What country is Hanoi in? Cuisine and restaurants in Hanoi. French Quarter and old town

Hanoi is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, where the architecture of different periods of the country's history has been perfectly preserved. And the lakes, so beloved by the ancient emperors, still give the city a special atmosphere and fascinate with enchanting landscapes.

General information

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, located in the northern part of the country, along the right bank of the Red (Hong Ha) River. The name of the city is translated as "City surrounded by water." More than 6 million people live in this Asian metropolis, which celebrated its millennium in 2010.

The city was founded in the 11th century and was originally named Thanglong, which means "Flying Dragon". This name, obviously, was associated with an ancient legend about the progenitors of the people of Vietnam: the dragon Lac Long Quan and the fairy bird Au Co. The dragon ruled the sea, and Au Ko - in the mountains and valleys. Only sometimes the dragon visited his wife, and then flew back to his sea possessions. Halong Bay - "Dragon Landing Bay", is located to the east of Hanoi. The picturesque islands scattered across the bay are like the backbone of a mythical creature plunged into the water. The dragon in Vietnamese mythology symbolizes creative power, power, materialized thought. The city was renamed in the 19th century, according to the decree of Emperor Ming Mang, the capital became known as Hanoi.

Hanoi is rightfully considered one of the most interesting and attractive cities for travelers in Asia. Here, the ancient fortress and the old quarters of artisans coexist with examples of French colonial architecture from the time of France's dominance in Vietnam (XIX century). Temples and palace buildings are located on the banks of picturesque lakes. With all this, Hanoi is a major industrial, business and political center of the country.

Weather in Hanoi

In Hanoi, as elsewhere in Vietnam, it is customary to separate the dry season from the wet season. The dry season is in winter, from October to mid-April. Wet falls in the summer months: from May to September.

In winter, the average air temperature is about 17 ° C, but it can also be much cooler, up to seven degrees. Rains are quite rare. In summer, short torrential rains provide high humidity with an average temperature of around 33°C. The most comfortable time in Hanoi is considered to be September and October, when it is no longer hot and not too humid, but not very cool either. In March-April, the weather is also quite pleasant, in addition, flowers bloom at this time.

Hanoi Transport

It is convenient and inexpensive to travel around Hanoi by taxi, there is also public transport - about sixty bus routes. It can be difficult to figure out which bus goes where, as route maps are only sold in Vietnamese.

Bicycles and scooters can be rented from the hotels. But you should keep in mind that the traffic in Hanoi is just crazy: almost no one follows the rules, the roads are crowded, there are very few traffic lights for such a big city and there are problems with parking.

Sights of Hanoi

• Lake of the Returned Sword (Hoan Kiem) was formed in the old bed of the Red River. Its name is associated with the legend of the Returned Sword. From the golden tortoise, Emperor Le Loi received a wonderful sword to fight against Chinese rule. The Chinese army was defeated and on this occasion the emperor arranged a big feast on the lake. In the midst of the holiday, a golden tortoise appeared and demanded the return of the sword. The sword was returned to her and the turtle plunged into the water with it. Today, an old big turtle also lives in the lake. The people of Hanoi are sure that it emerges to the surface only before especially significant events in the life of the country. There are two small islands in the middle of the lake. On one of them is the Temple of the Jade Mountain, on the other - the legendary water puppet theater.
• Western Lake (Kho Tai) is a large lake in the western part of the city, on its shores there are ancient temples and palaces. On an island in the middle of the lake stands the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. The sacred bodhi tree grows in the courtyard of the pagoda. It is believed that it was grown from a cutting from the very tree under which the Buddha once gained enlightenment.
• The Old Quarter is the historical part of the city located near the Lake of the Returned Sword. Travelers love to visit the streets of the quarter, because the buildings here are trying to be preserved in the form in which they were built, so the Asian flavor is especially pronounced in this place. In addition, there are many shops and shops with a wide variety of goods, hotels and restaurants.
• The French Quarter is the place where the French colonizers lived in the 19th - early 20th centuries. This quarter is a piece of Europe in an Asian city. Within the French Quarter is Badinh Square with the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. The necropolis of the first president of North Vietnam has some similarities with Greek temples in its architecture. The embalmed body of the president is located inside the mausoleum, where there is always a long line, as once in the Lenin mausoleum.
• One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Kot) - the pagoda was built in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thai Tong in gratitude for the birth of his son. The structure was placed on a stone column, it was supposed to resemble a lotus flower - a symbol of purity, motherhood and birth in Buddhism. The original 11th-century pagoda was destroyed by the French when they left Hanoi. Today you can see the restored pagoda - a copy of an ancient architectural monument.
• Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) - this complex is a well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The temple complex was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius. This place was the center of cultural life of the ancient capital of Vietnam. The first Vietnamese university was located here.
• Hanoi Citadel (Thang Long) was built in the 11th century on the ruins of a Chinese fortress. It was opened to the public only in 2010; before that, the citadel was part of an active army base. On the territory of the fortress there are buildings dating back to different times, one of the most ancient buildings is the imperial gate of the 15th century with dragon sculptures on both sides of the stairs.

Holidays in Hanoi

Almost every month in Hanoi something is celebrated. Many holidays in Hanoi have a religious basis and are accompanied by colorful processions and performances.

• In February, Vietnam celebrates the New Year according to the lunar calendar. This event is celebrated in Hanoi with street parades and theatrical performances.
• In early March, the Dong Nyan festival takes place with a funny battle on the water, which is of a mythical nature and a colorful water procession.
• In June, during the colorful festival of the Temple of Chem, you can see kite flying, the launching of a mythical dragon and dozens of doves soaring into the sky.
• In August, the Buffalo Festival takes place in the vicinity of Hanoi, accompanied by traditional buffalo fights.
• In October, a beer festival is held in the capital of Vietnam, similar to the German Oktoberfest. Hanoi, by the way, is included in the list of 14 most "beer" cities in the world, along with Dublin, Amsterdam, Munich and Tokyo.

Hanoi Restaurants

As in any other capital, Hanoi has restaurants not only with local, but also with French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and other cuisines of the world.

The best and most expensive restaurants in Hanoi are located on Quan Thanh Street. Small Vietnamese cafes are literally at every step and the prices are quite affordable. There are also a lot of coffee shops in Hanoi, where they offer coffee, croissants and ice cream.

Dozens of tea establishments are open in the city, serving black, green and white tea of ​​various varieties.

Things to Do in Hanoi

Depending on age and preferences, you can have fun and spend time in Hanoi in different ways. For example, go to Baoshon Park.

Baoshon Park - This is a huge entertainment complex located about twenty kilometers from the city center. There is an aquarium and a zoo, an amusement park and a dolphinarium with a dolphin show, a craft village where traditional crafts of local residents are presented, and a puppet theater on the water. You can get to the park by bus or taxi.

There are two water parks in Hanoi: Dam Sen and Ho Tay, the Botanical Garden and Thu Le Zoo.

The most famous and popular nightclub in Hanoi is the Apocalypse Now club, which is always very crowded, noisy and fun. You can dance at the Egypt Club or at the pretentious nightclub Nutz 11 Xuan Dieu. And it would be quite appropriate to go to the Magic Moo Club nightclub dressed as a witch or Count Dracula.

Most of the bars in Hanoi are located in the Old Quarter, the bars are varied, for every taste and budget.

Shopping in Hanoi

In Hanoi, you can buy clothes and shoes, souvenirs, furniture, natural silk and cultured pearls. Traded everywhere, except for supermarkets and large chain stores. Hanoi has two large shopping centers: Trang Tien plaza and Vincom City Towers.

A few kilometers from the capital is the Silk Village, where natural silk and products from it are sold at the best price.

Batchang village is located on the opposite bank of the Red River from Hanoi. It was here that 600 years ago a method of making porcelain from local white clay was invented. Batchang sets were adorned on the tables of kings and emperors. The villagers still produce and sell porcelain products today, though not from the same white clay that hundreds of years ago - it has long ended. The products of the masters are very diverse and elegant, they are in demand both among wealthy Vietnamese and tourists. You can get to the village by shuttle bus.

Dong Xuan Market is a real Asian market where you can buy anything you want. It is here that Vietnamese coffee and tea, bamboo products, skillfully embroidered tablecloths and curtains, water theater puppets, hand-printed paintings, lacquer boxes and satin shoes are sold at the lowest price.

Hanoi Hotels

Hanoi is simply exceptionally colorful. The combination of Asian traditions and colonial heritage, Buddhism and socialism, modern buildings and ancient palaces and pagodas creates a unique atmosphere of the capital of Vietnam.

Hanoi("Ha Noi" in Vietnamese) is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. The population, together with the suburbs, in 2013 amounted to 7.1 million inhabitants. From 1010 to 1802 it was the most important political center of Vietnam. At the beginning of the Nguyen dynasty (1802), the center shifted to the city of Hue, but from 1902 to 1954 Hanoi again became the capital of French Indochina. From 1954 to 1976 it was the capital of North Vietnam, and in 1976 it again became the capital of a united Vietnam. The city is located on the right bank of the Red River, 1760 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 120 km from Haiphong. In October 2010, Hanoi officially celebrated the 1000th anniversary of its founding.

Hanoi is a mixture of East and West. This is a city with a touch of "Parisian charisma" and Chinese traditions. A city with a thousand-year history, an important cultural center of Vietnam. There are more historical and cultural monuments here than in any other city in Vietnam.

Hanoi means "city between rivers" in Vietnamese. Built in the lowlands, it is dotted with picturesque lakes, sometimes called the "city of lakes".

How to get to Hanoi from the airport and by train

Hanoi transport: how to get around

Orientation

Tourists are most interested in three areas located north, south and west of Hoan Kiem Lake. All of them are within walking distance of each other.

And the business fuss of today. According to the magazine Travel & Leisure, Hanoi is included in the list of the 10 most interesting Asian cities from a tourist point of view.

Hanoi is located on the banks red river, and in translation the name of the capital means "a city between two rivers." The city acquired its current name only in 1831, and until that time it was called Thanglong, that is, "the stronghold of the flying dragon."

Hanoi can be safely called the most beautiful city Vietnam: there are many ancient temples and pagodas and the French colonial influence is still felt, besides, the city was not spoiled by the socialist building of the 1970-80s.

The capital of Vietnam is of interest primarily to those who appreciate a rich sightseeing holiday. There are many historical and cultural attractions here. But there are no beaches at all: from the city to the ocean about a hundred kilometers. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of entertainment here, while the tourist infrastructure is very developed. The very atmosphere of Hanoi is attractive - travelers fall in love with this city at first sight.

Climate and weather

The climate of Hanoi allows travelers to come to this city all year round, but the best time to visit is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).

In the capital of Vietnam, the dry and wet seasons are clearly distinguished. The wet season lasts from May to early October. During these months, Hanoi is very hot (up to +39 °C) and it rains heavily. In September, the weather changes: clear days come, the air temperature drops to a comfortable (+30 ° C), a light cool wind blows.

