Hanoi

Discover Hanoi’s history at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

While you’ll be hit in the face with Vietnam’s modern achievements (dating back to the Vietnam War), the history of this country runs deep. There’s no better way to discover it than to visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Built during the Ly Dynasty in 1010, the Citadel remained the centre of the Vietnamese Court for eight centuries, until it Nguyen Dynasty moved the capital to Hue in 1810. While many of the royal palaces in the complex were destroyed in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hau Lau (Princess’ Palace) and the steps of Kinh Thien Palace remain. Here, you’ll also get to see the original Doan Mon gate, marking the southern entrance to the royal palace, as well as the flag tower of Hanoi.

Pay respects to Uncle Ho

Vietnam’s favourite leader, Ho Chi Minh was affectionately given the title ‘Uncle Ho’ by the Vietnamese people. The father of the Vietnamese Revolution, Ho Chi Minh remains the most important figure in the country’s history. Loved and revered (almost like a god), you can pay your respects to Uncle Ho at his final resting place; his personal mausoleum at Ba Dinh Square. This giant mausoleum is almost 22 metres high and 42 metres wide and the only building in the square. Inside, you’ll find the embalmed body of the great leader, but be warned: this place is heavily guarded and rules of behaviour strictly enforced. Dress modestly, don’t take photos and keep your hands by your side at all times.

Lap up the coffee culture

Coffee may have been introduced by the French, but the Vietnamese have certainly made it their own. And as the coffee capital of Vietnam, Hanoi knows a thing or two about a good brew. Known as ca phe to the locals, Vietnamese coffee is dripped through a metal filter directly into a glass, where it’s usually served black, on ice or with condensed milk. Sometimes mixed into breakfast foods, you can also add ca phe into a thick yoghurt or fruit smoothies. Another variety coming back into vogue is egg coffee, where egg yolks are mixed into coffee to give a delicious, tiramisu-like flavour and texture. With so many varieties to try, you’ll probably want to make a stroll down Trieu Viet Vuong – Hanoi’s Coffee Street – a part of your daily routine.

Stroll around Hoan Kiem lake

One of the most beautiful parts of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem lake is located in the Hanoi Old Quarter. With its name meaning “Lake of the Restored Sword”, this lake is also the setting of an old legend. In the mid-15th century, Emperor Ly Thai To was given a magical sword by the Dragon King, which he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. After the war, a giant golden turtle appeared on the lake and asked for the sword to be turned to its rightful owner, a request that the Emperor obliged. While you might not catch a turtle sighting, you can cross the lake via the red Huc Bridge to get to the Temple of the Jade Mountain, located on an island on the lake. If you’ve had enough exploring, grab a coffee and enjoy a book on a bench by the lakeside.

Be enchanted by Halong Bay

While it’s not exactly in the city, Hanoi is only a bus ride away from the renowned Halong Bay. Book a bus ticket, hit the highway in about 3.5 hours you’ll find yourself boarding a boat to take you out onto the emerald waters. Hạlong Bay in the northeast Vietnam is a huge bay known for its thousands of limestone islands covered in rainforests. The best way to see this natural beauty? By junk boat, the ancient Chinese boats that look like something out of a steam punk movie. Junk boat tours and sea kayak expeditions will take you to various islands, off which you can hike, scuba diver or rock climb.

Tet Vietnamese New Year

Culture

Tet is the most important celebration in Vietnam. This Vietnamese New Year Festival celebrates the beginning of spring and the start of a new year. Usually occurring in late January or early February, this three-day event is full of parades, food and fireworks.

Co Loa Festival

Sports

Honouring the contribution of King An Duong Vuong to the country, Co Loa Festival is part liturgical ceremony, part sports and street festivities. Following a temple ceremony, the streets of Hanoi are filled with parades and activities. Locals gather to participate in physical competitions, including crossbow shooting and wrestling matches.

Dong Festival

Culture

Held on the fifth lunar day of the Tet Holiday, the Dong festival celebrates the Vietnamese victory over Qing invaders in the 19th century. A procession full of flag bearers, drummers and dancers with parasols begins at Khuong Thuong and ends at Dong Da Hill, the place of the victory. Keep an eye open for the Fire Dragon dance and water puppet shows that recreate the story of this great battle.

Le Mat Festival

Culture

Honouring the life of a young man who saved a princess from the clutches of a water snake in the 11th century, Le Mat Festival is one of the most unique festivals in the country. Featuring a water offering ceremony and the snake killing dance, this festival occurs in Le Mat village in late March each year.

Chem Temple Festival

Culture

The temple of Chem in Haoi is dedicated to Ly Ong Trong, a legendary hero who successfully helped the Chinese Emperor drive Hung invaders out of China. During the Chem Temple festival, Ly Ong Trong’s statue is taken to the Red River and given large paper costumes as offerings. Occuring every May, this festival has many events, including traditional wrestling matches, human chess games and bird-releasing competitions.

Women’s Museum

Created in honour of the women of Vietnam, this museum showcases the contribution women have made on Vietnamese society and culture. The Women’s Museum displays traditional costumes, fabrics, utensils and artefacts of Vietnamese women through time. It also tells the stories of heroic efforts from women during the Vietnam war.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

In an effort to preserve the unique socio-cultural diversity within the country, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology gives an insight to the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Featuring interactive displays on the homes, clothing and ways of living of these groups, discover the vibrant cultures and stories of different Vietnamese peoples.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

This museum is a celebration of the life and achievements of Vietnam’s favourite leader, Ho Chi Minh. Broken up into eight sections, the museum tells the story of Ho Chi Minh from his early childhood, how he came to learn about communism and his contribution to the war leading up to his death. Definitely a must-see for lovers of history.

Vietnam Military History Museum

Proud of their military history, the Vietmam Military History Museum in Hanoi tells the story of the country’s historic victory against the US forces in the Vietnam war. The museum displays Soviet and Chinese equipment, as well as French and US weapons captured during the war. The Vietnam Military History Museum is located opposite Lenin park and close to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is the premier art museum in Vietnam. Focusing largely on 20th century art depicting the glory of war, it also has earlier works touching on earlier Vietnamese life and Buddhist traditions. The museum’s collection is housed in two buildings of European style, which were once formerly the French Ministry of Information.

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