Vietnam hanoi attractions. Hanoi. Hanoi Old Quarter
The sights of Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole are not as well known as the monuments of China or Cambodia, but there is something for a tourist to see here.
In general, in the most detailed tourist guide or on the same map of Hanoi with attractions for travelers, more than 50 interesting places will be marked, and even more in local guidebooks in Russian.
Damien Dempsey/flickr.com
In Hanoi, the Russian language is spoken in about the same way as in Moscow - English, that is, it is taught in schools, at institutes, and, besides, many invited specialists from Russia still work in Vietnam.
Therefore, Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular are an ideal holiday destination for Russians, and this country can offer no less than any replicated Asian resort.
What needs to be seen?
If there is a lot of time, then, of course, you need to see everything, but if the trip has a short time frame, then you have to choose.
Google Maps / google.ru
For 1 or 2 days in Hanoi, it is worth visiting the following places:
- Lakes - Western and Returned sword.
- Temple complexes - Tran Quoc Pagoda, Jade Mountain Temple and One Pillar Pagoda.
- The Ho Chi Minh Museum, his mausoleum, the monument to Lenin and the park named after Lenin.
- Towers - Big Turtle and Pens.
- Old quarters of Hanoi.
- Museums - Illusions and Observatory, Women's, Thang Long Fortress.
Excursions to these places will quite fit in a couple of days, besides, they are marked as "important" sights of Hanoi on the map for tourists available in the capital of Vietnam in almost every hotel.
lakes
Lakes in Hanoi are not sights, but landscapes. There are a lot of them, and almost every lake has something interesting, not necessarily related to history, art or religion. For example, on one of the lakes they play "water" golf, on the other - children's game attractions, there are also restaurants on the lakes, and markets on a couple of them.
West Lake is the place where the "holy" island is located - the island of the Golden Fish, a local Buddhist landmark rises above it - the Tran Quoc Pagoda, a large and functioning temple complex.
Rick McCharles/flickr.com
Except the pagoda, there's enough here picturesque bridge, narrow alleys and water of an amazing shade, its color changes depending on the lighting - from yellow to green, from marsh-clay to brown. The lake itself is very clean, so the color changes are caused by the lighting and not by the algae.
The Lake of the Returned Sword is located in the very center. A legend about the Big Turtle, which took the emperor's sword underwater, is associated with its name. In fact, the lake is an analogue of the embankments in any of the Russian cities. A fairly wide alley is paved near the water, with rows of trees planted between it and the access roads.
Here you can have a good time in the evening and take a walk in the afternoon. There are many shops on the alleys, designed for two, maximum three people, there are restaurants, and in the evening there is a beautiful panorama view of the night illumination of central Hanoi, that is, you can take beautiful photos. In the mornings, there are a lot of athletes and people just going for a run or a bike ride.
Dennis Jarvis/flickr.com
In the center of the lake there is a tiny island on which an interesting tower is built, more like a flattened Catholic belfry than an Asian pagoda - this is the Big Turtle tower. Next to the lake is Ly Thai To Park, which bears the name of one of the most important rulers in Vietnamese history, on the central alley there is a monument to this emperor.
temples
There are quite a lot of Buddhist complexes in Hanoi, but with all their abundance, you first need to see the Temple of the Jade Mountain.
The complex is operational and very interesting, completely different from everything that can be seen in other places. There are many small open and semi-open pagodas, everywhere there are bridges, passages, small fences, steps, tiles, pillars, large incense vats, trees, bushes, flowers and so on. In addition to all this, on the territory there are many benches installed in the most unexpected places.
All this chaotic abundance of details fully reflects the essence of the complex, this place is not only for prayers, it is also a community center.
Here you can see pensioners playing checkers, or people figuring out any conflict with the help of the mediation of a clergyman, a group of feng shui students, doing yoga, or just a circle of people discussing something, or reading newspapers or looking through something in tablets.
Also in the temple there is a kind of “museum department”, in which only one exhibit is exhibited - a stuffed animal of the Big Turtle, which pulled the sword from one of the emperors underwater. The scarecrow is made of straw and, in fact, is an amazing specimen. folk art, because the "straw" fishing in Vietnam touched absolutely all spheres of life.
Roofing and umbrellas were made from straw - mainly with the French "presence" and for export to Paris, hats, shoes, toys and even food storage containers. They also made baskets.
A visit to the temple with the right to see the Turtle costs one dollar, although at the entrance to the pavilion no one checks for a receipt with payment, it is not accepted here not to pay. On the contrary, many locals regularly pay for admission, although they come to discuss the news and see friends, and not at all to look at the scarecrow.
The gates of the complex are open from 7:00 to 18:00. If you are going here, you need to understand that, although it is extremely democratic, it is still a temple. That means you have to dress appropriately.
Tran Quoc Pagoda on Dolphin Island in West Lake is the exact opposite. This is a functioning temple, in which monks dressed in orange robes ceremoniously walk. The ensemble of buildings itself is somewhat subtly reminiscent of the advertised complexes of Cambodia, but is made in a delicate terracotta color and covered with many interesting details and tiles, completely invisible from a distance.
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The pagoda, that is, the entire complex of its constituent buildings, is more than 1400 years old - this is the most ancient shrine of Buddhism from all that are located on the territory of Vietnam.
The gates open at 8:30 and close at 11:30, then open again at 13:30 and close until morning at 18:30. Entrance is completely free, but the rules of admission and behavior are very strict. In shorts, sleeveless T-shirts, slippers, etc., they will not let you in. On the territory, you should turn off all gadgets, at least turn off their sound. Photography is also not possible everywhere.
The One Pillar Pagoda is located in a rather unexpected place, exactly in the middle of the path from the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum to his own museum. It's in literally- a historical monument, built in the middle of the last century and which is an exact copy of the original ancient pagoda, completely destroyed by the French colonial conquerors.
In general, this is one small room under a figured roof, kept in the air on a single small support column. Outwardly, it is somewhat reminiscent of illustrations for fairy tales about a hut on chicken legs. Inside, there are fresh flowers and illustrated short stories hanging on the walls about the history of the destruction and restoration of the pagoda.