The dry season lasts from late October to April. At this time, it is cool in Hanoi (in December the air temperature is +14...+16 °C, in January it can drop to +8 °C), precipitation is very rare.

In April and May the weather is sunny, the air warms up to +30..+35 °C.

Nature

The nature of Hanoi and its environs cannot but impress. Surprising is the fact that there are about a hundred lakes in the city itself. These are, first of all, natural lakes, such as, for example, Lake of the Returned Sword, Chukbat and Thien Quang Lakes, West Lake. Also in the capital there are many artificial lakes that refresh the city in the summer heat: Ngoc Khanh, Van, Thanh Cong and others. The lakes form the unique scenic landscape of Hanoi.

Attractions

Hanoi is a storehouse of attractions: there are more than 600 pagodas and temples, each of which has its own history. In the architecture of the city, Chinese and French styles merge in amazing harmony, and even socialist monuments that suddenly appear against the backdrop of pagodas and palaces do not violate it.

Without exception, travelers strive to see One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), which was built in 1049 by order of Emperor Li Thai Tong. Nowadays, it is also a place of pilgrimage for childless couples who come here to pray to the gods to give them children.

There is a memorial complex in the Old Quarter Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, one of the four mausoleums operating on the planet. It is the national shrine of the Vietnamese. The body of Ho Chi Minh lies in a glass sarcophagus, which is surrounded by a guard of honor in snow-white military uniforms. You can visit the Mausoleum from December to October on all days except Monday and Friday. The Mausoleum is open from 08:00 to 11:00.

Among the temples, the most famous is considered Quan Thanh Temple, which is located near West Lake. It is dedicated to the legendary sage Chan Wu, who, according to legend, drove out a ghost that interfered with the construction of a fortification in the town of Ko Loa. The temple was erected in the 11th century, and a 4-meter statue of Chang Wu, cast in black bronze in 1677, sitting barefoot with a sword in his hand, has survived to this day.

There are several interesting museums in Hanoi. We recommend visiting the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of the History of the Vietnam War and the Women's Museum.

Nutrition

In terms of gastronomy, Hanoi is a true cosmopolitan, with culinary traditions from all over the world flourishing in its cafes and restaurants. Here you can enjoy the masterpieces of Italian, French, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Thai and even Ukrainian cuisine. And of course, there are a lot of establishments in the city where you will be offered delicious national dishes.

Worth a try pho soup beef with rice noodles, lotus rice, fried seafood and rice flour pancakes. The most daring gourmets are also waiting for a real exotic in the form of fried grasshoppers or roast snakes.

In traditional establishments, it is customary to use chopsticks, but a fork and knife will also be brought to you if you ask.

The best restaurants in Hanoi are concentrated in the area Quan Thanh streets(Quan Thanh). But be prepared for the fact that the luxurious interior and the sophistication of the dishes will also be reflected in the amount on the bill. The cost of an average dinner per person in high-end restaurants is $20-30.

But in small colorful Hanoi cafes, everything is very cheap, authentic Vietnamese cuisine here does not hit the wallet and pleases the stomach. In addition, there are a great many coffee houses in Hanoi: the townspeople are very fond of drinking a cup of aromatic coffee with croissants (the French influence on coffee traditions in Hanoi is very strong).

Accommodation

Hanoi has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious five-star hotels to modest guest houses and family-run half boards.

Interestingly, it is not necessary to leave the city center if there is a need for decent affordable housing. The Old Town is full of decent hotels with all amenities, and the cost of living here varies between $ 10-40 per person.

And the most famous hotel is "Metropol-Hanoi". His luxurious apartments are reminiscent of French Indochina. The hotel has a rich history: comedian Charlie Chaplin, French President Jacques Chirac stayed here, and writer Graham Greene is said to have worked as a bartender. Guests have to pay for luxury and history: room rates start at $600-700.

Entertainment and recreation

Hanoi traditionally amazes tourists with the variety of entertainment offered.

Sea cruises are very popular here. The most sought after, of course, to Halong Bay. Mostly one-day cruises are offered. The trip includes landing, walking through ancient caves, swimming in the bay and visiting an unusual floating village.

lovers water activities and families with children will appreciate Hanoi's huge Dam Sen water park. The playground, for example, offers rides such as Multislide, Fountain Square, Kamikaze, and Wave Lake. There are attractions for adults too.

While in Hanoi, don't miss the water puppet show. Particularly famous for its art theater troupe "Thang Long". The plots of the plays are usually simple, but the spectacle of the action captivates both children and adults.

For fans of outdoor activities in Hanoi, there are safari tours around the area, diving, kiting and windsurfing in the Halong Bay area.

Purchases

Hanoi always surprises shoppers with surprisingly low prices and a range of goods. The main rule is to bargain. At the same time, you need to respect the seller, politely justify the price reduction, and the result of the bargain will please you: even in shopping centers you can buy things 25-50% lower than the declared value, and even in markets and small shops you can bring down the price by 2-3 times!

The quality of local products will also pleasantly surprise you. Shoes made of genuine leather are especially valued, which, by the way, is exported to Europe and the USA. Also, tourists buy clothes and accessories made of silk, jewelry made of gold and silver, natural pearls.

The main "fish" shopping places are concentrated in the center of Hanoi. There are many craft workshops and shops in the Old Quarter, where you can find a wide variety of souvenirs, interior items and even works of art. You should definitely visit the Silk Village, which is located 10 km from Hanoi: it is the most profitable place to buy silk products. Of the modern shopping centers, the most popular are Vincom City Towers and Trang Tien Plaza.

Transport

Public transport in Hanoi is represented by buses. True, the routes are very confusing, and the schedule is not always respected. Tourists are advised to use the services of private small minibuses, which are much more comfortable, while the fare is not significantly higher. The average bus fare in Hanoi is approximately $0.1-0.3.

Bicycle and motor rickshaws are very popular. A 15-minute ride will cost $2.

The most convenient way, of course, is to travel by taxi. In Hanoi, it will not be a problem to catch a car, but we recommend using the services of official taxis, otherwise there is a risk of paying for a trip at a double or even triple rate. Remember that it is better to negotiate the fare before boarding.

Be careful when crossing the road in Hanoi: drivers here never give way to pedestrians, even at zebra crossings or traffic lights.

If you want to rent a car in Hanoi, be prepared for the fact that you will have to take a car with a driver: international driving licenses are not valid in Vietnam. And although foreigners are very rarely checked, in the event of an accident, the fault is clearly shifted to the guest of the country. So a Vietnamese driver will save you from problems on the road, while his presence will hardly affect the cost of renting.

Connection

To call abroad, in Hanoi, you can use both street payphones and the services of special call centers. From hotels it is also possible to call anywhere in the world, but it will cost many times more.

To call from Hanoi to Russia, you need to dial 007, then the area code and the subscriber's number.

Mobile communication is actively used in the capital of Vietnam. There are no inconveniences for Russian tourists, since the operators Beeline, MTS and Megafon have agreements with Vietnamese companies. In addition, you can purchase a SIM card from one of the local mobile operators (Vietnamobile, G-Tel, MobiFone, Viettel Mobile, S-Fone, VinaFone). The card costs about $5 and already includes 30 minutes for local calls.

There will also be no problems with the Internet in Hanoi. Internet access is available in almost all hotels, and there are numerous Internet cafes in the city, where a full range of services is provided.

Safety

In Hanoi, the safety of tourists is ensured at the proper level. But still, as in any metropolis, there is a certain risk of becoming a victim of scammers. Tourists may experience pickpocketing, especially in crowded places. It is best not to carry large cash and documents with you.

In no case do not drink tap water - buy drinking water in plastic bottles and check the integrity of the package before opening. Wash vegetables and fruits with disinfected water. Avoid drinks with ice - it can be made from running water.

Business climate

The capital of Vietnam and a modern metropolis, Hanoi cannot but attract investors from other countries. And although the undisputed leadership in the business sphere belongs to the "southern capital" Ho Chi Minh City, the number of new companies in Hanoi is steadily growing.

The influx of foreign investment in Hanoi is facilitated by such factors as cheap labor, a stable political environment, non-interference of the state in the activities of enterprises. Investments in the construction of commercial real estate and the development of tourism infrastructure are considered the most profitable.

On the other hand, opening a business in Hanoi is not as easy as it might seem, if only because the country is in 99th place in the world in terms of the complexity of the procedure for registering and obtaining licenses. And despite the fact that foreigners are not threatened by many bureaucratic obstacles, in Lately in Hanoi, there is a decline in business activity. At the Vietnam Business Forum 2012, which was held in Hanoi in early December, it was noted that the degree of confidence in business circles has significantly decreased. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed concern over the fact that 15,000 foreign entrepreneurs are not planning to expand their business at present. In this situation, the Vietnamese government announced its intention to take measures to support business, including the optimization of the legal system, tax cuts and the provision of preferential loans. Therefore, in the near future, the business climate of Hanoi may become more attractive to foreigners.

Real estate

The interest of investors in real estate in Hanoi is understandable: the capital of Vietnam is developing. Today it is not only the political center of the country, but also a large modern metropolis. There is a large-scale construction of shopping centers, hotels, office buildings, social housing. Back in 2008, the National Assembly passed a law thanks to which the territory of Hanoi grew 3 times at the expense of nearby provinces. The reconstruction of the city began and the active construction of housing and commercial real estate continued. However, the bankruptcy of a number of major players in the market led to the fact that real estate prices at the end of 2011 fell by 25%. Currently, the price reduction continues, the cost of 1 m 2 of housing averages $ 1,700. Analysts predict that the trend will continue in 2013.

Investors wishing to invest in Hanoi real estate must be patient. But in the long term, investment in construction tourist complexes and apartments will pay off in full. It should only be borne in mind that a foreigner can only purchase an apartment and only for 50 years (in fact, all purchase and sale transactions in Vietnam are long-term lease agreements), then it must be sold or donated. At the same time, foreign citizens must either be married to a citizen / citizen of Vietnam, or invest in the country's economy, or work in strategic enterprises. By the way, having bought an apartment, a foreigner must live in it himself - it is impossible to rent out such living space.

The locals are quite tolerant and friendly towards tourists, but remember that many things that are familiar to us here can be considered an insult. For example, it is extremely indecent to walk around the city in beachwear. And if you plan to visit a temple, shoulders and legs should be covered. Before entering a Buddhist temple, take off your shoes and leave them outside. You can not turn your back to the temple when leaving it.

Photographing Vietnamese is not allowed without prior permission. For him, by the way, most likely, you will have to pay.

Tipping in government hotels and restaurants is usually included in the bill at a rate of 5%. In private establishments, promotion is usually left to the discretion of the client.

Keep in mind that only foreigners can gamble in Hanoi and only in special establishments. An attempt to involve the Vietnamese in the game is punishable by criminal prosecution.

