Attractions in Hanoi


HANOI A city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks. The capital of the Socialist republic of Vietnam (SRV), is different things to different people. Most foreigners on a short visit find Hanoi to be relatively slow paced, pleasant and even charming.

HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM

In the tradition of Lenin and Stalin before him and Mao after him, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh is a glass sarcophagus set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a site of pilgrimage. (Closed Mondays and Fridays).

HOAN KIEM LAKE

Right in the heart of Hanoi, this lake contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, topped with a red star.

ONE PILLAR PAGODA

Built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom.

OPERA HOUSE

A magnificent 900-seat opera house built in 1911. (May be viewed from the outside only).

ST. JOSEPH CATHEDRAL

A neo-Gothic cathedral finished in 1886, it is noteworthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and stained-glass windows.

TAY PHUONG PAGODA

Consists of three parallel single-level structures built on a hillock said to resemble a buffalo. Seventy-six figures carved from jackfruit wood, many from the 18th century, are the pagoda's most celebrated feature.

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE

Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, who dedicated it to Confucius in order to honor scholars and men of literary accomplishment.

THAY PAGODA

The Master's Pagoda, also known as Heavenly Blessing, is dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha. Eighteen arhats appear on the central altar. Water puppet shows are performed on a small stage, which is raised on stilts above a pond.