The entrance is free. If the queue is long, then you won’t be able to linger and read something or take a picture, as the crowd is constantly moving around the room.
Ho Chi Minh and Lenin in Hanoi
Everything related to these historical figures is concentrated in three places - the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum and Lenin Park.
shankar s. /flickr.com
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is far from always open, for example, access to it is closed all autumn, at which time various procedures necessary to maintain safety are carried out. These days, a small area of the park is also blocked, on which the building is located and which is loudly called “square” in all guidebooks. The territory is closed with barrier signs and is patrolled by military men in full dress.
All other months the mausoleum is open from 8 am to 11 am, the last "launch" of visitors is at 10:15 am. Days off - Monday and Friday, admission - free of charge, for everyone.
Leaving the mausoleum, you can walk a few meters and find yourself in the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Along the way, in addition to the "one-legged" pagoda, there will be a small house on stilts - this is the house of Ho Chi Minh, the real one. In general, because of the location of this house, a place was chosen for the mausoleum and the museum. The house itself is an excellent example of the national "village" housing construction.
The museum introduces, first of all, the life of the leader and the embodiment of the ideas of communism in the country, but not only. There is a rather interesting historical exposition here.
Myra Siason / flickr.com
Opening hours - morning from 8:00 to 11:30 and evening - from 14:00 to 16:00. Days off are Monday and Friday. The entrance fee is $1.3.
For the same money, you can visit the Presidential Palace, located opposite and working on the same schedule, with a slight difference - it opens at 7:30.
The museum and the palace on the map are located on a square called Ba Dinh, but it’s hard to guess that this is a square, rather a playground in a park. Therefore, it is not worth it to focus too much on the names of the areas on the maps.
Lenin Park, especially the playground with his monument, is a favorite place for children and teenagers to walk. This feature is not at all connected with reverence for the leader of the proletariat, but with the ideal sidewalks in this place, the convenient layout of alleys and platforms, and complete security from transport. That is, children here ride skateboards, skateboards, bicycles, just run and so on.
The monument itself is typical, the same ones are in many post-Soviet cities. The difference is only in the inscription, here the leader is signed "Le-Nin" and well-groomed.
Bridges
There are a lot of bridges in the city, standing on many small lakes. The most interesting is the Hook Bridge, aka the Red Bridge, aka the Sunlight Bridge.
Biggs/flickr.com
A wooden footbridge, on which the newlyweds and everyone else are sure to take pictures “for good luck”. The location of the bridge's piles is interesting - thin columns are located in such a way that there is a feeling that the bridge is going somewhere.
In addition to the fact that the bridge is one of the brightest and oldest in Hanoi, visiting it will significantly save the tourist’s time, because it is this bridge that leads to temple complex Jade Mountain, you don’t have to specifically look for it.
The bridge is very beautiful in the lights of night illumination, if you look at it from the “embankment” of the lake.
towers
There are also many towers in Hanoi, in principle, the word "tower" here means something in between, between a chapel and a memorial building. That is, this is not a museum that you can enter, this is a small building, next to which there is an incense burner and a donation box, and not all towers have it.
True, they all differ from each other, as the Vietnamese themselves assure, there are no two similar towers in their country. In addition, each tower was not built by chance, they mark places associated with the events of folk legends and fairy tales.
The pen tower sits on a large pile of rocks next to the Jade Mountain Temple. It consists of two buildings - the tower itself and a miniature niche-pagoda for the incense burner and offerings. Nearby is a box for donations.
A. Omer Karamollaoglu / flickr.com
People go to this tower primarily for the fulfillment of desires. It is associated with a legend that if you give something to a pile of stones, then in gratitude for the offering, it will fulfill what you want. There are always a lot of offerings here, as everything is carried - from food to money. You need to go here during the day, there are no evening lights here.
The Tower of the Big Turtle at Lake of the Returned Sword is the exact opposite. You need to look at it in the evening, the illumination lights create the illusion that the building is floating on green water, very beautiful.
old quarters
There are old districts in every big city and Hanoi is no exception. True, first due to French colonization, then due to a number of other, sadder events in the history of Vietnam, from old quarters only the name remains. The colorful buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries no longer exist.
Interesting area "36". During the day, these are streets with "markets", that is, with folding tables filled with all kinds of goods and tents lined up along the line of tunnel development in two or three floors with many narrow windows with shutters.
shankar s. /flickr.com
As soon as the day ends, the tents are replaced by remote attributes of cafes and just drinking places. Until dawn, the quarter becomes one big international bar. Spending night time here is entertainment for extreme people who love to explore life in cities “from the inside” and on own experience.
Museums
Among the museums, it is worth taking time to visit the Thang Long Fortress - a unique object protected by UNESCO and opening up Vietnam for tourists from a completely new side.
In fact, this is a large local history museum that tells about the life, history and culture of Vietnam. Not only the exposition is interesting, but also the architecture itself, which is completely different from the usual idea of Asian citadels.
The inspection takes far from one hour, you need to count on four hours or even more.
Alex Bin*** / flickr.com
The fortress is open for travelers from 8:00 to 11:30 in the morning and from 14:00 to 17:00 in the evening, weekends, like everywhere else, on Monday and Friday. The entrance fee is $ 1.5, for children - half of this amount.
The fortress is located in Hanoi itself, you won’t have to look for it. If you get from the Lake of the Returned Sword - a couple of kilometers to the west, you can walk or ride a rickshaw for a symbolic amount of 800 dong. If you go to the museum after visiting the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, you will have to walk about a kilometer to the east, you can not take a rickshaw, along the way there will be many interesting pagodas, turrets and small temples for photographing.
The rest of the museums work on the same schedule, and the average cost is the same.
Video: sights of Hanoi.
Other attractions
Hanoi is ready to offer modern "entertainment". For example, in the modern center there is a chic observation panoramic platform, with telescopes and a small restaurant. It is located on the 72nd floor of the tall skyscraper Keangnam Landmark Tower, open from 10:00 to 22:00.