Special attention in Hanoi deserves the problem of street trading and incredible obsession local population. Although the city authorities are trying to limit the presence of merchants with bales and trunks, at least on the main streets, you can hardly avoid persistent offers to buy the "most beautiful" goods here and now. If you don’t want problems, don’t respond to calls and don’t contact such sellers: at best, buy low-quality products, and at worst, you won’t notice how great you are cheated.

Proud of its millennial age, Hanoi looks almost like a baby compared to its immediate predecessor, the Koloa fortress, the ruins of which can still be seen 20 km east of the center. Vietnamese capital. History tells us that somewhere on the site of present-day Hanoi in 257 BC. two armies met. In the ensuing battle, the troops of the Vanlang kingdom were defeated by newcomers from the north, and King Hung XVIII, the last direct descendant of the legendary La Viet leader Hung Vyong, ceded the throne to his winner Thyk Phan, who reigned in the conquered lands under the name of An Duong Vyong - “Sovereign of Peaceful Days”.

The new state of Aulac needed a capital, the role of which went to the Koloa citadel, surrounded by spiral rings of earthen ramparts. The fortress largely retained its significance even after the merger of Au Lak with the state of Nam Viet, however, in 207 BC. its glory finally faded into the past after the conquest of North Vietnam by the Han Empire.

The period of Chinese rule lasted for more than a thousand years, until in the X century. the Vietnamese did not achieve a revival of national independence. By this time, a fortified city already existed on the site of the future Hanoi, which managed to change several names and in 866 received the name Dalai.

Around 1009, the last monarch of the Early Le dynasty died in his capital, Hoalu near present-day Ninh Binh, vacating the throne for the young and ambitious general Li Kong Wang.

The new ruler was cramped in the old capital, squeezed on all sides by limestone cliffs. In 1010, he announced to his subjects his intention to move his headquarters to the Dalai fortress on the banks of the Red River. Without delaying the implementation of his idea, he went on a campaign at the head of the court and the army and soon reached the goal.

As legend has it, at that very moment, Lee and his companions saw a dragon rise from the waters of the river and rush into the heavens. Who knows - maybe it was just a cloud, spectacularly illuminated by the sun. Be that as it may, the king considered the appearance of the monster a good omen and renamed the capital from Dalai to Thang Long, which means "Flying Dragon".

For nearly 400 years, Thanglong served as the capital for the descendants of King Ly, or Ly Thai To (ancestral sovereign of Lee). In 1397, the royal court moved to Thanh Hoa, which received the name Teido - the Western capital. At the same time, Thanglong did not turn into a provincial backwater. The memory of the founder of the dynasty was honored by both the nobility and the people, so the city retained its high position, turning into Dongdo - the Eastern capital.

The next renaming of the city was associated with the appearance of the Chinese, who in 1407 managed to re-conquer the country for a short time. The invaders "demoted" the city, calling it Dongquan - "Eastern Gate". The name turned out to be very symbolic: the city really became the “gateway” to the liberation of Vietnam from occupation. Here a liberation war unfolded under the leadership of Le Loy, and the hero himself acquired a magic sword that cost an entire army in battle.

After the expulsion of the Chinese, Dongquan again received the Vietnamese name Dongkin, which is a different spelling of the words "eastern capital" (this name was especially remembered by the Europeans, who pronounced it as Tonkin). Around 1788, the Teishon emperor Nguyen Hue named the capital the "Northern stronghold", which in Vietnamese sounds like Bak Thanh.

The founder of the Nguyen dynasty, Emperor Gia Long (r. 1802-1820), also could not resist contributing to the endless renaming of the city, but approached this matter with elegant wit. He wished to restore the historical name of Thanglong, but this was impossible, because the living "dragon"-emperor already lived in Hue by that time. Then Gia Long replaced the second hieroglyph in the name of Thang Long with a consonant one and turned the “Flying Dragon” into “Rise and Prosperity”. The name turned out to be so beautiful that the successor of Gia Long, Emperor Ming Mang (r. 1820 - 1840), having experienced a prick of envy, ordered to call the city Hanoi, which means “Surrounded by rivers”.

Thus, Ming Mang in 1831 put an end to the centuries-old history of renaming the city.

Having conquered North Vietnam, the French found that Hanoi was the perfect fit for the role of the capital. The city controlled trade routes to China, as well as access to central and southern regions countries. At the same time, Hanoi served as the key to the mineral-rich mountains and the fertile Red River Delta. Having understood all this, the French did not discover anything new, but it was they who managed to bring the idea of ​​"Hanoi the capital" to its logical conclusion. It was during the period of colonial rule that the city expanded, received a new layout, acquired modern communications, and in 1902 became the center of the entire vast Indochinese Union.

From 1940 to 1945 Hanoi was occupied by Japanese troops. After their departure, a power vacuum formed here, which was immediately filled by the Viet Minh, which occupied the city without firing a shot. Simultaneously with the partisans, the Chinese troops of General Lu Han appeared on the streets of Hanoi, but this time they brought not war, but peace. By decision of the Potsdam Allied Conference, Kuomintang China was to supervise the disarmament of Japanese troops in North Vietnam. The Chinese did not interfere in politics and did not interfere with Ho Chi Minh, who on September 2, 1945, proclaimed the country's independence in Hanoi.

In contrast to the Kuomintang, who calmly watched what was happening, the French were not going to lose their "lawful property" from their hands. Already in 1946, fighting began on the streets of Hanoi, which continued intermittently until the partition of the country in 1954. Having become the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Hanoi received a respite for more than 10 years, enjoying peace and relative calm.

This did not last long.

During the American War, flying B-52 monsters with ruthless method swept between bases in Thailand and on about. Guam, watering the city with deadly rain. Snarled by the arrows of Soviet missiles, Hanoi suffered significant losses: many enterprises, kilometers of roads, and entire residential areas were destroyed.

The victory in the war rewarded the city in full: on July 2, 1976, Hanoi was solemnly proclaimed the capital of a united Vietnam.

Three years later, the townspeople had to endure another strong shock caused by the invasion of the Chinese army. Fortunately, the new "raid from the north" lasted only two weeks and did not affect the capital.

In 1986, it was from Hanoi that the renewal policy began, which marked the onset of great changes. Since 1993, the city has become the main tourist center of the country that opened up to the world. However, the main symbol of a new era in the history of Hanoi was the visit of Bill Clinton, the first US president in 30 years to visit the once hostile Vietnam. This significant event took place in November 2000, and a few months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin became a guest of the Vietnamese capital.

Location and transport

The area of ​​urban areas of Hanoi is almost 1000 square meters. km. The territory of the capital is divided into urban (kuan) and surrounding rural areas (huyen, from the Chinese "xian" - "county"), in which about 3.4 million people live. The most important and most interesting tourist areas of Hanoi are Kuan Hoan Kiem (Old Town) and Badinh, where the most famous sights of the Vietnamese capital are located.

The city is located on the western bank of the Red River (Hongha), about 140 km from its confluence with the South China Sea. Within Hanoi, the width of the river in places exceeds 2 km, and its depth is such that ships of medium size can easily climb it up to the very city limits. In the northwestern part of Hanoi, the banks of the Red River are connected by the steel cantilever Long Bien Bridge - the former Dumer Bridge, built in 1903 according to the design of Gustave Eiffel - the author of the famous Parisian tower. The bridge was renamed because the former name was too sharply reminiscent of the colonial era - Paul Dumer was the governor of French Indochina from 1897 to 1902. The length of the bridge, combining the functions of a railway and a road, is almost 2500 m. To the south of it is the Chuong Duong Bridge ) and several newer bridges.

About 1.5 km south of the Long Bien Bridge lies Hoan Kiem Lake, or Lake of the Returned Sword, which can safely be called the heart of Hanoi. From the north and from the west it is surrounded by a labyrinth of narrow streets of a small, compactly located Old Town, stretching for about 0.5 km in both directions. On the southeast side of the lake is the French Quarter, in the center of which rises the imposing building of the Opera. To the west of the Old City lies the territory of the Citadel - an ancient fortress built back when the city was called Thang Long. And even further begins the Badinh district, where the authorities, diplomatic missions and "cult" sights of the city are located - the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Chyi Mot Kot Pagoda (One Pillar Pagoda) and Van Mieu (Temple of Literature).

The main thoroughfares of the city run from north to south. Rue Le Duan begins immediately south of the Citadel and divides the city exactly in the middle into western and eastern parts. To the east of the Old City, along the right bank of the Red River, a highway stretches from north to south, running along the line of the ancient city walls and consisting of Nguyen Khoai St., Tran Khanh Du St., Tran Quang Khai (Tran Quang Khai St.), Chan Nhat Zyat (Tran Nhat Duat St.) and Yen Phu (Yen Phu St.). The coastal road is connected to Le Duan Street by a transverse highway consisting of Hang Khay St., Trang Thi St. and Nguyen Thai Hoc St.. The latter runs south of Hoan Kiem Lake, crosses Le Duan Street, passes Kim Ma Bus Station and heads west towards Noi Bai Airport.

Hoan Kiem is one of the 18 lakes in Hanoi. The map of the city is dotted with blue spots, like freckles. All these reservoirs of various sizes are nothing but the remains of the old bed of the Red River, which has repeatedly changed its course over the centuries. The largest lake in the Vietnamese capital is located north of Badinh Square and is called Western (Ho Tay, or Ho Tay). A narrow bulk spit separates the artificial lake Chukbat (True Bach) from it. In the southern part of the city are lakes Beimau (Bay Mai) and Thannyan (Thanh Nhan).

Noi Bai Airport is the largest of the three international airports Vietnam and its main air gate. The airport's modern international terminal opened in 2001. Noi Bai is one of the first airports to receive test flights of the A380 double-deck superliner in 2007. The second international terminal in Noi Bai is due to open for the 1000th anniversary of Hanoi. The airport is located 45 km west of the center of Hanoi and is connected to the city by several public transport routes, the general stop of which is located to the right of the exit from the terminal building. These are buses No. 7 and 17 (VND 5,000, from 5.00 to 22.00) and minibuses (VND 32,000 for foreigners). The minibus terminus in the city center is located at the office of Vietnam Airlines (25, Trang Thi St., tel. 04-2700200) at the intersection of Quang Thi St. and Trang Thi St.. A taxi to the city center will cost about 15 USD. The journey from Noi Bai to the center of Hanoi takes from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Ha Noi, 120, Le Duan St., tel. 04-9423697) is located on the street. Le Duan is about half a kilometer south of the Citadel. The unusual appearance of the station building attracts attention: a modern “box” made of glass is squeezed between the side wings of an early 20th-century building. The explanation is simple: the station was badly damaged by American bombs in 1972, and it had to be restored very quickly.

There are several intercity bus stations in Hanoi - before leaving somewhere, you need to check the station that serves the desired flight.

Cia Lam Bus Station (Cia Lam, Nguyen Van Xi St., Long Bien Dist., Tel. 04-8271529). It is located on the opposite bank of the Red River from the center. Serves flights to Haiphong, Halong and other routes in the north, east, northwest and northeast of the country.

