Hanoi

Situated on the bank of Red River, Hanoi is considered a pearl of Southeast Asia. With historic temples and pagodas, well-preserved colonial structures and exquisite cuisine, Hanoi offers its guests a unique and charming experience to be found nowhere else. At the heart of the Red River Delta, Hanoi is one of the most fascinating cities in the region.

Hanoi used to be called Thang Long or the “Soaring Dragon”. This 1000-year-old capital of Vietnam has a gentle grace with shadowed boulevards, crowded themed streets and a variety of beautiful lakes, temples, pagodas and museums. Hanoi is best known for the emerald Hoan Kiem Lake and the vibrant Old Quarter with a myriad of boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. There are also a number of not-to-miss sites stamped with its traditional culture or French colonial influence: the National History Museum, Hanoi Opera House, Old Quarter, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, to name just a few.

• Hoan Kiem lake: Right in the southeast fringe of the Old Quarter is Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s heart and soul. There are many lakes in the city, but this is a true gem. Its iconic Tortoise Temple, Pearl Islet, Red Bridge of Rising Sun and the five-story Pen Tower are everlasting symbols of Hanoian's love for art and peace.
• Temple of Literature is a historical complex with peaceful and gorgeous settings, just a short distance from the Old Quarter. The temple was constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius and also served as the first national university of Vietnam.
• Vietnamese Water Puppet has been on the show since 11th century. This rustic art form has thrived and moved from rural communal house to royal court, city theatres and international festival stages, entertaining millions of hearts with classic and timeless themes.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Hanoi has a number of lakeside pagodas and temples, in which Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake Island is the eldest and the most famous one. It was founded around 6th century and named “Khai Quoc” (the founding of a nation) by King Ly Nam De.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is Uncle Ho’s final resting place set in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by the imposing Ho Chi Minh Museum, the gorgeous Presidential Palace and tranquil Uncle Ho’s Home.
• One Pillar Pagoda is an iconic pagoda built in 1049 by King Ly Thai To with the shape of a lotus to worship the Goddess of Mercy. It can be found right next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
• Old Quarters: Packed with boutiques, restaurants, cafes and shops, the Old Quarter is the most fantastic hub in Hanoi. It is definitely worth wandering around these vibrant streets to explore Hanoian culture, to enjoy local delicacies, to practice some bargaining and even just to get lost in the heart of ancient Thang Long Capital.
• The Museum of Ethnology is Hanoi’s biggest museum with colorful exhibits of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The museum was designed by famous Vietnamese and French architects, uniquely in shape of Vietnam traditional Dong Son Drum.
• Quan Thanh Temple is the second oldest temple in Hanoi, dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu, God of Northern Vietnam. The temple is also one of the four shrines guarding the old Thang Long Capital according to traditional belief.
• Bat Trang Ceramic Village was founded approximately 600 years ago and has remained the biggest ceramic centre of Vietnam. Its products are admired worldwide for creativity, vivid colors and sophisticated decorations.
• Tay Phuong Pagoda sits on top of a hill in Yen Village, Ha Tay province. The pagoda boasts a great collection of 80 exquisite statues, including many sculptures, masterpieces of the acient Vietnam civilization, dated back to 7th century A.D.