The cost of a visit here is from 18 to 25 dollars, depending on the complex subscription set, that is, on whether you plan to visit the Museum of Illusions and the observatory hall - on the 71st floor of the same skyscraper, the ticket may also include the right to visit one of the cinema halls or same play area.
For those staying at the hotel in the same building, access to the site is free.
Finding what to see in Hanoi is quite easy, there is everything for every taste. Everyone speaks Russian to some extent, and getting around tourist places is very simple, you just need to tell the rickshaw where to go.
Caitriana Nicholson / flickr.com
Hanoi is the perfect holiday destination. No need to study the subway, try to navigate the addresses or figure out how to cross a busy highway. It is a quiet calm city with very friendly people, a small number of cars compared to other Asian capitals, with an abundance of rickshaws and cyclists.
All this makes staying in Hanoi easy and simple, besides, any currency is accepted everywhere - from local to dollars. The only negative is that payment by cards is possible only in the modern "business" center, in other places you need cash.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, the cultural and political center of the country. Unlike bustling, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is a sedate city. Many monuments of history and architecture of different eras have been preserved here.
Main sights of Hanoi concentrated in the central area of the city. The heart of the city is emerald lake Returned Sword (Hoan Kiem) framed by luxurious green gardens. From the waters of the main city lake rises the ancient Temple of the Jade Mountain. Another picturesque and large lake (Western Lake) is located in the north-west of the city. Once there were palaces of mandarins and kings, seduced by the beauty of these areas. Some of these magnificent mansions can still be seen today.
Pagodas are another landmark of Hanoi. You won't be able to see everything - there are a lot of pagodas. The 11th century One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most famous temples in Hanoi. The miniature pagoda is made in the shape of a lotus.
Tran Quoc built in the 6th century is Hanoi's oldest pagoda. It is a brilliant example of traditional Vietnamese religious architecture. The pagoda stands on an island in West Lake.
The Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius is another attraction of Hanoi. The ensemble of pagodas was created in the 11th century and became the site of the first university in Vietnam.
In Vietnamese capital there is also a Catholic church - the Cathedral of St. Joseph of the 19th century, reminiscent of the Parisian Notre Dame.
Vietnam's national shrine, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, is located in Hanoi. The former president rests in a glass sarcophagus, to which thousands of Vietnamese come to bow every day. IN architectural complex The mausoleum also includes a modest stilt house in which Ho Chi Minh lived and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Extraordinarily colorful old quarter Hanoi, which has preserved its historical appearance for many centuries. In former times, as now, the quarter was commercial and the streets got their names from the types of goods that were presented on each of them: Silk, Shoe, Sugar and others.
The most interesting museum sights of Hanoi— Vietnam History Museum, Revolution Museum, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
Don't miss the show puppet theater on the water.
Arriving in the capital of Vietnam, as if you find yourself in the past. Moreover, in the past of different eras at once - here you have the crooked streets of the old city still inhabited by artisans of various stripes, and the wide boulevards of the French quarter with chic mansions built in colonial style. The era of socialism rules at Badinh Square - long lines line up early in the morning to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, and Russian tourists photograph the monument to Lenin with surprise. Near Hoan Kiem Lake, on the contrary, you want to forget about all the ups and downs of history, it is so calm and beautiful here.Hanoi is multifaceted and extremely interesting, but if you only have a couple of days to get to know it, we offer you several routes for city tours, following which you will see all the main attractions of the capital of Vietnam.
Statue of Emperor Ly Thai To near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi
The easiest way to get around the city is on foot - the distances are relatively short, and during the walk you can see many interesting features of the life of the Vietnamese. Be prepared for the fact that during the tour you will constantly have to maneuver between bikes parked on the sidewalks, saleswomen walking around the city with yokes of drinks and fruits, and locals dining at tiny tables right on the street.
Traditional street cafes
If walking tires you, at any moment you can catch a bike or a cycle rickshaw, they cost mere pennies. Perhaps initially, the traffic will seem crazy to you - the streets are filled with thousands of bikes, and traffic lights, zebras and simple road signs are extremely rare, but do not be afraid - the Vietnamese drive very carefully, and if you confidently and decisively cross the street, you will definitely be let through. We do not recommend renting a bike on your own, after all, for visitors this movement will be too chaotic, and according to the laws of the country, you must have local rights to rent a scooter.
Unusually calm traffic at an intersection in Hanoi
Route one: excursion around Hoan Kiem lake
1. Hanoi Old Quarter
We suggest starting our walk from the old quarter, this is the main tourist area where there are many hotels and restaurants. Geographically, it is north of the lake Hoan Quiem is perhaps the busiest and noisiest area of the city. Once upon a time, this place was called the city of 36 guilds, where each street specialized in the production and sale of certain goods - silk, carpets, paper, silver, baskets, clothes, etc. Now, of course, such a pure handicraft division can no longer be found - all the shops are mixed up, but you can’t imagine a better place to feel the spirit of the oldest Hanoi. Stroll through the many streets, let yourself get lost, observing the simple and open life of the locals, and then head to Nha Chung Street, let's go to be amazed by the replica of Notre Dame de Paris in Hanoi.
Streets in the center of Hanoi
2. Cathedral of St. Joseph
Hanoi Cathedral suddenly appears among the typical unpretentious Vietnamese houses. The legacy of the era of French colonialism, of course, is not as brilliant as in Paris, but it looks very original in Asian scenery. The high vaulted ceilings, magnificent stained-glass windows and the overall Neo-Gothic decoration make an amazing impression, especially when you return to the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Saint Joseph's Cathedral is often compared to Notre Dame cathedrals in Paris and Ho Chi Minh City
3. Hoan Kiem Lake: Turtle Tower, Red Huk Bridge, Jade Mountain Temple
If you exit the main gate of the cathedral and walk along the street that goes straight from it, you will find yourself near one of the most recognizable sights of Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake, which means Lake of the Returned Sword. Here it is pleasant to relax on a bench admiring the serenity of the water surface. Locals in the mornings and evenings arrange jogging and entire fitness classes here. And groups of tourists walking along its banks will learn the legend of how the 15th-century Vietnamese hero Le Loi fished on this lake and found a magic sword. Ten years later, Le Loi led a revolt against the Chinese rulers. Having won, he returned to the lake to thank the spirit for his help. Suddenly, the sword slipped from its scabbard and fell into the water, where it was picked up by a golden tortoise sent by the gods to recover the sword.