Kim Ma Bus Station (Kim Ma, 116 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., tel. 04-8452846). Northwest flights - Lao Cai, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu.

Giap Bat South Bus Terminal (Giap Bat, km6 Giai Phong Rd, tel. 04-8641467).

Son La Bus Station (Son La, km8 Nguyen Trai Rd). It is located in the southwestern part of the city and serves flights to the northwestern direction, in particular Hoa Binh (Hoa Binh), Mai Chau (Mai Chau), Son La (Son La), Tuan Giao (Tuan Giao), Dien Bien Phu (Dien Bien Phu) and Light ( Lai Chau). There are more than 30 city bus routes in Hanoi (the fare costs 1000 VND), but it is usually very difficult for a tourist to understand the intricate scheme of their movement. To move around the city, you can use se om, whose services within the center cost no more than 15,000 dong. The exception is a trip to the Museum of Ethnology of Vietnam, for which you will have to pay 20,000 (one way). Within the Old City, these om do not work - this is the territory of cycle rickshaws, or siklo (10,000 dong). Taxis can be found on the street or ordered by phone companies, for example:

• Airport Taxi: 04-8733333
• Hanoi Taxi: 04-8535252
• Mai Linh Taxi: 04-8222666

Climate

The average air temperature in Hanoi throughout the year is + 23 °C. In winter, its average value is + 17 °С, although it can drop to + 8-10 °С and even up to +5 °С, which corresponds to spring temperatures in central Russia. Winter in Hanoi refers to the dry season, lasting from late October to mid-March. The rainy season lasts from the beginning of May to the end of September. High humidity combined with high temperatures (on average +29 °C, but the thermometer reaches up to +39 °C) makes it a real test for an unusual person. Twice a year - in mid-March - late April and early September - late October - there is a period of monsoon change, when the weather is extremely unstable.

Sights of Hanoi

French Quarter and old town

Let's take a walk along Trang Tien St. from Hoan Kiem Lake in a southwesterly direction. In former times, she bore the name of Paul Ber (1833-1886) - one of the first governors of the united French Indochina, who held this position for less than a year and died in Hanoi from dysentery. We are in the so-called French Quarter, built after the final annexation of North Vietnam to France's Indo-Chinese colonies. The metropolis cared about the condition of its possessions, and took measures to modernize them, on the one hand, and preserve them, on the other.

In 1886, a city development plan was developed in accordance with European urban planning principles. It should be noted that the French administration treated the existing image of the city quite carefully. The historical planning of the old quarters, temple complexes and dominant architectural monuments were preserved. At the same time, dilapidated fortifications were torn down, ponds and small lakes were drained, several canals and streams were filled up. New wide streets and squares were decorated with buildings built in the dominant Belle Epoque style.

One of the most significant buildings of the colonial era is the Opera House (tel. 04-8254312, www.cinet.gov.vn) completed in 1911. The building was erected according to the design of the architects Arly and Breuer, and the engineers Travari and Savelon were directly supervising the work.

The appearance of the theater repeats the forms of the famous Opéra Garnier (Grand Opera) in Paris. The spectacular white marble front staircase is adorned with tall lights that create a sense of celebration. The auditorium is designed for more than 900 seats and has an area of ​​about 600 square meters. m.

The Square of the August Revolution, spread out in front of the Opera, recalls the events that took place in Hanoi after the end of World War II. On August 16-17, 1945, an ongoing rally of supporters of the Viet Minh took place on the square. On August 17, the beginning of an armed uprising was proclaimed from the balcony of the theater. From here, detachments of the townspeople moved to seize the arsenals, city hall, post office, telegraph (hereinafter referred to as Lenin's list). The first meetings of the National Assembly of the DRV were also held in the theater building.

During the years of people's power, the theater was not used for its intended purpose and, due to lack of attention and care, it became very dilapidated. In the mid 1990s. the government has developed an ambitious project for the restoration of the Opera, to which France joined. Works worth more than $20 million were completed in 1998, and the reopening of the Hanoi theater was timed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of Saigon.

The building of the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel, standing on the right hand of the Opera, seems to be its contemporary. In fact, this is a modern stylization of Belle Epoque architecture. The hotel, worth over $60 million, was built from scratch in the last years of the 20th century. and opened in February 1999.

Let's return to Hoan Kiem Lake, paying attention on the way to the vintage Dan Chu Hotel at number 29 on the street. Chang Tien, whose elegant building was also built at the beginning of the 20th century. After crossing Hang Bai St., turn right and head north. On a tiny bulk island in the middle of the lake mirror, a small graceful pagoda Thap Rua (Thap Rua, or Turtle Tower) is visible. It was built at the end of the 18th century. and recalls the legend explaining the name of the lake.

At the beginning of the XV century. Le Loy managed to expel the Chinese invaders from the country with the help of a magic sword handed to him by Kim Kui - the Turtle King. Shortly after his victory, Le Loi, who had become king, rode in a boat across Hoan Kiem Lake, which was then called Ta Wong. Suddenly, a huge turtle appeared from the water, ordering the return of the gift of the deity. “This blade must smash the enemies. You have done your duty, Le Loy, now return the sword!” said the monster. Without tempting fate, Le Loy drew his blade from its scabbard and tossed it to the turtle. Clutching the weapon in its mouth, the reptile disappeared into the waves... So Ta Wong became the Lake of the Returned Sword. The most interesting thing is that large freshwater turtles with soft leathery shells still seem to live in the lake. These reptiles were first described in the 19th century. in China and were named Rafetus swinhoe (Swinhoe turtles) in honor of the British naturalist Robert Swinhoe (1836-1877). Animals of this species are extremely rare and secretive: for more than 100 years of observations, only three individuals have fallen into the hands of scientists. One of these reptiles was found on the coast of Hoan Kiem in 1968 and soon died. The existence of rare animals in a tiny (200 x 600 m) lake only 2 m deep, located in the center of a modern city of 3 million, seems like an incredible miracle. Nevertheless, more and more new reports of eyewitnesses constantly appear who saw huge turtles in the waters of Hoan Kiem. Some Vietnamese scientists even consider the "Hoan Kiem turtles" to be representatives of a new unknown species.

A stuffed animal of the famous reptile, caught in 1968, is kept in the Ngoc Son Temple (Ngoc Son, or Temple of the Jade Mountain, 8.00-19.00, entrance 2000 dong), built in the 18th century. on an island in the northern part of the lake. In 1864, the writer and scribe Nguyen Van Sheu repaired and restored the ancient temple at his own expense.

Since that time, at the entrance to the temple, visitors have been greeted by a stone column Thap Byt (Brush Tower), installed by Sheu as a symbol of his vocation. Nearby, on the gates of the temple, stands Dai Ngyen, a peach-shaped stone ink pot resting on the backs of three frogs. An openwork wooden bridge, The Hyk (Morning Light Bridge), gracefully arched in the shape of a rainbow, leads to the temple. The temple is dedicated to Vietnamese heroes Tran Hung Dao and Van Suong. The first saved the country from the Mongol invasion, and the second won the laurels of the classic national literature. The stuffed turtle is stored in a special glass case. The length of the animal exceeds 2 m, and the age, according to experts, is at least 500 years! Who knows - maybe this is the keeper of the Returned Sword?

On the opposite side of Dinh Tien Hoang St. there is a small Indira Gandhi Park. Once there was a pagoda Pho Giac, but in 1883-1884. it was transferred to another part of the city, and in return, the first "regular" European park in Hanoi was laid out - one of the innovations brought by the colonialists. In 1886-1945 it bore the name of Paul Vera, already familiar to us, and after the August Revolution was renamed Tilin Park (after the name of the place where Le Loy gathered the liberation army in the 15th century). In 1984, it was renamed again, after the tragically deceased Indira Gandhi.

In October 2004, a monument to the founder of Hanoi, Li Thai To, was unveiled here. To the right of the monument is a post office built over a hundred years ago. If you walk along its facade about 100 m deep into the quarter, then at the corner of Le Thach St. and Ngo Quyen streets you can see the building of the residence of the chia (governor) of Tonkin, built in 1818 (12, Ngo Quyen St.) . Neighbor house at number 10 on the street. Ngo Kuen is also not easy - this is the House of the Supreme Resident of France, built a hundred years later, in 1919.

Leaving the Indira Gandhi Park, we will go further and penetrate into the very heart of the Old City. The age of the most ancient districts of the Vietnamese capital is estimated by researchers at hundreds of years. Once upon a time, at the dawn of the history of Hanoi, there was located here what in Ancient Rus' was called a settlement - a trading settlement on the banks of the river, adjacent to the fortified city. From the river, which threatened dangerous spills, the settlement was reliably protected by dams. The remains of one of the thousand-year-old dams can still be seen if you go to the coastal street of Tran Quang Khai. At the time of Chinese rule, this quarter was surrounded by walls and included in the system of urban areas. Starting from the XI century. artisans began to settle here, moving to Hanoi from the surrounding villages. Preferring to settle on a professional basis, the craftsmen formed guilds - "hang". Traders did the same. Thus, whole streets appeared, inhabited by representatives of one profession, having their own unique face and their own characteristics. In the XV century. the number of guild streets reached 36, and although since then the number of streets in the Old City has almost doubled to more than 60, it is still called the "City of 36 Streets" (36 Pho Phuong).

The word “hang”, found in the names of almost all the local streets, in fact, means “guild”. Until now, walking around the Old Town, one can easily understand who lived here before - the name of each street indicates the specialty of its inhabitants. There is Rice, Sugar, Paper, Cotton, Silk, Hemp, Bamboo, Copper, Tannery, as well as the streets of Serebryannikov, Money changers, Vesov, Bocharov and many others. Some streets, which previously bore "guild" names, were renamed in honor of figures in the ancient and modern history of Vietnam.

Along the short Bean Street (Hang Dau) you can reach the intersection with the Wooden Bridge Street (Cau Zo, Cau Go). Once upon a time, there really was a wooden bridge here - it was thrown over the rivulet that connected Hoan Kiem with the Thai Kuk lake lying to the north. Dyers, from the 15th century. living on Hang Dao Street, located to the east of here, dried freshly dyed silk sheets on the bridge. During the French rule, silk was replaced by flowers - the Flower Market is located here. Flower girls can still be seen at the crossroads of Cau Zo, but the main specialization of the street today has become the sale of ladies' accessories. This street is known not only for elegant things - in 1930-1945. here was an underground safe house of the Vietnamese communists.

Having crossed Kau Zo, we continue moving north along Plotovaya Street (Hang Be, Hang Be St.). In the old days, craftsmen lived here, building bamboo rafts, tying 12-15 trunks of a giant cereal with a bast. This simple design was well suited for moving around the city's many bodies of water. The rafts were sailed from coarse cotton fabric soaked in sweet potato (sweet potato) decoction. The craftsmen bought the building material on Bamboo Street (Hang Che, Hang Tre), located a block to the east of here. With its northern end, Hang Be rests on the intersection, from which two streets depart - Hang Mam (Hang Mam St., or Gravy Street) and Hang Bac (Hang Bac St., or Serebryannikov Street). Hang Mam has long been traded in fish sauce and other seafood. Barrels for storing nuok mam were made by coopers who lived to the south, on Hang Thung St., or Bocharov Street. Everything you need is always at hand.

