Huu Nghi Hotel

34 Nam Ngu St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3942 4061
Fax: 3942 4272
14 rooms, US$20-30

My Lan Hotel

334 Ba Trieu St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3976 4063
Fax: 3976 1070
45 rooms, US$11-23

Phuong Nam Hotel

1 Chua Boc St., Dong Da Dist.
Tel: 3852 1982
Fax: 3852 2640
55 rooms, US$10-22

Sunny Hotel

1 Ngo Gach St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3928 3803
Fax: 3928 4136
32 rooms

Sunshine 1 Hotel

42 Ma May St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3926 1559
Fax: 3926 1558 12 rooms, US$20-30

Thanh Lich - Ha Long Hotel

297D Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3823 3048
Fax: 3846 1191
32 rooms, US$25++

Thien Duong Hotel

3A Phan Dinh Phung St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3828 3896
Fax: 3828 4066
30 rooms

Tien Thuy Hotel

9 Hang Thung St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3934 3608
22 rooms, US$21-26

Trang An Hotel

41 Hang Bun St., Ba Dinh Dist.
Tel: 3716 4985
21 rooms, US$20-29

Greater Ha Noi

Binh Minh Hotel

10 Trau Quy St., Gia Lam Dist.
Tel: 3876 7059
20 rooms, US$10

Ha Long Hotel

29 Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien Dist.
Tel: 3872 0924
Fax: 3872 3914
32 rooms, US$10-20

Hoang Long Hotel

Xuan Dinh, Tu Liem Dist.
Tel: 3836 2510
Fax: 3836 9961
42 rooms, US$15-25

Nang Huong Hotel

Km 9 Nguyen Trai St., Thanh Xuan Dist.
Tel: 3854 4249
Fax: 3854 8565
56 rooms, US$20-35

New Century Hotel

16 Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien Dist.
Tel: 3872 1132
Fax: 3872 1131
22 rooms, US$15

New Hotel

17 Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien Dist.
Tel: 3650 0901
Fax: 3650 0897
32 rooms

Quang Ba Trade Union Hotel

98 To Ngoc Van St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3829 3812134
Fax: 3829 3825
82 rooms, US$5-25

Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Rental:

Somerset Grand Hanoi

49 Hai Ba Trung St., Hoan Kiem Dist.
Tel: 3934 2342
Fax: 3934 9988
185 rooms

Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi

106 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist.
Tel: 3755 5888
Fax: 3755 5999
206 rooms

Somerset West Lake, Hanoi

254D Thuy Khe St., Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: 3843 0030
Fax: 3823 6916
90 rooms

More Hotels 

Bao Nam Hotel

Km2 Phung Hung St., Phuc La Ward
Tel: 3352 1239,
Fax: 3351 4125
20 rooms

Nhue Giang Hotel

110 Tran Phu St.
Tel: 3382 4052,
Fax: 3351 0446
54 rooms, US$8-12

Song Nhue Hotel

150 Tran Phu St.
Tel: 3351 2415
Fax: 33510 446
64 rooms, US$15-22

Cau Am Hotel

9 Chu Van An St.;
Tel: 3382 4514
10 rooms

Hotels - Son Tay Town & The Western Area of Ha Noi 

Ao Vua Hotel

Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi Dist.
Tel: 3388 1020
Fax: 3388 0544
85 rooms, US$10-100

Asean Resort

21AHoa Lac, Thach That Dist.
Tel: 3368 8688
Fax: 3368 8886
51 rooms, US$72-220

Bavi Homestead

Van Hoa Commune, Ba Vi Dist.
Email: trangtraidongque@gmail.com
Website:www.bavihomestead.com
Contact: ATC Vietnam Co.,Ltd.
1 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.
Tel: 3943 8205,
Fax: 3822 9354

Cao Son Hotel

Cam Tan Village, Cam Linh Commune, Ba Vi Dist.
Tel: 3386 5965
18 rooms

Khoang Xanh - Suoi Tien Resort

Van Hoa Commune, Ba Vi Dist.
Tel: 3388 1206
Fax: 3388 1437
160 rooms, US$8-12

Tan Da Spa Resort

Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi Dist.