Turtle Tower at Hoan Kiem Lake
The three-tiered pavilion that you will see in the center of the lake is turtle tower, and on the island connected to one of the shores of the lake by the red bridge Hook is jade mountain temple, where a giant tortoise is kept, similar to the one about which the legend tells. There you will also find an altar and many locals offering prayers to their patrons.
Red Hook Bridge
The turtle, according to legend, returned the sword to the gods
Jade Mountain Temple Altar
Rite of honoring ancestors
On a note: On the shores of the lake you will find many souvenir shops and cafes. Highly recommend to have a cup of coffee and something sweet in one of them. Thanks to the era of French colonialism, amazing coffee, desserts and baguettes are still prepared here! For relaxation, it is best to choose a cafe in the northern part of the lake, near the square, where several multi-storey buildings are located. Starting from the third or fourth floor, the view from the cafe to the lake is simply amazing.
4. French Quarter
After a short break, let's take a walk south of the lake, in the French Quarter. After the narrow and noisy nooks and crannies of the old city, this is just a breath of fresh air - wide streets, lots of greenery, beautiful residences, luxury hotels, restaurants and shops. It seems as if this is not Hanoi at all :)
Constant contrast in the streets of the French Quarter
Deserves special attention Opera theatre built back in 1911.
Opera House in Hanoi
Route two: a walk near Badinh Square
View in a larger map
1. Temple of Literature
Marvelous a nice place, must see. ancient temple literature was built in 1070. and dedicated to Confucius. In fact, this is the first Hanoi University - a whole complex of rooms, parks and courtyards, where the works of the great thinker were previously studied.
Pond in the courtyard of the Temple of Literature
The results of the training can still be seen within the walls of the temple - in one of the courtyards there are 82 turtles carrying stone steles on their backs, with the results of state exams carved on them and the biographies of those who successfully passed them. Apparently, in order to secure good luck in their studies, an endless stream of Vietnamese schoolchildren flows here, quietly rubbing the heads of turtles.
Dragon meeting at the entrance to the ceremonial hall
On exiting the Temple of Literature, turn left and turn around the corner, there you will see something like the Arbat, but only with an indescribable local color: several dozen "Confucius" sit along the Temple, drawing hieroglyphs for good luck and having lengthy conversations about the meaning of life :)
Followers of Confucius
2. Military Museum
Focusing on our map, from the Temple of Literature we go to the Military Museum. Even when approaching it, you will notice a red brick tower from afar, and in the courtyard - planes, cannons and mines. Welcome to the history of the Vietnam War and the United States. The ticket, as elsewhere, is inexpensive - 30,000 VND, the opening hours are the same as almost everywhere: 8.30-11.30 and 13.00-16.30.
The exposition begins already in the courtyard of the Museum of Military History
3. Badinh Square: Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House and Museum, Presidential Palace
Well, now to the ceremonial center of the nation. On Badinh Square there are a number of main attractions of Hanoi: mausoleum of ho chi minh, his home, museum, and presidential palace. The 168 lawns of the square symbolize the rice plantations of Vietnam, and the wide avenues are perfect for military marches. It is impossible not to notice the mausoleum, every hour there is a changing of the guard near it, wait, it’s rather curious. If you want to see Grandpa Ho, come every day except Monday and Friday from 8 am to 11 am. Now, according to the orientation in place: if you stand facing the mausoleum, then to your right there will be a mustard-colored building of the presidential palace, behind the mausoleum - ho chi minh house, and to the left of it is the museum of the leader of the nation.
The main attraction of Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
On this patriotic note, we conclude our tour of the main attractions of Hanoi. However, it is no secret that people often come to the capital of Vietnam in order to see legendary bay Ha Long nearby. Because we are ready to give you brief instructions how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Halong bay
In truth, we recommend that you contact one of the many travel agencies in Hanoi. You can, of course, take a regular bus from Hanoi to Ha Long on your own, but on the pier you will have to face hundreds of touts, and those who dream of cheating better, take more and give less. Honestly. Based on the reviews of numerous tourists, we advise you to trust the travel agency in this matter. It will offer you to decide on the number of days for the trip: you can choose one when you are picked up from the hotel in the morning, ride around the bay in the afternoon, and return to the city in the evening, or 2-3 - with overnight stays on a boat or one of the islands. You decide. Real prices for a one-day tour start at $17, don't forget to bargain;)
Hanoi is an amazing and pleasant city. All the main sights in it are close to each other, so one day is enough to see them. If you have more time left, we advise you to look at others. And in this article we will talk about the most important historical places in the capital of Vietnam.
Attractions in Hanoi on the map:
Hanoi Citadel
The time of its construction dates back to between 1009 and 1225, during the reign of the Li Dynasty. Excavations are still ongoing on the territory, they were started only in 2000, but even now you can see wells, drainage systems and fragments of ancient walls from the time of this ruling Vietnamese dynasty.
The citadel was open to tourists only in 2010, and still not all tourists visiting Hanoi are in a hurry to get acquainted with this attraction.
The territory of the complex is large. Basically, all the buildings of the Citadel that we see today are restored.
On the territory of the Citadel there is also a bunker where everyone can go down:
Entry fee: 30,000 VND for an adult and 15,000 VND for a child ticket.
Working hours: daily, except Monday, from 08:30 to 11:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
Lake of the Returned Sword and Turtle Temple
The lake, located in the center of Hanoi, is a favorite place for walking locals and tourists. Around the lake there are many benches where you can relax. The Vietnamese love to sit here for hours: eating, drinking, chatting, meeting friends, and even playing the guitar.
Well, the street simulators, beloved by the Vietnamese, could not do without: in the evenings, a real gym unfolds here!
In the middle of the lake there is a small island, and on it stands a small pagoda - the Temple of the Turtle. You can't get there.