Hang Bak is one of the oldest Hanoi streets, which arose no later than the 13th century. Silver jewelers began to settle here during the reign of King Le Tanh Tong (1469-1497). The community house of the guild is still preserved here. A stone stele is installed in the courtyard, reminiscent of an important event. In 1783, a certain high-ranking official set out to take away the meeting place of the guild. The masters filed a lawsuit against the offender and won the lawsuit. Nearby is the ancient Tuong Van Theater (72 Golden Bell Theatre, Hang Bac St., performances on Sat and Sun), which has been performing traditional Vietnamese drama for more than half a century.

Continue along Ma May St. Once upon a time, this street was divided into two sections that had different names and had different specializations: on Hang Mei they traded cane products, and on Hang Ma they made paper copies of various things intended for burning in front of the ancestral altar as a sacrifice. At the beginning of the XX century. two streets merged into one. On Ma May, you can visit one of the few surviving "tunnel houses" that were once the basis of the development of the Old City (7, Ma May St., 8.30-12.00 / 13.00-17.00, entrance 5000 VND). The inhabitants of the trade and craft quarters were taxed, the amount of which was calculated based on the width of the facade of the house in which the family lived and worked. Practical townspeople began to build long (up to 60 m!) And narrow houses with facades of only 3 m. On the same street, it is worth seeing the small temple of Huong Tuong, founded in the middle of the 15th century. and dedicated to the official and scientist of the XIV century. Nguyen Trung Nganu.

Walking along Ma Mei a little further north and turning onto the street. Hang Buom St., you can easily get to the Batma temple (Bach Ma, or White Horse Temple, 8.00-11.30 / 14.30-17.30 daily). One of the oldest temples in Hanoi is associated with the name of the founder of the city - King Lee Thai To. According to legend, the monarch could not complete the construction of the defensive walls of the new capital - for one reason or another, the masonry crumbled all the time. In desperation, the king called out to Heaven, and his prayers did not go unanswered: a white horse suddenly ran out of the gates of the Temple of Earth. The king and retinue hurried after the messenger of the gods. Before reaching the river bank, the animal stopped and hit the ground with its hoof. Li Thai To understood the simple meaning of the sign and ordered to start building a wall in this place. The wall turned out to be strong, and the overjoyed king erected a temple in honor of the magic horse. The statue of a wonderful animal can be seen in the prayer hall of the temple.

After visiting the temple, we again head north along Hang Giay St. Having reached the intersection with Hang Chieu (or Mat Street), turn right: at the end of the street you can see the ancient Quan Chuong gate facing the river bank. This is all that remains of the city wall, built in 1744-1749. and demolished at the end of the 19th century. Once upon a time there were 16 such gates in Hanoi, but now only one remains. Returning to the crossroads, turn right and after a few minutes exit to the southeast corner of the Dong Xuan market - the main marketplace of the Old City. Shopping arcade with an area of ​​9000 sq. m were erected in 1889 and still faithfully serve sellers and buyers, having withstood the fire of the mid-1990s. The market is the northernmost point of our walk, from here we again set off towards Hoan Kiem Lake.

We go down south along the streets of Dong Xuan, Hang Duong (Hang Duong St., or Sugar Street) and Hang Ngan (Hang Ngang St., or Partitioned Street). The latter is known for the fact that in the XV century. sheltered Chinese merchants who were allowed to settle here after the expulsion of the Ming dynasty in 1428. Chinatown was surrounded by a gate that stood across the street and gave it its current name. At number 48, here is the former apartment of Ho Chi Minh, now, of course, turned into a museum (48, Hang Ngang St; Mon-Fri, 8.00-11.30 / 13.30-16.30). The leader lived here in two small rooms during the turbulent period of the August Revolution. Beyond the intersection with Hang Bo (Hang Vo, or Basket) Cross Street changes its name to Hang Dao (Hang Dao, or Pink Street). The name reminds us of the textile dyers who lived here in the past. These masters were especially famous for their ability to dye silk in different shades of pink, reminiscent of peach blossom petals. In the old days, from the 1st to the 6th day of each lunar month, a fabric fair was held here and the whole street was colored with delicate colors of various silks.

At the intersection with Kau Zo Street, you can turn right and look into the shops of Silk Street - Hang Gai. During the filming of the film "Indochina", Catherine Deneuve herself indulged in the joys of shopping here!

Having come ashore to Hoan Kiem, it is good to have a rest in the restaurant Dinh Lang (1, Le Thai To St., tel. 04-8286290).

"Dinh Lang" is known for the wonderful views that open from here to the lake and the temple of Ngoc Son. After admiring the scenery and having a snack, you can take a cyclo (VND 10,000) and complete the walk by driving along the streets of Bao Khanh (Bao Khanh St.) and Nha Tho (Nha Tho St.) to St. Joseph's Cathedral.

On the way, it is worth stopping on Nha Tho Street and visiting the Ba Da Pagoda (Ba Da, 3, Nha Tho St.). This small Buddhist temple was founded during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong in the 2nd half of the 19th century. The second name of the pagoda is Lin Kuang, which means "Sacred Light". Once upon a time, the ancient stone statue of a woman, now lost, was kept in the main prayer hall of Ba Da. Once the peasants found it on the site of the temple and mistook it for a statue of the Kuan Am Bodhisattva.

The temple itself was rebuilt several times, and now its main relics are two bronze bells and a gong dating back to the 19th century.

St. Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon, 40 Nha Chung St., tel. 04-8285967) was built in 1886 on the site of Bao Tien Pagoda.

In the temple, reminiscent of Notre Dame Cathedral, Catholic services are held twice a day. The cathedral is not the only Christian temple in Hanoi. Two Catholic churches built in the 1930s can be found on Ham Long St. and Phan Dinh Phung St., another one is located in Phung Khoang village 10 km from the center.

Other attractions around the old town

Museum of the Revolution (216, Tran Ouang Khai St., 8.00-12.00 / 13.30-16.00, except Mon, entry 10,000 VND). A significant part of the exhibition is devoted to the revolutionaries executed by the colonial administration, and will be a good addition to a visit to the museum in the Hoalo prison. Here you can see a genuine guillotine that "served" the prisoners. The exhibits are provided with explanations in English.

Historical Museum (at the corner of Trang Tien St. and Tran Ouang Khai St., between the Opera and the Red River. Except Mon, 8.00-11.30 / 13.30-16.30, entrance 15,000 VND). It occupies the building of the former French Far Eastern College (Ecole Frangaise d "Extreme Orient), built in 1928-1932 in the style of oriental eclecticism, combining features of European and Vietnamese-Chinese architecture. Already in the 1930s, the first museum dedicated to culture South-East Asia and bearing the name of the first director of the College - the outstanding archaeologist Louis Fino (1864-1935). The current exposition covers the history of the country for about 3000 years. A cozy garden decorated with sculptures adjoins the museum building on the south side.

Museum of Women (36, Ly Thuong Kiet St., 8.00-16.00, except Mon, entry 10,000 VND). Presents exhibits that reveal the important role of the Vietnamese woman in the centuries-old history of the country.

Hoalo Prison (1, Hoa Lo St, Hai Ba Trung St. Except Mon, 8.30-11.30 / 13.30-16.30, entry 5000 VND). After conquering Tonkin, the French built a prison in Hanoi, called "Maison Central", or the Central House of Detention (Maison centrale). In 1930-1945. its cells, designed for 450 people, sometimes contained up to 2,000 prisoners, most of whom were political prisoners. It was then that the prison was nicknamed Hoalo - "Hell Hole". Many prominent leaders of socialist Vietnam passed through the "central". In 1954, the building lost its "guests", but twelve years later pilots appeared here American aircraft shot down in the sky by the DRV. The prison became known to the world as the Hanoi Hilton, and its administration had to attend to the alteration of the beds, on which tall Yankees simply did not fit. Among others, the future American ambassador to Vietnam, Douglas Peterson, and the US presidential candidate, Senator John McCain, were "winding the term" here. After the conclusion of the Paris Peace Agreement in 1973, the Americans returned home, and the prison was empty again. In 1979, during the brief Sino-Vietnam War, an influx of Chinese POWs led to popular rumor that the Hanoi Hilton was renamed the Beijing Hotel. By the beginning of the reforms, the prison had long been empty, and a dispute broke out in government circles about its future. Some called for the demolition of the "central", others insisted on its transformation into a museum. As a result, a compromise decision was made: a small part of the prison really became a museum, and the rest of the buildings gave way to the Hanoi Tower business center.

Cuan Su Pagoda (Chua Quan Su, Quan Su St., 73, Tel. 04-8252427). The temple, located a couple of blocks south of the Hoalo prison, dates back to the 15th century. and is now the main Buddhist temple of Hanoi. Initially, it was the home chapel of the Embassy Compound, where the envoys who arrived at the court of the kings of Vietnam from Buddhist countries were accommodated. The buildings of the courtyard itself have not been preserved, and the church underwent a major restructuring in 1936-1942. On tourist maps Quang Su City is often referred to as the "Ambassador Pagoda".

Temple of the Chung Sisters (Hai Ba Trung) (Dong Nhan St./Tho Lao St.), which is also called the Temple of Literature. The Trung sisters (Hai Ba Trung) are the most revered women in Vietnam. Leading in the I century. uprising against Chinese rule, Chyng Chak and Chyng Ni won independence for the country for a short period from 40 to 43. The counteroffensive of the Chinese armies ended in the suppression of the uprising, and the Chyng sisters, not wanting to surrender to the enemies, rushed hand in hand into the waters of the Hak River. Their bodies turned into stone statues, which miraculously fell into the Red River and rested in the shallow water near the village of Dongnian. At night, the statues emitted a bright light that has frightened boaters and fishermen for centuries. In 1142, Emperor Li An Tong wished to know the reason for the unusual glow. When the sent divers reported two statues resting at the bottom of the river, the monarch ordered to build a temple on the shore and place the statues there. When everything was ready, it turned out that the statues did not want to move further than the coastal sands. Only after court dignitaries covered them with red silk and repulsed a certain number of bows, the statues took their place in the sanctuary.

Hai Ba Trung temple gave the name to the whole district of modern Hanoi. In the main hall of the temple, you can still see the statues of heroine sisters. They say that these are the same magical statues, only varnished, painted and dressed in armor. Every year, from the 5th to the 6th day of the 2nd lunar month, the temple hosts a festival in honor of the Chyng sisters, which gathers many guests. The temple is located 1.5 km southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. Next to the temple are the Chua Vien Minh Pagoda and the old community house of Huong Vien Village.

