The residents of Hanoi, like those of most of the country are, and have for many generations been, devoutly religious people and this is evident in the number of Buddhist temples and pagodas to be found throughout the city.
Visitors with an interest in Buddhist culture and others with a simple appreciation for aesthetics will be fascinated by the city’s popular landmarks and well known tourist attractions.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum attraction:
The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh or ‘Uncle Ho’ as he is affectionately named, is held in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which is open daily for public viewing and is undoubtedly the city’s most popular attraction. Visitors must leave cameras and bags at a checkpoint before entering the building to witness this once great leader’s remains.
Proper reverence and decorum must be observed at all times. It sits along side the impressive soviet-styled Ba Dinh Square, rather practical for military parades but otherwise expansive and featureless. Behind the Mausoleum is the former Government house and humble quarters where Ho Chi Minh ran Northern Vietnam from for 18 years.
Old Quarter - tourist attraction:
The city’s Old Quarter is a veritable labyrinth of winding streets in which a myriad of traditional old fashioned tradesmen are located. Purveyors of silk products, textiles, religious objects, jewellery and antiques provide the opportunity for hours of wandering and perusing and when your feet begin to hurt, there’s no shortage of places to sit down and enjoy a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee.
Temple of Literature attraction:
Originating from the 11th century city that was founded by Emperor Ly Thanth Tong, the Temple of Literature is a fascinating historical building that was once the most holy dwelling of the disciples of Confucius. Several small buildings and a series of walled courtyards comprise the entire structure which is open daily for public viewing and regularly attracts large numbers of visitors.
One Pillar Pagoda attraction:
Constructed in honour of the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the One Pillar Pagoda is a building with some interesting historical significance as well as being one of the city’s most interesting structures from an architectural perspective. As the Pagoda was constructed to mark the bearing of a son by the Emperor and his wife, locals like to come here and pray for fertility and pregnancy. The pagoda is built to resemble as lotus flower.
Quan Thanh Temple attraction:
Dedicated to the sacred figure Tran Vu Quan, the Quan Thanh Temple was built in the 11th century during the reign of King Ly Thai To and later in 1893 was subject to renovations which gave it the appearance that it has today. A statue of Tran Vu Quan cast in black bronze is one of the more interesting features of the temple while a 1.5 metre-high bronze bell is also worthy of mention.
Ngoc Son Temple attraction:
Located in the middle of the Hoan Kiem Lake central to the city, Ngoc Son Temple is a structure which dates back to the 18th century and is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The temple is of significant historical interest having been built initially as a dedication to various sacred Buddhist figures. On the causeway leading to the temple, visitors can view traditional writings known as ‘cau doi’.
Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre attration:
Located at the north east bank of the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre is one of the city’s most popular indoor attractions and draws full houses at most performances with both locals and tourists making up the crowd. The ancient art of water puppetry is demonstrated with genuine skill and finesse and it’s easy to get drawn into the short tales that the puppets are used to tell even if you are unable to understand the Vietnamese commentary.
- Hanoi travel guide
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- Hanoi Tourist Attractions