Thac Da Eco-tourism Resort

Muong Chau Hamlet, Van Hoa, Ba Vi Dist.
Tel: 3396 9411
Fax: 3396 9040 US$5-30

Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Tourist destinations nearby Hanoi

Tourist destinations nearby Hanoi

Co Loa Citadel & An Duong Vuong Temple

Co Loa Citadel is perhaps the most ancient citadel in Viet Nam. It was built by Thuc An Duong Vuong in the 3rd century BC to be the capital of Au Lac Kingdom (the name of Viet Nam at the time). It was built according to a helical design and was surrounded by three ramparts and a deep moat.
The remains of the citadel are located on the same site where archaeologists have found tens of thousands of bronze arrowheads, iron axes, and animal bones. Close to the citadel are the remains of Co Loa Communal House, a temple devoted to the cult of Princess My Chau and An Duong Vuong, a King who loved his daughter with all his heart but, lacking vigilance, left Co Loa and lost both his family and his country.
Co Loa Citadel is located 18km north of the centre of Ha Noi in Co Loa Village, Dong Anh District.

Coloa Citadel

Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)

This tourist destinations is situated in My Due District, approximately 70km south-west of Ha Noi. To go there, travelers must cross Ha Dong, then Van Dinh, to reach Ben Due Wharf. From there, a boat takes them for a scenic 3km ride on the Yen Vy Stream. The landscape displays high mountains, deep forests and streams that harmoniously intermingle with the rice fields.
Huong Tich Grotto is the most beautiful and famous of the grottoes in the area. It was discovered more than 2,000 years ago. When Lord Trinh Sam visited the grotto in the 18th century, he wrote five Chinese characters on the entrance in calligraphy: Nam Thien De Nhat Dong, meaning "the most beautiful grotto under the Southern skies". In the middle of the grotto is a statue of Bodhisattva Kuanin. Surrounding the statue are stalagmites resembling golden trees, silver trees, cocoons, hillocks, and a group of nine dragons.
Many Vietnamese visit the Perfume Pagoda to implore Buddha for happiness and good luck, as well as to immerse themselves in the beauties of nature. The Perfume Pagoda Festival begins after the New Year's festivities and lasts until the 3rd lunar month. During that period, between three and four hundred thousand people, from children to 60 and 70 year-old pilgrims, visit the Perfume Pagoda.

Read more for Chua Huong Tourist guides

Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas

Thay Pagoda belongs to Sai Son Village in Quoc Oai District, 25km south-west of Ha Noi. The pagoda was built on the slopes of Sai Son Mountain. Water puppet shows are held on Long Tri Lake, where a bridge with a tile roof built in 1602 remains.
As for Tay Phuong Pagoda, it was built in the 8th century and it is located on Cau Lau Mountain, about 35km south-west of Ha Noi. More than 200 stone steps must be climbed before reaching the pagoda where one can admire hundreds of large statues made of lacquered and gilded wood, featuring among the best specimens of Vietnamese traditional statuary art.
Visiting both sites by car or motorbike requires one whole day. It is best to leave Ha Noi early in the morning to go first to Thay Pagoda. After climbing the mountain, visitors stop in the grotto for lunch, which can not be purchased on site. They can go and visit Tay Phuong Pagoda in the afternoon in order to be back in Ha Noi before night.

 
Tram Gian Pagoda

Tram Gian Pagoda, also known as Tien Lu (fairy guests) Pagoda, is located in Tien Lu Village, Tien Phuong Commune, Hoai Due District, nearby Hanoi downtown.
The pagoda was built during the Ly Dynasty and has since been restored several times. There are one hundred sections in the pagoda. The three-entrance gate has eight roofs standing majestically on the top of a hundred brick steps. Many valuable relics are pre-served in the pagoda. In the upper hall, there is a rectangular pedestal. Also in the pagoda & is a statue of Tuyet Son Buddha carved out of black jack-tree wood. In the yard, stands a two-story bell tower with eight roofs built in 1693. It contains a 1.42m-wide copper bell Si cast in 1749. Surrounding the pagoda, there are old coniferous trees and solidly built towers.

Tram Pagoda

Tram Pagoda, also called the Long Tien (Dragon Fairy) Pagoda, is situated in the area of Tram Mountain in Long Chau Village, Phung Chau Commune, Chuong My District.
The pagoda was built in the year 1669, the seventh year of the reign of King Canh Tri. Despite being renovated on several occasions, the pagoda still retains its original artistic style of the 18th and 19th centuries, including its sophisticated engravings. The middle stone of the pagoda's three levels is beautifully engraved with the images of two lizards.