From the Temple of Literature to the Presidential Palace

Visiting the most spiritual (and cozy) of Hanoi's historical monuments will be a special pleasure after a long walk through the bustling streets of the Old City. The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu, Quoc Tu Giam St., 8.00-17.00 daily, entry 12,000 VND, guide +8,000 VND) is located 1 km west of Hoan Kiem Lake. You can get to the gate of the sanctuary of learning with the help of a motorized cab along the highway formed by the streets of Tran Thi and Nguyen Thai Hoc.

Surrounded by a high stone fence, Van Mieu occupies a green area of ​​about 55 thousand square meters. m. No matter what happens on the streets surrounding the temple, silence and pacifying peace always reign here, which even an endless string of tourist groups cannot break.

The Vietnamese name of the temple is a modified Chinese name "wen miao", which means not just "temple of literature", but "temple of book learning" and even "temple of book wisdom". So called in Ancient China temples dedicated to the memory of Kung Tzu, or Confucius (551 - 479 BC), a humanist philosopher who, in conversations with students, formulated the principles of harmonious relations between people at different levels of society - from the village to the royal court.

Starting from the II century. BC. the ideas of Confucius became the basis of the science of government in China. The thinker himself turned into a demigod, in honor of which a temple was erected without fail in every city of the Celestial Empire. Confucianism is characterized by a real cult of knowledge, and those that are based on reading books, and not on "rough" life experience. That is why Confucian shrines are called Temples of Literature. The appearance of such a sanctuary in the capital of Vietnam was natural. Having achieved political independence from China, the medieval rulers of the country were not at all going to refuse to borrow the useful achievements of their northern neighbor. Among them was a scheme of the state machine worked out to the smallest detail, as well as an education system that made it possible to prepare “spare parts” for this machine, that is, bureaucratic personnel.

From the 11th century the teachings of the wise Chinese Confucius became the dominant ideology of the national Vietnamese state, just as the Chinese characters became the script of the old Vietnam. In 1070, during the reign of King Li Thanh Tong, the main Confucian temple, the present Van Mieu, was built in the capital. Various ceremonies were held here, often of a non-religious nature. So, in the temple, state examinations were held for a scientific degree, giving the right to occupy an official position. The examination system was also adopted by the Vietnamese in China. Applicants who received home education at the specified time came to the county town and took the exam for the lowest academic degree, approximately corresponding to the European "bachelor's degree".

The essence of the exam was to write a voluminous essay on a given topic from the field of ethics, history or public administration. The winners, who could already count on a post in the administration of the county level, but did not want to be content with little, went to country town where the test was repeated. This time the award was a "master's degree", which gave, among other things, the right to take an exam at the highest, metropolitan level. The winner of the metropolitan exam became a "doctor" and could count on a governor or ministerial post.

The names of the winners were carved on the stone steles that adorned the temple courtyard as a warning to posterity. It was a success that ensured the glory and well-being of the family for several generations to come. Formally, anyone who was able to buy books and concentrate on preparing for an essay could participate in the exams. Even apart from the corruption prevalent among the examiners, earning a degree was extremely difficult for most of the participants. Chinese writer of the 17th century Pu Songling spent 50 years of his life to overcome the first stage of the examination, but he never succeeded! Meanwhile, this man is rightfully considered a classic of the Chinese novel, and his books are still loved by millions of readers.

The territory of Van Mieu consists of 5 courtyards, separated by internal walls, but connected by a suite of gates. The first and second courtyards were intended for walking and waiting. The gate leading to the second courtyard is decorated with an elegant two-tier Khue Wan pavilion. Along with the Turtle Tower and Mot Kot Pagoda, this building is a symbol of Hanoi. The third courtyard is occupied by the Stele Gallery. There are 82 monuments that perpetuate the names of 1307 winners of 82 metropolitan examinations held from 1442 to 1779 - one stele for each examination. In the fourth and main courtyard is the temple of Confucius - Dai Thanh. Its central altar is dedicated to the Master himself, and the side altars are dedicated to his main disciples Yan Hui (Viet. Nian Uen), Zeng Shen (Viet. Tang Sham), Tzu-xia (Viet. Khong Tu) and Meng-tzu (Viet. Man Tu) . In addition, statues of the philosopher's most beloved disciple, Tzu Gong (Vietnamese Chi Kong) and 72 outstanding Confucian theorists, were erected in the temple.

On both sides, the former examination halls adjoin the temple, now sheltering book and souvenir shops. In addition, small concerts of traditional Vietnamese music are given here. The fifth courtyard of Van Mieu was once home to the Confucian Academy of Quoc Tu Giam, the first Vietnamese university. There are still living quarters of students, unpretentious study rooms, as well as an impressive bell and drum. With their help, signals were given that marked the passage of time and regulated the daily routine.

For more than a century, from 1076 to 1802, Van Mieu in Hanoi served as a university and a national academy of sciences. After Hue became the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Hanoi Temple of Literature fell into disrepair. In 1947, during the II Indochinese War, the bombing of the French aircraft severely damaged (actually destroyed) the ancient monument. The restoration of Van Mieu began already in the early 1950s. Ho Chi Minh played a significant role in this, all his life with great respect for the personality of Confucius. His statement is known that Confucius and Marx could find a common language if they happened to meet. In 1965, on his 75th birthday, the leader of Vietnam visited the philosopher's grave and temple in the Chinese city of Qufu.

The restoration of the Van Mieu complex lasted several decades and was completed only in 2000. Despite the restoration work, the temple has been included in the mandatory visit program of all high-ranking guests of the country for many years. At different times, Clement Voroshilov and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, Fidel Castro and Jawaharlal Nehru, Bill Clinton and Vladimir Putin have been here. During the visit of the Russian president in February 2001, his retinue turned out to be so numerous that the central path of the temple had to be urgently expanded by a good half meter.

After leaving the gate of the temple, you can turn left and, after going around the fence, go up Van Mieu Street in a northerly direction. Behind the Nguyen Thai Hoc highway, the diplomatic district of Hanoi begins, adjacent to the southwestern corner of the Citadel. The missions of foreign powers occupy elegant villas from the era of French rule. If you walk along Hoang Dieu St. between the embassies of Singapore and Thailand, then on your right you will see the Flag Tower of Cot Co, which is also considered one of the symbols of the Vietnamese capital. The path to the tower lies through the square, in which the monument to V. I. Lenin is located - a vivid symbol of a bygone, but still unforgettable era.

The leader of the world proletariat received in Hanoi a completely Vietnamese name, inscribed on a pedestal - "Le Nin". The flag tower is located on the territory of the Museum of Military History of Vietnam (28A, Dien Bien Phu Rd., tel. 04-8234264, www.btlsqsvn.org.vn, 8.00-11.30 / 13.00-16.30, except Mon and Fri, entrance 20,000 VND) . The museum is located in the barracks of a French military camp of the late 19th century, adjacent to the former territory of the Citadel. The fortress was built by Emperor Gia Long in 1802-1812. Vietnamese architects built it from earth, brick and stone in accordance with the principles of French fortification science of the 17th-18th centuries, laid down by Marshal Sebastien Vauban. Its scale amazed the imagination of contemporaries. The length of the ramparts exceeded 5 km with a height of 4.6 m and a width of 16 m. sides of the fortress. The three main buildings of the Citadel were located on the south-north axis - these were the Doan Mon gate, the Kinh Tien palace and the north Bac Mon gate. Kinh Tien Palace was the oldest building on the territory of the fortress: it was erected in the 15th century. on the site of an earlier building. During the Taishon uprising, the palace was destroyed, and now only its foundation, stairs and stone sculptures of dragons have been preserved. The French equipped an underground shelter bunker next to the remains of the palace. They did not need it, but Ho Chi Minh used it for its intended purpose, hiding here during American air raids in the 1960s. It is said that the bunker is open to tourists, but this should be clarified on the spot.

The fortifications of the Citadel were demolished by the French during the redevelopment of the city in 1894-1896. However, the Russian diplomat and traveler Grigory De Vollan, who visited Hanoi in the late 1880s, spoke of the fortress as a structure that "represents nothing elegant." But the Flag Tower made a strong impression on him - by the way, the only building of the Citadel that has been completely preserved to this day. The 31 m high octagonal building stands on a massive 3-tier stylobate. The length of each side of the lower tier is 41 m, the upper one - 15 m. At the level of the second tier there are 3 entrances oriented to the cardinal points. The eastern door is called Ngenh Hue, or the Radiance of Dawn, the southern one is called Huon Minh, or Salting, that is, facing the direction of the movement of the luminary, and the northern one is Hoi Quang (Hoi Quang, or Anti-salt).

The exposition of the museum is dedicated to the victories of Vietnamese weapons, starting with the battles on the Bat Dang River in the 10th-13th centuries. and ending with the capture of Saigon. It is interesting that the fleeting Vietnamese-Chinese war of 1979 was almost completely ignored by the museum. The fact that this event took place in history is reminded by a single trophy - a small 6-barreled Chinese-made rocket launcher, standing at the base of the Flag Tower next to a French naval gun of the 1873 model. A little further on there is an exhibition of captured military equipment and an impressive monument , collected from the wreckage of downed American aircraft. Behind the museum hall No. 7, an exhibition of Soviet-made military equipment was launched.

After leaving the museum, we head northwest along Dien Bien Phu St. and after 10 minutes we find ourselves on the main square of Hanoi - Badinh Square. Rallies, demonstrations and military parades take place here. Here is the main attraction of the "red" Hanoi - the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.

The history of the appearance of the monument painfully resembles the history of the Moscow Mausoleum. In his will, which, unlike Lenin's "Letter to the Congress", dealt not only with political issues, the leader of the Vietnamese people directly and unequivocally demanded that his mortal shell be cremated according to centuries-old Buddhist customs. However, Le Duan almost single-handedly decided to preserve the body of the late leader. The cremation did not take place, but the farewell ceremony was attended by representatives of 34 countries, including Alexei Kosygin, Zhou Enlai and French emissary Jean Santini. The prime ministers of the USSR and the PRC used a sad occasion to solve their own problems: after the clashes on about. Damansky in March 1969, the two powers were in a state close to a serious conflict, and the meeting in Hanoi made it possible to outline a way out of the crisis.

Immediately after the funeral ceremony, the body of Ho Chi Minh fell into the hands of Soviet specialists from the famous laboratory of Professor B.I. Zbarsky. By that time, scientists had successfully maintained the body of V.I. for 45 years. Lenin, and also successfully embalmed G. Dimitrov (1949), Marshal of the MPR Kh. Choibalsan (1952), I.V. Stalin (1953) and Czechoslovak President K. Gottwald (1953). Embalming Ho Chi Minh's body turned out to be the most difficult thing: the hot climate of Vietnam interfered. Nevertheless, all problems were solved, and the leader, dressed in a military-style suit, took his place in the tomb intended for him. Its construction lasted three years, and the grand opening took place on August 29, 1975. The mausoleum can be visited in the morning hours (except Mon and Fri, 8.00-11.00) - be prepared for a queue and a mandatory viewing of a video about the life of the leader. In front of the Mausoleum there is an area 320 meters long and 100 meters wide, divided into 168 squares of green lawn.