It is worth mentioning the legend why the lake is called that and why a temple was built for some turtle.
One day, a Vietnamese youth, Le Loi, rebelled against the Chinese conquerors who had captured Vietnam. In order to liberate the country, he was given a magic sword by the Golden Turtle, who lives in the lake. The sword did its job, and Chinese dominion was defeated. After that, the tortoise took the sword from Le Loi with the words: “To you, Le Loi, a sword was sent to defeat the enemy. Your duty is done, you have won. This sword is terrible only to the invaders, and now return it to me. After that, the turtle with a sword in its mouth plunged to the bottom of the lake.
Near north coast lake there is another island on which there is another pagoda - Jade Mountain Temple. Entrance there is paid - 20,000 VND. To get there, you need to go through the red bridge, which is called the "Morning Sunlight Bridge". Inside this temple is a stuffed animal of one of the endangered giant tortoises, like that that is described in the legend.
This turtle did live in the Lake of the Returned Sword, but because of Hanoi's ecology, its life was threatened. Therefore, she was caught, treated in 2011, and released into the lake. But on January 19, 2016, this turtle still died, and its stuffed animal was put behind glass in the Temple of the Jade Mountain. Currently, there are only four such turtles alive in the world: two in Vietnam (but not in this lake) and two in China.
Military Museum and Hanoi Flag Tower
This place is also called the Vietnamese Army Museum. The most interesting exhibits are exhibited here, in one way or another related to the development of the Vietnamese army. We were most struck by Soviet aircraft and tanks:
It is no secret that the Soviet Union actively supported the Vietnamese army in the fight against the American invaders. The Soviet government supplied the Vietnamese army with its aircraft and weapons novelties, and also sent Soviet soldiers to teach Vietnamese colleagues how to use it all.
And these are Vietnamese traps: stepping into a hole with camouflaged bayonets, American soldiers could no longer move independently:
And it is from this museum that you can climb the famous Hanoi Flag Tower:
Working hours: V weekdays, except Monday and Friday, from 8 am to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 16:30.
Entry fee: 30,000 VND. If you want to take pictures, you will need to pay extra. 20,000 VND, you will not be able to carry the camera unnoticed: all things will need to be folded into the storage room.
Lenin monument
Directly opposite the Military Museum, we see a landmark native to the Russian heart - a monument to V. I. Lenin. Our leader is highly respected here, we got to the memorial service on April 22, Lenin's birthday, and saw wreaths with fresh flowers laid at the monument. So Lenin is not honored today even in our homeland! True, the Vietnamese, as usual, called it in their own way: V.I. LE-NIN written on the pedestal.
We already met the same distortion of a Russian surname at a time where there is an island named after Soviet cosmonaut German Titov. What do you think the name of the island is? Ti Top! Unusual, right?
There is a small square near the Lenin monument in Ho Chi Minh City, which was occupied by skaters. Here you can also rent a gyro scooter or an electric car.
Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and Ba Dinh Square
In the heart of the city is the famous Ba Dinh Square. It is famous for the fact that on September 2, 1945, the first president of North Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, proclaimed the independence of his country on it.
It is very symbolic that it is on this square that the mausoleum of the most beloved Vietnamese leader, the Soviet Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, is now located.
The most interesting thing is that grandfather Ho himself bequeathed to be cremated after his death, and to scatter the ashes on his beloved Vietnam. But his successors decided to do it their own way and immortalize the legendary leader by mummifying him. Or maybe they just saw enough of the Soviet Union with its slogan "Lenin is forever alive" and decided to make themselves the same imperishable idol.
The mausoleum is a three-tier building:
- On the first tier Solemn speeches are made by the supreme rulers of Vietnam.
- Second tier- this is, in fact, the mausoleum itself, where Ho Chi Minh lies under a glass cap. By the way, he is dressed very modestly: in a discreet khaki suit and shoes with rubber soles: exactly the same as he dressed in life. Taking pictures in the mausoleum is strictly prohibited, so you will not find a photo of the mummified Vietnamese leader anywhere.
- The third tier of the mausoleum- upper part with the inscription HO CHI MINH, framed with precious stones.
Every hour at the mausoleum there is an honorary changing of the guard of the military guarding the mausoleum in full dress snow-white uniform.
The mausoleum has been open to the public since 1975. Today, anyone can look at the mummy of Ho Chi Minh City. Entrance to the mausoleum is free for everyone. But the whole trick is that the mausoleum works on strictly defined days and hours.
Allowed time to visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh City— from 8:00 to 11:00 on all days except Monday and Friday. At this time, the entire area is blocked, and in order to get into the mausoleum, you need to go around the entire area and enter through the following door:
You need to be prepared for a huge queue: many people want to get into the mausoleum: from local residents to foreign tourists.
Near the square is the Ho Chi Minh Museum. It is made in the shape of a lotus, which should remind posterity of the noble character of the beloved leader.
In the museum you can see a huge number of historical documents, newspaper articles, exhibits and photographs relating to the public and private life of the leader.
The museum is open daily from 8:00 to 11:30 and from 14:00 to 16:00. On Monday and Friday, the museum closes immediately after lunch.
Entry fee to the museum - 40,000 VND.
Presidential palace
To the left of the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh City (if you stand with your back to the building) is another popular attraction - the Presidential Palace. It was originally built in the 1900s as a residence for the Governor General of French Indochina. But now the palace is the current residence of the Vietnamese president, and it hosts state receptions.
Tourists are not allowed to enter the palace itself, but they can walk along botanical gardens surrounding the palace.
Working hours: from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00.
Entry fee: VND 25,000.
One Pillar Pagoda
On the other side of the Mausoleum (to the right, if you stand with your back to the building), right in front of the entrance to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, there is another small but famous landmark of Hanoi - a one-pillar pagoda. It is very easy to miss it, as it is located in a small courtyard.
The pagoda really stands on one pillar, in a small lake with lotuses. But the size of the pagoda is not impressive.
Temple of Literature
Entrance to the Temple of Literature
Built in 1070 in honor of Confucius and his students. 6 years after the construction on the basis of the temple, the first university in Vietnam was opened for children of mandarins, or high-ranking officials. In one of the courtyards of the temple there are steles with the names and achievements of those graduates who received the degree of doctor of science in the exams.