Dau Pagoda

Dau Pagoda with the old name Thanh Dao Tu, located at the end of Gia Phuc Village, Nguyen Trai Commune, Thuong Tin District, about 24km south of Ha Noi. The pagoda worships Phap Vu, one of the four Goddesses who are worshipped in the region.
A visit to Dau Pagoda helps visitors to see rare and precious exhibits of stone pedestals from Ly Dynasty decorated with lotus flowers. On staircases of the main hall, there are two stone dragons created during the Tran Dynasty in round bodies, winding as waves on blocks of stone. Visitors will be deeply interested in the ancient traditional architectures, the sculpture on beams, columns or panels... all depict legendary traditions: fairies on dragons, boys fighting tigers, or four sacred animals: dragon, lion, turtle and phoenix (long, ly, quy, phuong). Of particular note are the mummified bodies of two monks, Vu Khac Minh and Vu Khac Truong, who died meditating in the mid 17th century. Their bodies underwent extensive restoration by the Institute of Archaeology in 2003. This is the most special culture heritage in Dau Pagoda.

Son Tay Ancient

This tourist destination located in Son Tay Town, 42km nearby center of Ha Noi, the citadel was built in 1822 in a square shape. The wall of the citadel is constructed of laterite, an extremely strong type of stone. It has four gates, the east (Dong), the west (Tay), the front (Tien) and the back (Hau) gates, where watch guards used to stand. Surrounding the 2,000m perimeter of the citadel is a moat, which is 3m deep and 20m wide. Inside, there are four cannons standing"by the four corners. There is also the Kinh Thien Hall (a place for the king to relax during his inspection days in the locality), the villas and court hall of the provincial mandarins, and the food stocks and camps for the soldiers.
Time and war have destroyed many areas inside the ancient citadel. Nowadays, only some sections of the citadel walls, some gates and some other architectural works remain. The whole historical site is now being preserved and restored.

Thanh Chuong's Viet Palace

Located nearby Hanoi, in Day Dieu Slope, Hien Ninh Commune, Soc Son District, about 35km from Ha Noi's centre, Thanh Chuong's Viet Palace is a familiar tourist destination place for those who love to discover Vietnamese culture. This palace wears breaths of immemorial time blanketing houses, antiques and surrounding trees.
Thanh Chuong's Viet Palace was initially the home and studio of Thanh Chuong, one of the celebrated painters in contemporary Vietnamese art. Soon after its existence in 2002, Thanh Chuong's Viet Palace instantly became famous as a unique cultural preservation site, a spiritual legacy of Vietnamese art and culture. The simple paths, cottage houses, lotus ponds together with images of water rice civilization such as water ladles, rice mortars, bamboo beds and green-moss stone steps bring tourists nostalgic feelings I but are familiar and cosy.
The 10,000m2 palace has old houses belonging to many varied regions and cultures. However the highlight of the palace is a complex of statues made of stone, wood, bronze or ceramic installed and displayed in the houses and yards around the site. Moreover, tourists also have a chance to admire paintings of artist Thanh Chuong, works made by harmony of folk and contemporary, past and present.
At the palace, the tourists can also enjoy folk music performances of quan ho, folk singing and water puppet shows.
Opening hours: 9h - 17h30 (summer) and 9h - 17h (winter) from Tuesday to Sunday.
Ticket: VND30.000- 100,000 (Price of 2012)

Ba Vi Mountain and National Park

Tourist and a tree in Bavi

From Ha Noi, one can reach the Son Tay Town (42km) by following National Highway 32 (or by High-speed highway Lang -Hoa Lac) and then travelling another 16km in the direction of Suoi Hai Lake where rest houses have been built. Boats take visitors around the lake, stopping on islets where medicinal plants are grown and birds nest. Then, going east of Ba Vi Mountains, you can visit Ao Vua Fall. Looking from above, the fall makes a three-story cascade, the last of which flows into a small lake with emerald-green water. A 400m climb leads to the remainders of a summer villa built by the French in 1940. There is a road that allows visitors to reach an altitude of 1,200m where they can enjoy a night rest in a hotel under the starlit sky.
Back at the foot of the mountain, visitors can also explore the Ba Vi National Park, which covers a protected area of 7,377ha. The climate is temperate and there are 812 species of high - level flora. The park contains many rare animals such as the weasel (chon bac ma), tibetan bear (gau ngua), civet (cay van), flying squirrel (soc bay), white pheasant (ga to/ trang), etc. Aquatic plants are numerous with floating plants and green alga.
The park contains a great deal of creature representative for many types of climate ranging from hot and humid to cool and cloudy. From the peaks of some high mountains, travellers can have a broad view of Ba Vi landscape. The natural landscape of the rivers, mountains, lakes, and the stretching rice fields that harmoniously intermingle with the calm villages which look very romantic. The park is an ideal destination for those who love outdoors-adventurous activities and want to relax at weekends.