To the right of the Mausoleum is the Presidential Palace surrounded by a park (8.00-11.00 / 14.00-16.00, except Mon and Fri, entrance 5000 VND). This is another monument of the colonial era, built by the French architect Auguste Villeier in 1901-1906. The construction of the building, intended for the Governor-General of French Indochina, was associated with giving Hanoi the status of the capital of the colonies. Having become the first head of independent Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh refused to live in the luxurious governor's chambers and moved first to the servants' rooms, and in May 1958 to a wooden house (included in the visit to the Presidential Palace), built for him in the palace park. Having visited the house, appreciating the comfort of this "near dacha" and the beauty of the garden surrounding it, you immediately agree with the choice of Uncle Ho ...

From the house of Ho Chi Minh we will go south to the pagoda of Mot Kot (Chua Mot Kot). Legend has it that King Ly Thai Tong (r. 1028 - 1054) once had a dream in which he was taken to heaven by the Buddha on a huge lotus flower. The courtiers were alarmed, considering the dream a bad omen. In order to deceive fate, the king was advised to urgently build a man-made lotus flower in the capital - a pagoda on a pillar standing in the middle of a pond. The monarch liked the idea, and in 1049 its main architectural symbol “bloomed” in the city. The pagoda that we can see now is considered a monument of the 11th century, but, alas, this is a remake.

The original building was vandalized by the French military in the early 1950s. There is evidence that the ranks of the Foreign Legion, former soldiers of the Nazi Wehrmacht, who were very successful in destroying cultural property on the territory of the USSR. However, by the time of the destruction of Mot Kot, she had already lost a significant part of her beautiful surroundings. There used to be two ponds, and the whole complex was surrounded by an elegant stone fence with beautiful gates. Now a small and very homely ensemble includes the Linh Chieu pond, the Pagoda on a pillar itself and the cozy Dien Huu Temple (Dien Huu, or the Temple of Lasting Happiness) with dwarf trees in the courtyard (all monuments can be freely visited from sunrise to sunset). Mot Kot is dedicated to the merciful body-satva Kuan Am (Chinese Kuan-yin, or Avalokiteshvara), whose statue can be seen inside the temple.

Next to Mot Kot is the Ho Chi Minh Museum (8.00-11.00 / 13.30-16.30, except Mon and Fri, entrance 5000 VND). A huge modern building with an area of ​​13,000 sq. m was built for about five years and opened on May 19, 1990, on the day of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Uncle Ho. The museum building, like the pagoda, resembles a lotus in its shape, thus symbolizing the outstanding qualities of the Vietnamese leader. The exposition presents documents, photos and personal belongings of Ho Chi Minh.

Other attractions around Badinh

north of the square. Botanical garden (7.30-22.00, daily). The Hanoi Botanical Garden adjoins the Presidential Palace Park from the west. This small garden was founded by the French back in 1890 and now occupies an area of ​​just over 20 hectares. It's not so much scientific institution how much is one of the public parks. In the garden there are two lakes and paths for secluded walks, which are very popular with couples in love.

Quan Thanh Temple (tel. 04-8243011, open daily 7.00-11.30/13.30-18.00). The temple is dedicated to the Taoist deity Tian Wu (Chinese Xuan-u zhen di) - the ruler of the north and the water element. In ancient times, Tian Wu came to the aid of An Duong in the construction of the Koloa fortress. It was he who suggested to the king that it was necessary to pour the defensive ramparts of the residence in the form of a spiral. However, according to other sources, this idea was suggested by Kim Kui, the Turtle King, already familiar to us. Be that as it may, Tian Wu was highly revered in Hanoi at all times - he was considered the guardian of the northern gates of the capital. During the reign of Ly Thai To south of Lake Tay, the present temple of Quan Thanh was founded. Repeatedly rebuilt, the sanctuary is located at the crossroads of modern Thanh Nien and Pho Quan Thanh streets. The main building of the temple is surrounded by densely overgrown banyan trees. In the prayer hall there is a bronze statue of a deity weighing 4 tons, cast in 1677. Tian Wu sits surrounded by his companions - a turtle and a snake.

Tay, or West Lake (Ho Tay). Tay Lake is the second largest natural fresh water body after Babe Lake. Along the banks of the Tay, there are numerous walking paths, very beloved by the Hanoi people, with a total length of about 14 km. Thay looks especially attractive in the rays of the setting sun. There are several interesting sights on the shores of the lake.

Tran Quoc Pagoda (Tran Quoc, Thanh Nien St., tel. 04-8243011). This temple, which has repeatedly changed its name, according to many historians of Vietnamese Buddhism, is the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. It was founded in the reign of King Ly Nam De around 544. Initially, the temple was located quite far from the city on the banks of the Red River, but subsequent events changed its quiet life. In 1075, the commander Ly Thuong Kyet spent the night on the shores of Lake Tay on the eve of the northern campaign against China. In a dream, the spirit of the lake appeared to him, predicting victory for the Vietnamese. The campaign really ended with the defeat of the Chinese troops near the modern city of Nanning in South China. In gratitude for the victory, the temple was transferred to the possession of the lake deity and was called the Chan Kuok pagoda, which means “Keeping peace of the state” (according to other sources, the “moving” of the shrine took place much later - in the 15th century). In 1815 the temple was rebuilt and received its present appearance. In 1842, Emperor Tu Duc ordered that the pagoda be renamed Chan Bak (Tran Bac, or Keeping the North), but the new name never caught on.

Tran Quoc is located 1 km north of Badinh Square. The temple occupies an island nestled against a narrow spit, along which Thanh Nyen Street has been running since 1958. For a long time, the island was quite far from the shores of the lake, but in the 17th century. the inhabitants of nearby villages built an isthmus that separated a small segment from the Western Lake, now known as Lake Chuk-Bat. Thus, the peasants received their own pond for fish farming, and the pagoda approached “ big land". Now the temple is connected to the shore by a bulk dam. The temple ensemble includes the chambers of Chai Duong (Trai Duong), Thieu Huong (Thieu Huong), as well as the belfry and the main prayer hall with a gilded statue of Buddha entering Nirvana. On the territory of Chan Quoc grows a wonderful bodhi tree, grown from a cutting from a genuine Tree of Enlightenment, which is in Indian Bodhgaya. This seedling was presented to the temple by Indian President Rajendra Prasad during a visit to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1957. At different times, 14 stone steles dedicated to personalities who left their mark on the history of Hanoi were installed in the courtyard of the temple (the oldest one dates back to 1693).

Pagoda Kim Lien (Kim Lien, or Golden Lotus Pagoda). It was founded during the reign of King Le Nyan Tong (1453 - 1459) - the grandson of Le Loi, famous for his heroism. The temple acquired its current appearance after rebuilding in 1793. Kim Lien is located on the eastern shore of West Lake, half a kilometer from Tran Quoc.

Tei Ho Taoist Temple (tel. 04-8243011). The temple is located on a peninsula in the northeastern part of West Lake. It was erected in the 19th century. and is dedicated to the locally revered goddess Thanh May (Thanh Mau) - the daughter of the Jade Emperor. The patroness of the surrounding villages is usually depicted as a young cheerful girl in rich clothes, who is very fond of songs and poems. Although there are no historical monuments on the territory of the temple, it is worth visiting for the sake of good looking to the lake and the city.

West of the square. Museum "Heavenly Dien Bien Phu" (157, Doi Can St.). The exposition is dedicated to the defense of Hanoi during the "Christmas bombing" of the city by American aircraft on December 19 - 29, 1972. The reason for the largest air operation of the 2nd half of the 20th century. was the persistence of the Vietnamese delegation at the peace talks in Paris. The United States found the most effective argument by sending 188 B-52 bombers and numerous cover fighters to Hanoi and Haiphong. Although technical superiority allowed the US Air Force to hit all the intended targets, the Vietnamese managed to shoot down 15 Stratofortress. One of the bombers was destroyed in a single combat on the night of December 27, 1972 by the future Vietnamese cosmonaut Pham Tuan, who was piloting a Soviet-made MiG-21. Saving its prestige, the US refused to acknowledge this loss. The December air battle of 1972 received the symbolic name "Heavenly Dien Bien Phu" in the Vietnamese Republic - in memory of the decisive battle between the Vietnamese and the French army in 1954. The wreckage of the B-52 and other types of aircraft are exhibited in the museum.

Museum of Ethnology of Vietnam (Nguyen Van Huyen Rd., tel. 04-7562193, www.vme.org.vn, 8.30-17.30, except Mon, entry 20,000 VND). One of the most interesting museums in the Vietnamese capital, which opened its doors at the end of 1997, resembles the Soviet "museums of wooden architecture." In the halls of the main building, a curious visitor will be able to learn a lot of interesting things about the culture and customs of all peoples living in the country. The open area contains traditional dwellings and other buildings, as well as a rich collection of different-sized river boats. Some buildings here are real relics of the past, others were erected by representatives of the respective peoples and tribes specially invited to the capital. I advise you to pay attention to the authentic rural estate of the Viet, decorated with 100-year-old carvings, the meeting house of the Banar people (17 m high) and the tombstone of the Zarai people with primitive sculptures of an erotic nature. In the open area, there are performances of the Vietnamese puppet theater on the water. Performances start at 10.00, 11.30, 14.30 and 16.00 (additional performance on Saturdays at 20.00), ticket price 20,000 VND.

Dongda Hill is located at the corner of Tay Son St. and Dang Tien Dong St., in the Dong Da area. In 1724, in obedience to the royal decree, an examination yard Bak Ky was built on the slope of Dongda, where in the 2nd half of the 18th century. the rector of the academy of the temple Van Mieu, the famous Vietnamese poet and scholar Le Quy Don (1726-1784), took exams. At the beginning of 1788, one of the many battles in the history of the Vietnamese-Chinese confrontation took place in the Dongda area. On the one hand, the Taishon militia led by Nguyen Hue acted, on the other, the regular Chinese army. There was a military trick here: the rebels waited until the time for the celebration of the New Year according to the lunar calendar came up, and, having taken the invaders by surprise, they easily won the battle. Every year on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month (February), Dongda hosts a colorful celebration dedicated to this historic event.

Hanoi Hotel Deals

Best time to visit

In winter (November to April), when the air is cooler and there is little rain (hot and humid in summer).

Do not miss

• Visit the marvelous Hanoi Fortress, built during the Li Dynasty (1009-1225) and recently undergoing restoration.
• Great West Lake is a popular recreational area: rent a boat and enjoy the peace.
• The famous Flag Tower in Hanoi, built in 1812. It was used by the French as a military post. Now the Vietnamese flag proudly flutters on it.
• One of the best pagodas in Hanoi is the Dien Bo wooden one-pillar pagoda, built in 1049 on stilts above the lake.
• The historic Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 as a Confucian temple, was the site of one of the world's first universities (established here in 1076).
• An interesting old French prison, the so-called Hanoi Hilton, where American prisoners of war were kept during the Vietnam War. Of course, most of it has been demolished, but some of it has been left as a museum.