Turtles holding name boards
In 1802 National University was moved to the new capital, Hue, and the old university in Hanoi remained in the same form as before, and is now called the Temple of Literature.
Interesting fact. It is here that you can see the building depicted on the 100,000 dong bill:
Working hours: from April 15 to October 15 from 07:30 to 17:30; the rest of the year from 08:00 to 17:00.
Entry fee: VND 30,000 for an adult ticket, children under 15 years old - free of charge.
Hanoi Cathedral (Saint Joseph Church)
This is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the city: its construction began in 1886. Outwardly, it looks a bit like Notre Dame Cathedral. The Vietnamese love to copy everything: we saw another similar cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City.
The cathedral is active, you can go inside and listen to the service:
In addition to seeing the city's sights, people come to Hanoi to go on a tour of here, to the province of Ninh Binh, nicknamed "Halong on land" and to the mountain town of Sapa, where you can climb to the top of Indochina -.
Choose and book good hotel to Hanoi with discounts from Booking:
A unique combination of western and eastern charm intertwined in the most elegant and exotic capital of Asia - Vietnamese Hanoi. The city serves as a gateway for all adventure seekers in the mountainous north of the country and the rocky islands of Halong Bay. Temples and pagodas here are comfortably combined with elegant colonial villas, narrow streets, alleys and boulevards lined with trees. For all its timeless charm, Hanoi is a 21st-century metropolis where the main draw is the city's relative unpopularity with the average tourist. You can immerse yourself in the charm of a century of exposure in just a couple of minutes, just by taking a step into the depths of the streets of the Old City and letting the Asian kaleidoscope of colors and sounds capture you entirely.
Guide content:
native Belavia does not yet fly directly to Hanoi, but with a transfer in Moscow and a further flight in cooperation with Vietnam Airlines, or Emirates get to your destination from € 650 for a round-trip.
Of course, the simplest option does not mean the cheapest one, and if you want to save some money and get to Moscow by land, then China Southern per day with transfers in Guangzhou or Wuhan, slowly but surely will bring you to the capital Hanoi for only € 300 for both tickets. It's worth it to push around the airports. Aeroflot he also offers to fly in just 9 hours, but he will also charge more Chinese for it - from € 450.
A cool feature of the city is the recently launched electric cars, not quite public transport, because the cars ride only around the main attractions along the route of 7 km, but if you need to move close and in style, then they will take you for € 0.70.
The usual taxi is not very developed here, and the alternative to it is a motorcycle taxi - the most extreme type of movement around the city. Usually motorcycle taxi drivers wear a blue helmet (a helmet is not issued to a passenger), you can catch them at every corner, the fare should not exceed € 1 for 5 kilometers. Watch your bags and wallets, there are a lot of thieves among motor drivers!
Very popular among tourists are bicycle taxis, which are comparable in speed to a walk on foot, but you proudly sit in a cart. Suitable only for short distances and the price depends solely on the phase of the moon.
If you have a good level of driving in extreme conditions, then you can rent a motorcycle or a scooter. You don’t need to look specifically, at the reception of any hotel they will organize it in 5 minutes, the cost is about € 5 per day. Good bikes offer Mr Cao's(106 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District)
And Quan's Motorbike & Bicycle Rental (70 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District)
. You can also rent a bicycle there, but this is already a completely suicidal option.
Perhaps the most popular hostel among backpackers with the original name Backpacker Hostels (48 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem District) deserves the top spot on the list. Accommodation in rooms for up to 10 people on wide beds, with quality mattresses, clean bed linen(this is really a rarity in Asia!), large lockers and a personal reading lamp. All rooms are air-conditioned and have their own shower room. Ngo Huyen is a very busy street that has all the tourist services you need, such as tour bookings, bike rentals, bars and restaurants, and is within walking distance of the lake. But it is especially famous for its international parties. Price per bed - € 7.
The rooms are a bit more modest, but for only € 3, a fairly popular hostel also offers Hanoi Party Backpacker (6C Duong Thanh) located in the famous Old Quarter of the city. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay, and even give out free slippers and toiletries. There is a small pleasant garden in the backyard. You can play table football in the lobby and enjoy free beer in the evening. Well, isn't it a beauty?
Street food in Vietnam is a huge part Everyday life people, and here it is represented simply by a huge variety. National cuisine close to the South Chinese, but the French colonial policy left its mark. Therefore, do not be surprised when you meet hundreds of stalls on the street with fairly familiar sandwiches, baguettes and croissants.
It is very easy to navigate in street eateries: as a rule, the name of the establishment indicates what kind of dish is prepared here. The narrow specialization of dishes is extremely popular. If you want to cook something very well, cook only this dish!
The main street brand - Pho soup - did not eat it, consider that you have not been to Vietnam. Variations of the soup are different: with chicken meat, beef, seafood. It is sold absolutely everywhere where you see small plastic chairs on the street. If you want to sit in an institution, then the coolest place with pho is located near Lake Sword and is called that - Pho24 (1 Hang Khay | French Quarter) . The portions are always huge, one is enough for two. Prices are different, but on average they ask for € 1 to 2 per bowl. A whole bowl of greens is always supposed to go with the soup.
Two more best places for soup - Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan) And Pho Lam Nam Ngu (7 Nam Ngu). The former is rightfully known for its veal pho, which has been served here for over 60 years. The line of customers starts far outside the doors. On the tables you will notice several types of sauces. The most unusual of them is Nuok Mam, which is the juice of fermented fish. Smells repulsive, but tastes pretty good. Especially since you want to be like the locals, right? And they love it very much. A completely trashy option is Mam Tom shrimp sauce, but it's better not to touch it.
Vietnam is one of the largest coffee producing and drinking countries. Hanoi's favorite pastime is sitting in cafes, enjoying coffee while crazy traffic rushes through the busy streets. The most famous type of coffee is ca phe sua da or iced coffee, but there are many other unusual varieties.