Bao Son Paradise Park

Located in An Khanh Commune, Hoai Due District, about 15km from downtown Ha Noi. Bao Son Paradise has both traditional and modern architecture. Passing the entrance gate, visitors seem to be lost into a tranquil world that is quite opposite to the crowded, bustling neighborhood outside. An old quarter with more than 20 houses covering an area of 5,000m2 represents life of Hanoians with traditional products in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A short distance further is a 10,000m2 complex of 15 typical traditional handicraft villages of Viet Nam. The houses in these villages dated back over 100 years ago with banyan tree, the well and village temple, all with an aim to enchant visitors. All create a peaceful rural environment of the Red River Delta in the old times.
The ecological area characterizing the enchanting land of Vietnam includes zoo, orchid garden, king area garden, butterfly garden, flower garden and underwater world.
A modern entertainment area has an imposing stage for water musical performance, laser movie shows, and dolphin and seal performances, with a capacity of 11,000 seats. In particular, there is a multi-functional entertainment quarter for people of different ages with impressive games and rides. In addition, there is a 4D movie theater having 48 rotating seats that makes the audience feel that they are in a fanciful world.
After touring around the area, visitors can relax by swimming in the cool pool, then going to the gastronomy court divided into two areas: stilt houses and old houses. This area offers specialties of all 3 regions of the country and other Asian dishes as well.
Ticket price (in 2012) to visit Bao Son Paradise is VND40.000 /adult and VND30,000/child for all days except Sunday with VND50.000 /adult and VND40.000 /child.

Dong Mo golf course and tourist site

To reach Dong Mo Tourist Site, 50km from Ha Noi, travel along National Highway 32 to the Son Tay Town and then continue for another 10km. Dong Mo includes a large 1,300ha lake that has many islands and peninsulas in it. On the 350ha King Island (also called Dam Island), located in the centre of Dong Mo, there is an eighteen-hole golf course. Pretty villas partially hidden in the woods mirrored in the transparent water of the lake.
Easily reached from Ha Noi, Dong Mo Tourist Site is an ideal place to escape from town and relax in a slow-paced environment.

 
Khoang Xanh - Suoi Tien Tourist Site

Nearby Hanoi, belong to Van Hoa Commune, Ba Vi District, about 60km from Ha Noi's centre, Khoang Xanh - Suoi Tien Tourist Site has imposing scenery with clear and beautiful Suoi Tien (fairy stream). Go along Suoi Tien, the scenery is wonderful with foaming fall creating marvellous sound. The tourist site has 3 areas, of which Suoi Tien Water Park consists of 20,000m2 wave-created lake, artificial sea, sliding lines of high speed and many attractive water games. Khoang Xanh hot spring area has indoor hot mineral water swimming-pool with area of 1,000m2, tubs for mud bath and hydropathy. In addition, Dinosaur Valley recreates 12 species of giant dinosaurs and serves strong feeling games.
Coming to Khoang Xanh - Suoi Tien, the tourists will be enjoyed many other services such as restaurant, karaoke, massage, sauna, camping fire, traditional song and dance...

Thac Da Eco-tourist Site

Thac Da Eco-tourist Site is located in Ba Vi Commune, about 60km west of Ha Noi's centre. This is an amazing rendezvous for nature lovers to come closer to nature and live in stilt houses of Muong and Thai ethnic tribes under stillness, coolness and greenness of -forests. Here is also the host for traditional performances such as quan ho, cheo and other artistic ethnic shows.
The fall splashes look like a giant, white and silver carpet flowing in the forest. Next to the waterfall, visitors can relax at a swimming pool, fishing pond, sports playground or a fruit orchard and enjoy indigenous specialties in small restaurants.