Should know

The embalmed body of the "great leader" Ho Chi Minh can be seen in his imposing mausoleum.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and the former capital of French Indochina, has many names. In the 11th century it was called Thang Long - "Soaring Dragon", then Dongkikh - "Northern Capital" and only in 1831, having temporarily lost its capital status, did it get its current name, meaning "City in the bend of the river".

Hanoi really stands on the Red River, the water in which from time immemorial has a dirty brown color. It owes its diversity to a 1000-year history that has absorbed the traditions of the West and the East. Its Old Town, saturated with exoticism, looks like one big market. And just a short walk away is the French Quarter with green boulevards and the Opera House, modeled on the Parisian Grand Opera. Someone will find here a socialist reserve with monuments to Lenin and the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, someone will find an ideal city of colonial times. And for everyone, Hanoi is the gateway to Halong Bay - a UNESCO site and one of the most amazing landscapes in Southeast Asia.

How to get to Hanoi

The capitals of Russia and Vietnam are connected by Aeroflot, which operates daily flights to Hanoi, and Vietnam Airlines, which depart every other day. Do not discount flights with transfers. Comfortable transfers with transfers in Dubai and Doha from Emirates and Qatar Airways, although they will increase the total travel time by several hours, will allow you to save a little.

Read more about how to get to Hanoi in this article.

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Transport

About 60 bus routes have been laid in the city and the district, along which clean, comfortable and air-conditioned cars run. Fare payment - to the conductor or driver at the entrance to the bus. A trifle is better to prepare in advance. Fares vary on different routes. With a large number of trips, it is more convenient to issue a monthly Xe Buyt pass for all routes. This can be done on final stops, for which you need to fill out an application, submit a photo, deposit the required amount and in 3 days receive a ready-made travel card. To understand the intricacies of the roads, Hanoi's land transport scheme - Xe Buyt Hanoy (in Vietnamese), which is sold from conductors in buses and kiosks at terminus stops, helps. You can download it online in PDF format or install the Hanoi Bus app (in English) on your smartphone.

Taxi in Hanoi is a popular and inexpensive form of transport, the cost of a trip around the city is 60,000 VND, payment is cash only. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

A great way to explore the center of Hanoi and its surroundings is by bike or scooter. Most hotels and guest houses offer them to their guests for rent: a non-motorized pedal (aka a bicycle), buzzing and needing gasoline (aka a scooter).

The only caveat: the traffic in Hanoi is crazy, there are few traffic lights and parking lots, but there are a lot of thieves and reckless drivers who do not comply with traffic rules.

Hanoi Hotels

The number of different hotels in Hanoi is amazing, especially in the Hoan Kiem area around the legendary Lake of the Returned Sword. To the south of the lake lies the French Quarter - once the administrative center of French Indochina with wide streets, a regular layout and 4-5 * hotels. Among them are the international Hilton Hanoi Opera, Sofitel Legend Metropole, etc. They attract with high-quality European-level service and developed infrastructure.

A labyrinth of tangled streets to the west of the lake is the picturesque Old Town, dominated by 2-3* hotels and youth hostels such as the Hanoy Party Backpacker. Living conditions here are sometimes spartan - as a rule, without pools and saunas, in half the cases - without air conditioning and restaurants. Regardless of the number of "stars", the undoubted advantage of Hanoi hotels is the availability of free Wi-Fi and affordable prices.

A double room in the "five" can be rented for 2,000,000 VND, in the "treshka" - for 600,000 VND, a place in a shared hostel room costs 110,000 VND.

What to bring

Visiting Hanoi and not visiting one of its markets is like not climbing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Find everything imaginable at Hang Da (Phung Hung, Duong Thanh and Ly Nam De streets). Secondhand clothes, animals, insects, plants, food, household goods, a genie lamp and a viper's eye in skunk syrup are in stock and for pennies.

At the Cho Hom market, you can buy equipment and factory goods - from extra-class for sane money to a terrible fake even for Vietnam for ridiculous pennies. Trade is appropriate. Wholesalers and those interested can look at the collapse of Dong Xuan. And, finally, you should definitely visit the night market, which, as a rule, opens not earlier than 19:00.

The most popular Hanoi souvenir is strong tinctures with snakes, scorpions and other reptiles, which are considered a powerful medicine. They are found everywhere - from expensive supermarkets to markets, and the place of sale does not affect the quality of the drink.

In the markets, it is worth taking a closer look at carved caskets, wall decorations, trays and mahogany figurines. There you can also buy a cone-shaped hat "nonla" - plain or varnished. Quite original are the “Ho Chi Minh sandals” - ordinary-looking flip flops that leave footprints backwards.

Large shopping centers are preferable when buying pearl or sapphire jewelry - they are cheaper on the market, but can easily turn out to be a fake. The same applies to clothes and accessories made of silk, shoes, bags, belts and purses made of crocodile skin, which are accompanied by quality certificates.

Scorpion with Cobra tincture 0.5 l costs VND 400,000, pearl bracelet - VND 200,000, silk robe - VND 250,000, handmade mahogany box - VND 500,000, crocodile skin bag - VND 1,100,000 .

Souvenirs for the sweet tooth are toffee-like candies with coconut milk and candied fruit. For connoisseurs of tea - a variety of tea blends with lotus, ginger, mountain herbs. The best gift for yourself and your loved ones is the elite Kopi Luwak coffee, which is sold in specialized stores. Its grains, which have been in the stomach of the palm marten, are saturated with musk, which gives the drink a unique taste.

Cuisine and restaurants in Hanoi

Half of the local cuisine consists of all sorts of variations on the theme of rice and noodles. The second half is meat, seafood, vegetables and everything else that can be put in the mouth without risk to health. In a form adapted for tourists, you can join it in expensive restaurants in the French Quarter.

Those who want to get acquainted with all the diversity should look into the restaurants and cafes of the Old Town, which seem to have no number. Their menu will definitely include the traditional beef soup "pho bo" with noodles and ginger, noodles with minced meat "boon cha", "bankuon" flatbread stuffed with meat and mushrooms. Cozy coffee houses with delicious coffee and fresh pastries, which are a dime a dozen in Hanoi, are a great option for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break. For an on-the-go snack, banh mi, French baguettes stuffed with meat, cheese, fish and seafood from countless street carts, is best.

Light breakfast in a coffee shop - VND 40,000 per person, lunch in a cafe - VND 240,000, a good dinner with wine in an expensive restaurant - VND 800,000, street fast food - VND 20,000.

For a real exotic, head to Nhattan Street in the Taiho district with establishments specializing in dog meat dishes, or to the snake-breeding village of Le Mat 5 km east of downtown Hanoi. The menu of local restaurants includes dishes from cobra meat - raw, boiled, stewed with vegetables, in batter, fried to a crisp on the grill, in the form of a filling for sweet pancakes. From drinks - a mixture of cobra blood and vodka. True, the price of a "snake" dinner is quite high - 1,000,000 VND per person.

Guides in Hanoi

Entertainment and attractions

In the palette of Hanoi there are colors for Europeans who love the spaciousness of avenues and parks and the height of skyscrapers, and for lovers of cramped quarters with colonial mansions and enchanting temples. One of the most ancient and beautiful is the Confucian Temple of Literature, founded in 1070. Its thick walls surround 5 courtyards with gardens, ceremonial pavilions and a square pond of Heavenly Purity. The Imperial Academy was located in the farthest courtyard, where for many centuries not only children of nobles, but also talented boys from the lower classes received education. After they received the title of mandarin, and their names were carved on stone steles - the most valuable relics of the temple.

A favorite place for walking tourists and Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, where Trang Thi Avenue leads quite European-looking. They say that in the 15th century a huge turtle lived in it, from which the local hero Le Lou received a magical golden sword. With the help of it, he expelled the Chinese who invaded the country, and then returned the sword to the mistress of the lake. In memory of this event, the Vietnamese built a three-tiered Turtle Pagoda on a tiny island.

Giant tortoises still live in the lake today. The largest of them, which died in 1968, was 2.1 m long and weighed 250 kg. Her lacquered effigy is kept in the Tap Bat tower.

The story of the magic sword and the turtle can not only be heard, but also seen at the Water Puppet Theatre, located on the northern shore of the lake. Originating in the Red River Delta nearly 1,000 years ago, this ancient theatrical art is unknown outside of Vietnam. It uses as a stage large swimming pool, and the puppeteers stand waist-deep in water, hidden behind a bamboo curtain.

In the northern part of the lake, on the island stands the Temple of the Jade Mountain, dedicated to the deities of medicine, earth and literature. One of his buildings is crowned with a stylized inkwell, and next to it is a tower built in the shape of a traditional writing brush. The island is connected to the shore by a red wooden bridge called The Hook. This graceful bridge is one of the symbols of Hanoi and favorite place photo sessions of the newlyweds.

Travel to Hanoi

Museums in Hanoi

A must visit point for all official delegations is the Ho Chi Minh Museum (19 Ngoc Ha Street). The lotus shape of its building symbolizes the spiritual purity of the first president of independent Vietnam, the hammer and sickle over the entrance - his commitment to the ideas of Marxism-Leninism. The exposition contains personal items, photographs and documents that tell about the life of Uncle Ho, as the Vietnamese themselves call him in a family way.

Most of Hanoi's museums are open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 16:30. Entrance fees: 20,000-30,000 VND.

Many of Hanoi's museums are military-themed, including the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum (Quoc Lo 6, bus no. 2 terminus). Weapons and ammunition were transported along the legendary transport route, which to a large extent contributed to the victory of North Vietnam over the South. On the territory of the Hanoi Citadel there is a very interesting Museum of Military History, where you can trace the history of the country's armed forces, starting from the period of the Chinese wars. But the main place in it is given to the Vietnam-American War. Among the exhibits are a downed American B-52 bomber, standing nose down, and a tank of the National Liberation Front, which on April 30, 1975 was the first to break into the Presidential Palace in Saigon.

Numerous samples of Soviet and captured American military equipment - planes, helicopters, tanks, army trucks, air defense systems, can be seen at the Air Force Museum (Truong Chinh Street, 171), located on the site of the former airfield. Most of the exhibits presented here were transferred to Vietnam by the Soviet Union.

December

Spring is a great time of the year to visit Hanoi: despite the short rains, the weather is wonderful, nature gives the aroma of blooming flowers and fresh wind. But going here in the summer is not the best idea: hot and mosquitoes, mosquitoes and hot.

There is something unique about Hanoi autumn. Perfect weather, comfortable temperature, flowering of the cay hoa sua tree, which occurs only at this time of the year. Only Russians can endure the local winter (we are not afraid of the cold), because it is not only cold here, but also damp.