The most interesting coffee with an egg, which is not so easy to find. Great place - cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan). This old establishment, located on a narrow path, specializes in cafe trung. Despite more expensive price than standard coffee in Vietnam, the combination of coffee and egg works surprisingly well. Price per cup - from € 1.5.
Cafe chain Cong Caphe (32 Dien Bien Phu and 54 Hang Dieu) offers a retro-communist chic vibe popular with students and low-income locals. This is a great place for coffee and is right next to popular attractions.
The famous cafe located near the city center Lam (60 Nguyen Huu Huan | Old Quarter) is one of the oldest cafes in Hanoi. The charming atmosphere of this old place is complemented by antiques, art collections and rare books carefully arranged on the shelves. The unique atmosphere literally transports you back in time as you enjoy piping hot or iced coffee with a generous helping of condensed milk.
The cutest cafe lurks in the narrow cobbled streets of the old quarter of Hanoi PhoCo (11 Hang Gai, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem) . The cafe offers its customers a large selection of Vietnamese coffee and pastries for every taste. Fresh coffee beans are roasted right here to bring a cup of invigorating and fragrant drink to your table. From the rooftop of the cafe, picturesque views of the Lake of the Returned Sword open up.
Cafe located near the Cathedral of St. Joseph Indigenous (36 Au Trieu Hoan Kiem Old Quarter) It's more of a shop than a cafe. However, here customers can brew their coffee in the coffee machine and then sit outside the store to enjoy it. The owners of the establishment use some of the best coffee beans grown by local farmers nearby.
Tucked away in a cozy corner, not far from Long Biên Bridge, a small cafe Nhi (72 Phu Lo, Soc Son) it's usually so busy that you might have to hang out outside. They serve espresso-based coffee drinks, silky lattes, and local Vietnamese coffees. Fragrant and tasty.
Ca Phe Xom (8b Hang Tre) is a stylish small chamber cafe on the edge of the Old Quarter, which lures with a creative atmosphere and cozy design. Most people in the cafe are regulars, but this does not mean that they are unfriendly to the traveler(s) who does not understand how they got here. Thankfully, despite regular events and an active Facebook page, Xom Cafe remains relatively unknown and too small to be pop.
Constantly crowded but always friendly Drew Coffee (58 Nguyen Huu Huan Street) offers a wide range of coffees, but a special reason to come here is to try Kopi Luwak coffee, made by a small animal called civet. You have probably already heard about poop coffee, so you have every chance!
And if you want to go for a walk, then go to Trieu Viet Vuong Street, or “coffee street”, where all the cafes serve coffee for every taste. But our favorites D "Alice (89 Trieu Viet Vuong) and cafe Thai (27 Trieu Viet Vuong) .
In general, in Vietnam, with it right on a grand scale street culture eating in restaurants is somehow not comme il faut, but if you have a special occasion, then visit Green Tangerine Restaurant Hanoi (48 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem) where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese and French cuisine in a quaint setting. The restaurant is housed in a renovated 1920s French villa furnished with antiques. It is also surrounded by a lush garden where you can enjoy duck breast carpaccio in fruit sauce, roasted pigeon and caramelized pork ears. Price - from € 7 per dish.
Order "boon cha" at a family restaurant Bun Cha Dac Kim (ng Gai Hoàn Kiếm, 1 Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai) , which is already about half a century old, and they will bring you a generous portion of thin rice bun rice noodles, a bowl of grilled juicy cutlets and pieces of meat, fish sauce with slices of green papaya and a plate of greens, where among a pile of incomprehensible leaves you can find familiar basil, salad and mint. Get ready to mix the ingredients in a bowl of “stock sauce”: some noodles, a couple of cutlets, a mint or lettuce leaf, garlic and chili to taste (if in doubt about how to eat right, just look around and follow the example of others). In addition to "boon-cha", you can also order Nem- Crispy spring rolls fried in boiling oil.
A dish that perfectly illustrates the influence of France on Vietnamese food - Bit Tet or beef steak - includes fried beef, french fries, runny egg and a dollop of pâté, usually served on a sizzling hot pan. A hot skillet is great for cold evenings, a special local chic is to wipe hot beef fat with slices of fresh baguette. Check out this Franco-Vietnamese hybrid at Bit Tet Ngon (299 Giang Vo) outside the city center or Bit Tet Ong Loi (51 Hang Buom) right in the Old Quarter.
Sot vang literally translates to "yellow sauce" and is another example of French cuisine adapted to Vietnamese tastes. Based on beef sautéed in red wine, cinnamon and star anise, eaten with a baguette to soak up the delicious broth. Excellent sot-wang can be found in Qua Tang Thien Su (252 Hang Bong) in the Old Quarter. Or try the creative combination of Pho and Sot vang at the 3 Tran Phu eatery next to the train station.
IN Sen Hanoi (60 Ly Thai B) serves a variety of buffet-style dinners in a sophisticated setting. Elegant black and white neo-colonial decor, huge chandeliers, mirrors, snow-white tablecloths and wooden furniture will please the gourmet's eyes. The price of pleasure is € 10 (not including drinks), for which you will be offered a variety of Asian and European delicacies, including more than 60 traditional dishes from three regions of Vietnam. Outstanding dishes include fried lobster, fresh salmon, oysters, sashimi, crab and escargot, as well as Vietnamese spring buns, cha cha (grilled fish) and banh duk (Vietnamese cake).
Luxury option La Terrasse Du Metropole (15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem) offers rich travelers an extensive menu, which consists of traditional French cuisine and refreshing drinks. Evenings are usually crowded, so book a table in advance. Here you can enjoy a live performance by a resident saxophonist and dine on cool French dishes such as Milanese Australian veal with a special variety of potatoes and mushroom sauce. Come here for lobster too. Prices - from € 15 per dish.
Hanoi, let's say right away, is not famous for its nightclubs and most establishments close at midnight, but still we have selected for you interesting options scattered throughout the city, with the best bars, clubs and live music!