Tu Tram Mountains

Tu Tram Mountains are in Long Chau Village, Phung Chau Commune, Chuong My District, 20km from Ha Noi by National Highway 6.
Tu Tram is a valuable gift of nature, a chain of limestone mountains, that appear among the fertile fields creating a beautiful scenery. In 1516, under the reign of King Le Chieu Tong, a royal stop-over place was built here. The King then ordered rivers and streams to be arranged to make the area a beauty-spot for his leisure time. Nowadays, some architectural ruins, such as Long Tien Pagoda, Quan Am (Bodhisattva) Pagoda, Vo Vi Pagoda, Ba Lang Pagoda, Cao Son Temple and Mother Temple still remain around Tu Tram Mountains.
Visitors also have the opportunity to explore Long Tien Cave. The mouth of the cave is not very big, but its inner space is very large and high. Hanging down from the ceiling and the wall of the cave are stalactites of various shapes. Inside the cave, you will also find a pagoda containing a statue of Amitiyus Buddha meditating on a lotus pedestal with an honest and sympathetic smile on his face. The sophisticated carving makes the statue almost look alive. On the ceiling and wall over the cave gate, visitors can find the handwriting of talented scholars from the late years of the Le Dynasty to the early years of the Nguyen Dynasty. There are nearly 20 poems and prose passages adorning the Tu Tram Mountains.
On Trao Mountain, next to Tu Tram, is Vo Vi Pagoda, which was built in 968, and which has retained many stelae of historical and artistic value. Tu Tram Festival takes place annually on the 2nd day of the 2ndlunar month and attracts many visitors and pilgrims.

Quan Son Lake

Quan Son Lake is located in My Due District, approximately 40km from Ha Dong. The lake stretches from Tuy Lai Village, passing through Hong Son to the Cau Dam spillway. Water runs through mountain falls making the lake surface larger and more beautiful. The small peaks jutting up from the lake are bird habitats. Surrounded by mountains and clouds, the lake is quiet, cool and romantic.
Visitors can go boating and fishing and enjoy various local fish specialties. Boats can be rented at a reasonable price. 

Tourist destinations nearby Hanoi

Tourist guides for museums in Hanoi

Viet Nam History Museum

The Viet Nam History Museum was founded in September 1958. Located behind the Ha Noi Opera House at N"1 Trang Tien Street, the museum contains a great deal of valuable objects, which reflect all the periods of Vietnamese history.
The museum is a beautiful architectural work. It provides an area of 2,000m2 for exhibition. On the ground floor are theme rooms: Prehistory, Viet Nam in the Time of National Building and the Tran Dynasty. The second floor features Viet Nam from the Ho Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty and contains a section on Cham culture.
Nearly 7,000 objects and documents depict vividly the long process of development of the Vietnamese community, its undaunted and heroic struggle for thousand years, from its early history up to the August Revolution in 1945. The system of computers installed on the second floor is intended for visitors to search for information effectively.
The exhibits provide systematic, scientific and reliable information for those who want to understand and research on the history of Viet Nam. The museum is open for tourist daily from 8am to 4.30pm.

A Buddha Statue in Vietnam History Museum in Hanoi

Military History Museum

The History Military Museum, 10,000m2 in area, was founded on December 22,1958 at 28A Dien Bien Phu Street (Ha Noi). The content of the museum covers 6 periods:
- The history of the Vietnamese nation and the birth of the Viet Nam People's Army.
- The Vietnamese struggle against French colonialism.
- The Vietnamese struggle against American imperialists.
- The Viet Nam People's Army on the path to a regular modern army.
- The People and the Army are oneness -they will be invincible.
- Piece of weaponry displayed in the museum courtyard (airplanes, tanks, heavy artilleries, rockets, mortars, bombs, etc.)
The History Military Museum is the concentrated embodiment of the spirit of the Vietnamese people "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom."

 Tourist guides for museums in Hanoi

Revolution Museum

Established in August 1959, the Revolution Museum is situated at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, Ha Noi. It has been designed into 29 showrooms, containing more than thousands of historical exhibits. The museum introduces Viet Nam - the land and the people from the middle 20th century up to now. The exhibition is divided into:
- National liberation movements of the Vietnamese from 1858 to 1945 (from the 1st to the 9th showrooms)
- 30 years of struggle against the invaders and protecting the National independence and unifying the country from 1945 to 1975 (from the 10th to the 24th showrooms)
- Developing the economy from 1976 up to now. The collections of Viet Nam Economy from 1975 to 2000 are displayed in the room N°26, N°27. The present collections of the Vietnamese people and of the people in the world offered President Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Nam Communist Party (rooms N028 and N°29).

Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology

Located on Nguyen Van Huyen Road in Cau Giay District, west of city-centre, the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology opened at the end of 1997. Since then, it has attracted the attention of visitors as well as ethnographers and researchers from all over the world.
It contains more than 10,000 objects, 15,000 black and white photos and hundreds of video tapes and cassettes which depict all aspects of life, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Viet Nam. The Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology has successfully recreated the daily life together with the religious rituals and the symbolic festivals of o each ethnic group in Viet Nam. Visitors have the opportunity to admire costumes, embroidery as well as outside stilt houses and habitats from the different groups.
All displayed objects mingle and supplement one another to create a colourful and diversified picture of Vietnamese culture. An open-air exhibition in the museum's spacious and peaceful ground features ethnic houses from re all over Viet Nam. The displayed object area is divided into 9 parts:
- Introduction
- Introduction of Viet (Kinh)
- Introduction of Muong, Tho, Chut ethnic groups
- The ethnic groups belong to the Tay, Thai, and Ka Dai Groups
- The ethnic groups belong to the H'Mong-Dao Group, Tang Group and San Diu, Ngai ethnic Groups.
- The ethnic groups belong to the Mon-Khmer Group
- The ethnic groups belong to the Nam Dao
- The ethnic groups: Cham, Hoa, Khmer
- Exchange and mingle between the ethnic groups.
It is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, closes Monday and Tet holiday. Minibus 14 runs from Dinh Tien Hoang Str., to Nghia Tan stopover at the museum.

 Tourist guides for museums in Hanoi

Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum
In June 1966, house N°66 on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi, was transformed into the Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum. Two story buildings are displayed the art works. The exhibition system is divided into 5 parts:
- Fine arts of Prehistory: Consist of the objects from the Bronze Age and Iron Age
- Ancient fine arts from the 11th to the 19th centuries: Consists of the objects of Ly, Tran, Le, Mac, Tay Son, and Nguyen Dynasties."
- Fine arts in the 20th century: Contemplate times fine arts (1925-1945) and modern fine arts (1945 up to now).
- Folk painting
- Traditional pottery and ceramics
Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum is a lively historical treasure depicting the origins and evolution of Vietnamese fine arts. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

This museum is located near Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. It was completed on 19 May 1990 for the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday. The museum is a four-story building covering a total area of 10,000m2 and designed in the shape of a lotus flower as a symbol of President Ho's noble character.
The main showroom displays 117,274 documents, articles, pictures and exhibits illustrating the historical events that took place during President Ho Chi Minh's life, as well as important events that occurred in the rest of the world since the end of the 19thcentury.
The museum contains other rooms such as a library, a large hall, meeting rooms and research rooms.
Since its opening, the museum has welcomed millions of local and international visitors. It is open daily from 8am to 11am and 1,30am to 4.30pm. Photography is forbidden. Cameras and bags must be left at the reception.

Tourist guides for museums in Hanoi

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Hoa Lo Prison is located on the street of the same name. The French colonialists used Hoa Lo to imprison many patriots and communist prisoners. After peace was established (1954), this site was used by the Vietnamese Government as a jail for criminal prisoners.
In 1996, Hoa Lo Prison was moved to the suburbs of Ha Noi and a 26-floor tower used for a hotel and offices was built in this area. One building at the front and the gate of the prison were kept as a museum. Inside, you can find some photographs as well as a guillotine used to carry out the death sentences of revolutionary soldiers.
It was also a place to keep American Pilots during the anti US war in the North. The museum is open daily, except Monday, from 8am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 4.30 pm.

Memorial House at 48 Hang Ngang

Hang Ngang St. is in the old quarter of Ha Noi. At 48 Hang Ngang, in a small upstairs room, President Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence founding the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam.
On 25th August 1945, after returning from Tan Trao, President Ho Chi Minh stayed here and chose this house to be one of his meeting places. He used the living room to receive the representatives of domestic public bodies, overseas Vietnamese and foreign visitors. Next to the living room is the small room, with simple furnishings (including a small wardrobe, a sofa, a round table and an armchair) where Ho Chi Minh composed the Declaration of Independence. Everything has been kept and preserved as a museum.

