HaNoi Tour

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE


The Temple of Literature has turned into a symbol of Hanoi in many ways: you can see it on a bank note, you can see it on street signs. This is a site where history and traditions have been given a continual spirit.

Founded in 1070, Temple of Literature started as a place to worship Confucius. Six years later, in 1076, it was turned to a National University (Quốc tử giám). This carries a significant importance, since it was the first time Vietnam had an education system that is based on merit - allowing anyone that is studious enough to have the chance to climb social ladder and gain high ranks in the government. When you come inside, you can still see, on both sides, turtle steles with names honoring talents. That is the reason why Temple of Literature is one of popular graduation photo spots for students.

The architecture of the Temple of Literature retains a sense of solemnity and harmony. It has been upgraded and renovated many times in history. Recently, the site was chosen by artists to showcase exhibitions, infusing into this old site a new life force.

IMPERIAL CITADEL OF HANOI


Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a site with historical, archeological, and cultural importance. In 2010, it was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage.

It is a site with historical importance. Its existence is directly correlated with the movement of the Vietnamese capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Hanoi, in 2010. Right from the start, the Citadel was designed and set up as a residence for the king and royal family, as well as the place where domestic and international meetings are held. Hanoi city is basically the outer layer, and the citadel is its core. Therefore, nowadays we can still see four gates of the former city, in four directions.

It is a site with archeological importance. The citadel was the heart of many Vietnamese dynasties over 8 centuries, and this continuity of governance leaves a great collection of artifacts. In 2002, when Hanoi’s Congress building was built, the Citadel archeological site was unearthed, revealing many layers. The site was continually explored in a period of 10 years, and currently the relics are open to visitors.

It is a site with cultural importance. With its grand scale and central location, it has been chosen as a place to hold important national and international festivals.

HANOI OLD QUARTER
Established in the 11th century, Hanoi Old Quarter was the main commercial center of Thang Long citadel over a long period. Situated right on the edge of the Red River, Old Quarter attracted many merchants and artisans from neighboring provinces, as well as from China and India. That convergence turned Hanoi Old Quarter into a dynamic hub of trading, culture, architecture, many of which are still preserved until now.

Hanoi Old Quarter is only 100ha, divided into 10 wards and 76 streets. Though densely populated, it is a lively area. When you come here, you can do many things: shop, cafe hopping, explore its typical tunnel houses, as well visiting different architectural relics, such as Ma May Old House, Canton Assembly Hall, or Hang Bac Temple.

HANOI CATHEDRAL
Built in 1884-1886, Hanoi Cathedral is one of the earliest, most beautiful Catholic architectures in Hanoi. It was inaugurated in Christmas 1997 and is a popular religious gathering site of devout Catholics, as well as for locals and visitors.

The Cathedral is designed in Gothic style, blending with some features that honor Vietnamese architecture and to adapt with local climate. The building is built right in the convergence of three streets in the Old Quarter, blending elements of residential, spiritual and commercial into a nice harmony.

HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM

Out of many architectures in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is a site with historical, cultural and historical importance. Located opposite Congress building and on Ba Dinh square where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, the mausoleum carries a vibe of solemnness.

The decision to build the mausoleum was made in 1969, but only until 1975 was the site finished. The project attracted ideas and efforts from Vietnamese architects, historians in and outside Vietnam, as well as consultation and technical support from the Soviet Union.

The building was built in a way that is solid, harmonious, yet accessible. It is surrounded by many types of trees and flowers donated from all over Vietnam, and situated next to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Stilt house, where the president spent his last years working.

It is important to pay attention to the time and clothing choice when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.

ETHNOLOGY MUSEUM

Museum of Ethnology is a museum that is rich in information, beautiful in architecture, and is founded on principles of anthropology.

Set up in 1997, Museum of Ethnology is a comprehensive archive and representation of many ethnic groups in Vietnam. It has three main areas: Bronze Drum Building, Kite Building and Architecture Garden.

The Bronze Drum Building is shaped after the Dong Son drum, a type of ancient bronze drum created by the Đông Sơn culture that existed in the Red River Delta. The building has an area of 2000m2. Its archive showcases the most fundamental facts of main cultural sub-groups in Vietnam, divided into two main floors.

The Architecture Garden is a vivid, impressive part of the Museum of Ethnology. Coming here, you will have the chance to appreciate real-size houses of some main ethnic groups, such as the tomb house of the Ede people, and the communal house of people in Central Highlands.

The Kite Building is an archive of Southeast Asian cultures.

Altogether, Museum of Ethnology is educational, comprehensive, and vivid - a rare museum with such a combination in Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

The Vietnam Museum of Fine Art was established in 1966. It is located right in the center, in the same vicinity as the Temple of Literature, Thang Long Citadel, and Ho Chi Minh complex.

The museum has an area of about 4.737m2, of which the exhibition area is about 3000m2. Aside from the main area, the museum has theme-based exhibitions by Vietnamese painters and artists.

The architecture of the museum is a blend of French architecture and traditional Vietnamese of the Ly dynasty. When the first director of the museum, Nguyen Do Cung, took the role of leadership, he managed to infuse traditional elements into a modern architectural site.

When you visit Museum of Fine art, you will have the chance to explore a comprehensive collection of art artifacts, enjoy theme-based exhibitions, as well as appreciate precious paintings and sculptures that have been recognized as national treasures, such as bodhisattva with a thousand arms, or the painting “the maiden and the Lily” by painter To Ngoc Van.