Legendary nightlife destination french quarter- jazz club Binh Minh (1 Trang Tien Street, French Quarter, Hoan Kiem) is a cozy corner where you can listen to the performances of the best jazz musicians in the city. It was created back in 1998 by the pioneering Vietnamese artist Van Minh, who has performed all over the world. The club features minimal decor, cozy seating, warm lighting and good service. The menu includes classic cocktails, imported beers, whiskeys and coffees. Performances take place between 21:00 and 23:30 every night. Cocktails - from € 4, open until midnight.
The Bank Hanoi (6th Floor, Capital Bulding, 41 Hai Ba Trung) is the largest nightclub in Hanoi boasting three dance floors. The nightclub is located on the sixth floor of the Capital Bulding building, which offers a beautiful view of the center of Hanoi. The music policy includes hip hop, rave, and deep house, and drinks are relatively inexpensive compared to most nightclubs in Hanoi. The entrance is free.
Hanoi Press Club (59A Ly Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem) is an upscale club offering excellent service and a sophisticated atmosphere, both inside and in the gentlemen's style bar on the large terrace on the third floor. The well-equipped room offers a variety of wines and cocktails, as well as delicious snacks. Live music from Thursday to Sunday.
Hang Gai is the main shopping street of the city, where you can find all kinds of items, from silk clothes and embroidered paintings to antiques and all kinds of ethnic handicrafts.
A cool store with all sorts of handmade items, which is worth a look, even if you do not plan to buy anything - this is Craft Link (43 & 51 Văn Miếu) , located across the street from the Temple of Literature. This shop is bursting with an abundance of fine goods and is run by an organization that raises funds to improve the livelihood of artisans in the villages.
For art lovers, galleries abound in the area around Lake of the Returned Sword. Prices for painting range from frankly high to completely ridiculous, in fact, as well as quality. The style of Vietnamese modernist painting prevails, quite bright and spectacular.
Hang Gai Street or Silk Street is the best place in Hanoi to buy high quality, fashionable silk materials, traditional Vietnamese clothing and home furnishings. The entire 300-meter length of the street is lined with fashion boutiques and tailor shops that have been operating for decades. The outfit will be sewn within 24 hours, although it is better to boldly hint in advance that you are not particularly in a hurry with this matter, otherwise they may hastily sew inaccurately. As with most outlets throughout Vietnam, bargaining is welcome, starting at 50% of the asking price and paying no more than 70%. In addition to silk shops, there are a number of souvenir shops on the street, as well as art galleries, such as Thang Long Art Gallery (41 Hang Gai,) And Green Palm Gallery (15 Trang Tien street & 39 Hang Gai street).
Street name hang Bac is pronounced here as a synonym for jewelry ("bac" in translation means "silver"). For hundreds of years, this atmospheric little street has retained many small jewelry stores selling rings, necklaces and many types of inexpensive fashion items.
Nha Tho Street is opposite St. Joseph's Cathedral and is packed with small fashion shops. In particular, Things of Substance (5 Nha Tho Street) is a lovely Australian store selling Vietnamese style clothing in western sizes and Mu Accessories (11 Nha Thờ) sells some incredible stuff!
Hang Dau Street absolutely unbelievable due to the huge number of stores selling one thing: shoes! Hundreds of sellers sell their goods - from boutiques to shoes simply laid out on oilcloth. Basically, the assortment of women's shoes of local Vietnamese tailoring, men's shoes are also available, but only in small, quite standard for Vietnamese, sizes.
Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Hanoi Weekend Night Market (các phố -‡o, H‡ng Ngang) is a busy, bustling meeting of hundreds of stalls and local merchants that draws huge crowds of locals and tourists. The market is organized from 19:00 starting from Hang Dao street. At this time, the street is illuminated with decorative lights, which makes it a paradise for photographers. Here you will find a wide range of inexpensive T-shirts, accessories, shoes, sunglasses and souvenirs. Sometimes cultural performances are held here, where locals in traditional costumes play Vietnamese music, as well as classical tunes. You can also eat various Vietnamese dishes here for cheap.
Founded in 1889, the most old market Dong Xuan (Dong Xuan and Hang Chieu Sts.) located in a four-story Soviet-style building on the northern edge of the Old Quarter. It is also known as Hanoi's largest domestic market, offering a wide range of goods: food, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronics. In a huge sector on the ground floor, locals buy seafood, meat and vegetables, and on the back they buy pets (cats, dogs and fish) and fresh flowers from all over Vietnam. Inside the market, there is a huge canteen that sells Vietnamese coffee and local dishes for under €1. Don't forget to pick up the classic Vietnamese conical hat!
Lotte Center Hanoi (54 Liễu Giai, Cống Vị, Ba Đình) offers a wide range of approximately 250 local and European brands. The 65-storey building houses a hypermarket, a hotel, residential apartments, restaurants, gym, spa and the best observation deck in the city.
Right next to the lake Thanh Cong a huge food market begins. A couple of stalls sell dog meat (including smoked), a whole row is dedicated to shellfish, there are also pigeons, turtles and other strange animals. The market is very colorful and is located in a labyrinth on the streets among dense buildings.
Map of hanoi with sights from the guide
Throughout Vietnam, fraud with the rental of mopeds is actively practiced. By law, you need to have a Vietnamese license to rent, but this is always turned a blind eye. However, the cops can dig in and demand a fine of €75. And legally they are right, so you have to bargain hard and usually you will get away with €5. But such bases are rare.
A widely favorite method of fraud with the same mopeds is to declare that you scratched him, they say. Therefore, before renting, carefully examine his moped with the owner of the office, and even better, completely photograph the places with damage that were before you.
Another popular scam - a very friendly Vietnamese meets you on the street and persistently invites you to visit, where they cook just a royal dinner for you. And then a huge bill is issued, arguing that the owners bought a bunch of food for the guest to treat, and here it is customary for the guest to pay for it. And here it all depends on your arrogance.
Keep in your wallet small bills for travel, a paid toilet and other small services. Because you may not get the change.
If taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers bring you not to your hotel, but to any other, arguing that yours burned down, a plane fell on it, a UFO stole it, and in general, it has long been closed - do not believe it. It's just that hotels pay extra money to drivers for bringing customers. Or just a hotel of his relatives.
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