 Tourist guides for museums in Hanoi
Viet Nam Women's Museum

Located in the centre of Ha Noi on Ly Thuong Kiet Str., the Viet Nam Women's Museum covers a 4,500m2 area planted with beautiful trees. It was open on October 20th 1995 on the occasion of 65 years' birthday of the Vietnamese Women's Association.
Documents and objects are displayed and carefully preserved and maintained in this place, expressing the role of women in the process of the development of the Vietnamese nation. The Museum is also a place for cultural exchange for Vietnamese and international women with the goal of creating "equality, development, and peace". The exhibits are displayed on an area of 1,200 sq.m on two story buildings; the museum organized around five main themes:
- Vietnamese women in Vietnamese community
- The involvement of Vietnamese women in the fight for national independence and national construction
- The Vietnamese Women's Association and its struggle to liberate women
- The culture of Vietnamese women expresses through traditional handicraft products.
- Women costumes of the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.
The museum is open daily except Monday, from 8am to 4pm.

Ha Noi Museum

Located on Pham Hung Street, Me Tri Commune, Tu Liem District, Ha Noi Museum has been regarded as the most modern work of art, architecture, culture among the Viet Nam's museums now. The museum was officially started constructing on May 19, 2008 and inaugurated on October 6, 2010. With total area of nearly 54,000m2, the museum is designed as an upside-down pyramid and includes four stories and two-story basement. The first floor displays models of columns that carved dragons in the Ly Dynasty, artifacts of Ly - Tran - Le dynasties, photos and science materials on Thang Long in Dai Viet period and antiques excavated from Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The second floor is space for pre-Thang Long era artifacts with emphasis on Co Loa bronze drum and the pictures of three rounds of the Co Loa Citadel in An Duong Vuong time. The third floor displays antiques and the fourth floor is the exhibition on images of ancient Ha Noi. The opening time: from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily except Mondays. 

Tourist guides for museums in Hanoi

Temples And Pagodas in Hanoi

Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam
Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is a famous historical and cultural relic consisting of the Temple of Literature and Viet Nam's first university. The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 in honour of Confucius, his followers, and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education.
Quoc Tu Giam, or Viet Nam's first university, was built in 1076. It was the first educational school for royal family members, and it was later opened to talented students. Throughout its more than 700 years of activity, thousands of Vietnamese scholars graduated from this university. In 1482, Emperor Le Thanh Tong ordered the erection of steles with inscriptions of the names, places of birth, and achievements of the graduates who had taken examinations since 1442 to 1779. Especially, 82 stone steles at Van Mieu have been recognised as World Documentary Heritage by UNESCO in March 2010.
In 1483 Quoc Tu Giam was changed into Thai Hoc Vien (Higher Educational Institute). After decades of war and natural disasters, the former construction was completely destroyed.
In preparation for the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long (present day Ha Noi) another construction has been built following the model of the previous Thai Hoc Vien on the same ground. The work was started on July 13, 1999 and completed on October 10,2000, the day of 46th anniversary of Hanoi's liberation. With area of 1,530m2, the work includes the front hall, the back sanctuary, lean-toss on the left and on the right, the courtyard, and subsidiary structures. On March 11, 2003, Ha Noi People's Committee had statues of four cultural celebrities begun to cast. They are King Ly Thanh Tong, King Ly Nhan Tong, King Le Thanh Tong and Chu Van An who founded Van Mieu -Quoc Tu Giam and developed Viet Nam's education.
This site preserves historical vestiges of a 1,000-year-old civilization such as statues of Confucius and his disciples (Yan Hui, Zengshen, Zisi, Mencius), and ancient constructions such as Khue Van Pavilion, and Worshiping Hall.
Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is located on Van Mieu Street, 2km west of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 11,30am and 1.30pm to 5pm.

Quoc Tu Giam - The Vietnam first University

Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on an islet in West Lake of Hanoi, is the one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi and Vietnam also; its construction started in 541. Standing at one end of Thanh Nien Road, one can see the towers of the pagoda rising above the lake's surface. Inside, there is a precious statue of Sakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana, which is a masterpiece of Vietnamese sculptural art. A stele dating from 1639 tells the story of this pagoda. It is open daily.

One Pillar Pagoda
The original name of the One Pillar Pagoda was Dien Huu Pagoda, which literally means "long lasting happiness and good luck". The pagoda is located on Ong Ich Khiem St., in the western part of the Thang Long Citadel, and near Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. It was first built in 1049, during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. According to legend, ageing Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who had no children, often went to pagodas to pray to Buddha for a son. One night, he dreamed that he was granted a private audience with Buddha. Buddha, who was seated on a lotus flower in a square-shaped lotus pond on the western side of Thang Long Citadel, gave the king a baby boy. Months later, when the queen gave birth to a male child, the Emperor ordered the construction of a pagoda supported by only one pillar to resemble the lotus seat of his dream in the honour of Buddha. The pagoda is open for tourists daily from 8am to 5pm. Entrance is free.

Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake was already considered the most beautiful lake in the city when Ngoc Son Temple was built on Ngoc (Jade) Islet, in the northern part of the lake during the 19th century. It was dedicated to Van Xuong, once considered as the brightest star in Vietnamese literary and intellectual circles, and Tran Hung Dao, the national hero who led the Vietnamese people to victory over Mongol aggressors in the 13th century.
The temple, as it is seen today, is attributed to the restoration efforts of Nguyen Van Sieu in 1865. Nguyen Van Sieu, a great Hanoian writer, had a large pen-shaped tower (Thap But) built at the entrance of the temple. On the upper part of the tower are three Chinese characters, Ta Thanh Thien, which mean "to write on the blue sky is to imply the height of a genuine and righteous person's strength and will.
The temple is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Quan Su Pagoda

Quan Su Pagoda, built in the 17th century, is located at 73 Quan Su Street. The Northern Buddhist Association chose Quan Su Pagoda as its meeting hall in 1934. In 1942, the pagoda was restored to its actual state, and since 1958, the Vietnam Buddhist Association has had its head office at the pagoda.
The pagoda opens daily from 7.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 5.30 pm.

Quan Thanh Temple

The three ancient Chinese characters at the top of the entrance of Quan Thanh Temple read "Tran Vu Quan", which means that the temple is dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu, the God who guarded and administered the north of the country. Saint Tran Vu was both a Vietnamese legendary character (who assisted King An Duong Vuong in chasing away ghosts during the construction of Co Loa Citadel) and a Chinese legendary character (who guarded and administered the North).
Quan Thanh Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To (1009-1028). Special attention should be paid to the black bronze statue of Saint Tran Vu, nearly 4 m in height and 4 tons in weight, was cast in 1677 located in the main hall. Also noticeable, a 1.5m high ancient bronze bell hangs at the top of the three-gate entrance. In the temple, a small black bronze statue of Old Trong, the chief artisan of the bronze casting team who made the bell and the giant statue of Saint Tran Vu. To commemorate the great contributions of their teacher, Old Trong's students cast his statue and placed it in the temple so that future generations would remember him.
This temple is located at the southern end of Duong Thanh Nien (Youth Road) of Hanoi, near the intersection of Quan Thanh Str., and Duong Thanh Nien, 2km west of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is open daily.

Hai Ba Trung Temple

This temple of Hanoi is also called Dong Nhan Temple because it is located in Dong Nhan Ward in Hai Ba Trung District, 2km south of Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple was built in 1142, under the reign of Emperor Ly Anh Tong and was dedicated to the Trung Sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi. Two statues made of clay are located at the inner sanctum of the temple. They are surrounded by statues of the 12 female generals who followed the two sisters in leading their army to defeat their aggressors. From the 3rd to 6th days of the 2nd lunar month, there is a grand festival at the temple to commemorate the two national heroines.

Kim Lien Pagoda

Kim Lien Pagoda

Kim Lien Pagoda was originally built on Nghi Tam peninsula, on the bank of West Lake. Today it is located in Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Ha Noi. According to legend, during the 12th century (1128-1138), Princess Tu Hoa, daughter of King Ly Than Tong, led her royal representatives to this area where they cultivated mulberries and reared silkworms. The pagoda was later built in 1631. Formerly, it had the name Dai Bi, Dong Long, and Tu Hoa. In 1771 Lord Trinh restored the pagoda and changed its name to Kim Lien (Golden Lotus) part of the former Tu Hoa Palace of the Ly Dynasty.
Kim Lien is composed of three pavilions, each of which has 2 roof layers and the appearance of being slightly curved and supple. Apart from its nice disposition, the pagoda has a gate of sophisticated and intricate architecture.
The origin architecture and decoration together with the location of Kim Lien Pagoda gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy tranquility and solitude. It is open daily.

Tay Ho Temple

Tay Ho was an ancient village of Thang Long, located to the east of West Lake. At the entrance of the village, there is a temple to worship Mother Lieu Hanh, who had an exquisite talent for playing music, singing, and writing poetry. Mother Lieu Hanh was so kind that she was raised as Thanh Mau (Saint Mother). Every year, on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, many people come to this temple of Hanoi, not only to worship Thanh Mau in the hope that she will offer them good things and good luck, but also to admire the beautiful landscape of the capital city. 

Temple And Pagoda in Hanoi