The capital of Vietnam - Hanoi, the sights of the city
If you have been thinking about visiting Vietnam on your own, then your adventures will probably start either from Saigon or the city of Hanoi. By the way, the capital of Vietnam is not Ho Chi Minh City, but just the same northern Hanoi. Having visited both of these cities, I can say with confidence that it is worth going there and there. Reading reviews of tourists and choosing sights of Hanoi to visit, came to the following list:
- Old Quarter
- green water lake
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Chan Quoc Pagoda
- Hanoi citadel
- Long Bien Bridge
- Street with a train
- Halong Bay
- Sapa
- Lenin Square
- Museums
- street art street
- A little more about the sights
Hanoi old quarter
Old quarter in Hanoi city This is one big attraction. This is where you can feel the spirit and history of Vietnam. Old Quarter of Hanoiold quarter) or whatever it is called quarter 36 streets, the place is so bright and colorful that it will make you click the camera without ceasing.
About the history, personal impressions of the visit and more photos, see the article 36 streets of Hanoi.
Walking through the narrow streets, be sure to try vietnamese cuisine. Check out the local artisans and odds and ends vendors for amazing prices.
Another plus to visiting the old quarter is the opportunity to see the main sights of the capital of Vietnam. central place - hoan kiem lake.
Jade Mountain Temple and Rising Sun Bridge Kau Thehun
The Green Water Lake, as the locals call it, is the centerpiece of Hanoi. A park is laid out around, the streets are often blocked from annoying scooters, and tourists capture all the observation platforms. Attention attracts rising sun bridge, bright red and always crowded. According to my observation, it is visited not only by foreigners, but also by the Vietnamese themselves.
The bridge leads to jade mountain temple. Visiting which is possible only at certain hours and for a small fee. Remember - this is a temple, so avoid revealing clothes and bare body parts. Normal opening hours until 18:00.
Turtle Island
Nearby there is another attraction of Hanoi - Turtle Island. A beautiful legend about this place in a separate article dedicated to Green lake.
I highly recommend visiting Hoan Kiem Lake both during the day and in the evening. The place looks completely different.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
In the capital there is a mausoleum of the first president of Vietnam and the main revolutionary - Ho Chi Minh (Nguyen Shinh Kung). Huge badinh square was a landmark place in September 1945. This is where the independence of Vietnam was proclaimed. Therefore, it is not surprising that it was decided to build a mausoleum for the leader of the revolution here.
Ho Chi Minh died in 1969, bequeathed to be cremated, but party comrades decided otherwise. Soviet experts embalmed the body of the former president and hid it for several years. The main reason is the war with America, which ended only in 1973.
The architect was invited Harold Isakovich, who at one time was responsible for the construction of another famous mausoleum.
The project of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum was completed by the end of the summer of 1975.
Chan Quoc Pagoda
While walking in the city of Hanoi, you will definitely see the pagodas. Some are small and do not attract attention, but there are those that are really mesmerizing. Worthy of special attention chan quoc pagoda is the oldest temple in Hanoi.
You can visit for free from 8:00 to 16:00, the place is touristic, there are a lot of people. Remember, when visiting the pagodas of Vietnam, shorts, dresses and revealing outfits should be avoided.
Hanoi citadel
Even if you are not going to visit the citadel, you will certainly see it! The thirty-meter banner tower is located just opposite Lenin Square.
Long Bien Bridge
Another unique attraction of Hanoi - long bien bridge. The place is notable for several factors. Firstly, the bridge was built by the legendary French engineer - Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, yes, the same Eiffel who is responsible for the Eiffel Tower.
Secondly, the Long Bien Bridge has told so much in its long life that you wonder how it still hasn't collapsed. Made of metal, which with all its appearance repels tourists from visiting. But the locals use it as before, moving completely without rules and logic.
The bridge was a real road and connection with China, it is not surprising that it suffered during the wars. So the Americans were able to bomb it in 1967, and after that in 1972. Surprisingly, the Vietnamese managed to restore it, the look has changed, but not drastically, and most of the French metal is still in place.
Hanoi Street Train - a street with a train
While visiting the capital of Vietnam, I made a list of places to see for a long time. One of the points sights of Hanoi there was a very famous street where the train passes.
For a long time I googled the schedule, when it is better to come and other information. However, upon arrival, we were informed that it seems like trains no longer run through this street. Is it so? Probably yes, since everything is blocked by barriers and fences. Is it worth it to despair? Of course not! The place still remains interesting, and maybe just in time for your trip the trains will start running again.
Halong Bay
Of course, this attraction is not located in the city itself, but if you come to Hanoi, I highly recommend visiting the bay. Read the full review, how to get there, feedback and impressions in the material Halong Bay in Vietnam.
Tours to the bay start from $30 per person. There are options and 2-3 day cruises. Excursions with a transfer are actively sold in the city, there are many tourist points. Plus take on the Internet:
- see real reviews
- transparent price
- can be planned in advance
Highly Rated Day Trips to Halong Bay
Sapa (or sometimes pronounced and spelled Shapa)
Another of the sights of Vietnam that are easiest to see from the capital - that's why the place made it to our list. It is here that the terraced rice fields are located, which can be seen in the photos and videos in commercials.
Sapa is quite far from Hanoi, so most tours offer an overnight stay or a night road. There are many options for 2+ day. There are also differences in prices, basic packages start at $40.
Lenin Square
If you look at it, then Lenin is not at all alien to communist Vietnam, which means there should be a monument. Probably, the government had such logic. The leader's square is located almost in the center, opposite the Hanoi citadel.
Local youth usually gather here, as well as lovers of strange Vietnamese games.
Museums in Hanoi
When visiting Hanoi, you will certainly make your list of attractions and it is up to you to decide whether to include museums in it. The choice is really impressive, I will highlight only a few popular ones:
- Museum of Vietnamese Ethnology
- Hanoi Hilton
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Army Museum
street art street
Street art street of Vietnamese artists. Murals of different sizes, but united by the general concept of authentic Vietnam.
The place is not the most popular, there will definitely not be crowds of tourists here, but if you have time, then add it to the list to visit.
Vietnam, Hanoi attractions that are around you
In addition to the list of attractions, there are many more interesting things. The first is people. Vietnamese - very unusual people, watching them is a special kind of pleasure, so just pay attention to the locals.
Vietnam - this is about an unrealistic number of scooters and mopeds. You will be amazed at the ability of the Vietnamese to transport the whole family and a bunch of things on a small motorcycle.
Monuments in communist style. They can be found throughout the city, and they look like ours, but with Asian flavors.
Pagodas. In the capital of Vietnam, there are many small temples that you can see on almost every street. And even if they are not as famous as for example Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho Province, but the atmosphere in them will not be worse.
french architecture. The city has hundreds of buildings dating back to the time when France ruled Vietnam.
Nightlife. Hanoi is quite inexpensive, the prices in establishments are more than reasonable, so do not miss the opportunity to see the lights of the capital of Vietnam.
And finally. Hanoi can surprise every corner and street, walk more around the city and you will surely be delighted.
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Just like from another world! The places are impressive, but this year trips are so far out of reach ((