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Things to Do in Hanoi

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Hanoi Travel Guide

Things to Do in Hanoi

Lake Hoan Kiem (I had no water puppetry picts.) - Hanoi
Lake Hoan Kiem (I had no water puppetry picts.)
by SumTingWong
Reviews and photos of Hanoi attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Hanoi sightseeing.
Local Time 6:06 pm Monday, May 12, 2008
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Hanoi Things To DoTips 1 - 10 of 814  
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
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  • By SirRichard on October 3, 2003
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  • The mausoleum from the park - Hanoi
    The mausoleum from the park
    by SirRichard
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    Ho Chi Minh is venerated as a national hero and father of the republic. Though he requested cremation, they have built him a "sovietic style" mausoleum, that includes also a palace, museum , some parks, a traffic-free area... Admission free. You may find long queues, mostly locals, to see embalmed corpse of Uncle Ho.

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  • Directions: Ba Dinh District

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    Opera House: The Opera House
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  • By SirRichard on October 6, 2003
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  • The main facade - Hanoi
    The main facade
    by SirRichard
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    This "western style" Opera House was built in 1911. On 16th august 1945 the Viet Minh announced from the main balcony that they had taken over the city. They have classical music and ballet shows regularly. For schedules, check the Time Out on Hanoi.

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  • Directions: At the southwest from the Hoan Kiem Lake

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Ngoc Son Temple
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  • Updated By SirRichard on October 3, 2003
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  • The entrance through the red bridge - Hanoi
    The entrance through the
    red bridge
    by SirRichard
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    This is the little 18th century temple located in the middle of the Hoan Kiem Lake, the one of the red bridge. Even if you don't wanna enter (2000d) it's a nice walk through the bridge to the center of the lake, under shady trees. It is a very popular place for locals, you will find there many street photographers and groups visiting the place.

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    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Paying Uncle Ho a Visit
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  • Updated By bpacker on January 25, 2005
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  • Snake queues at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum - Hanoi
    Snake queues at Ho Chi Minh's
    Mausoleum
    by bpacker
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    Heck, you must be wondering why I'm asking you to join a hideously long queue to see a dead body, right? Well, I don't have a thing for taxidermy but a keen fascination for kooky things. Yup, having heard so much about Ho Chi Minh, I needed to see the strange decorum surrounding his preserved body. What's this about lining up and dressing up in "proper" attire to see a corpse stiffer than a Brit's upper lip? Also, what's with the snowy white military uniformed guards? Well, after I've seen the place, I understood it all. The decorum was a reflection of Vietnamese pride for someone who united their country against the most powerful force in the world and made them believe in themselves again. Uncle Ho deserved the honour. Take note of these annoying things when you're visiting: 1)Opening Times Winter 8:00-11:00, Summer 7:30-10:30 2)Check your camera at the entrance 3)No bare shoulders, mini-skirts or shorts allowed. Defy it and you'll be forced to buy the ghastly over-priced clothes at the entrance. 4)Uncle Ho pays a visit to Russia every two months of the year, usually in Nov and Dec.

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  • Directions: Ba Dinh District

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    Walking arround: A Visit to the Old Quarters
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  • Updated By bpacker on March 2, 2005
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  • Old Quarters, Hanoi - Hanoi
    Old Quarters, Hanoi
    by bpacker
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    Honestly, if you miss this, you've not been to Hanoi at all ! The Old Quarters is where you'll find the Hanoi's Hearbeat. Wander along the clogged arterial streets of the place and you'll find that each street specialises in a special trade. Eg. There is a street that sells nothing but herbs, another sells clothes, etc. If you look at the picture, you'll see that the shop sells nothing but pretty, colourful lanterns. Additional Tip: Stay at the Old Quarters if you can, it's bloody atmospheric and you can soak in the local culture. Check my hotel tips

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  • Address: Old Quarters

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    Temple of Literature: The First University in Hanoi
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  • Updated By bpacker on January 25, 2005
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  • Entrance to the Temple of Literature - Hanoi
    Entrance to the Temple of
    Literature
    by bpacker
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    This place existed for more than 700 years as a center for Confucian learning and it's a a must see for those who are interested in classical Chinese/vietanamese architecture. If you're there, look out for the 82 stone diplomas on tortoises bearing the names and birthplaces of 1,306 students who scrapped thru' the university's tough examinations. Like the one-pillar pagoda, some parts of this place was built after the original parts were destroyed during the French War. Admission Fee: 10,000 VND (US66¢) Opening Times: Daily 8am-5pm

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  • Address: Quoc Tu Giam St, Dong Da District

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    Presidential Palace: Presidential Palace
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  • Updated By richiecdisc on December 29, 2004
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  • Hanoi's colonial past - Hanoi
    Hanoi's colonial past
    by richiecdisc
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    Built in 1906 as the Palace of the Governor General of Indochina, this restored colonial building is not open to the public but you can walk around the grounds for 5000 dong (30 cents) and snap photos.

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  • Directions: Easy to find, it is just behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex.

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    Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake
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  • Updated By richiecdisc on December 29, 2004
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  • the peace of Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi
    the peace of Hoan Kiem Lake
    by richiecdisc
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    Hoan Kiem Lake is to Hanoi what Central Park is to New York City. It is a focal point for people to meet and what makes the city such a joy to live in. Early morning is best for a visit as Hanoians come out early to jog, do traditional stretching excercises and play badminton of all things. The name of the lake means Lake of the Restored Sword and comes from the legend about such a magical instrument given the local Emperor to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. After the war, a giant golden tortoise snatched the sword from him while he was out fishing and took it to the depths of the beautiful lake. Thap Rua or the Tortoise Tower lays scenically on a center island of the lake, making for more reflection photos.

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  • Directions: This is the centerpiece of the Old Quarter and impossible to miss as it is quite large for a city lake.

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    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
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  • Updated By richiecdisc on December 29, 2004
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  • the red flags against the gray skies were perfect - Hanoi
    the red flags against the gray
    skies were perfect
    by richiecdisc
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    My original feeling was to give this place a pass. The idea of some old guy laid up stiff in a glass box just did not interest me and the opening hours seemed inconvenient (8am-11am Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday/Sunday as well from December-September). We had passed it a few times while it was closed and the guards surrounding the complex seemed like real pricks and I wanted nothing to do with closer contact to them. But we had a prolonged stay in Hanoi due to TET so we decided to give it a try. After all, it is free. I am glad we did as just the spectacle of entering the sacred grounds is worth venturing there early in the morning. You have to queue up in a huge line of predominately Vietnamese visitors and it takes a while to actually get in the building. Once in, you are horded through at a steady but respectful pace. You must wear nice clothing and show the utmost respect. I was walking in what seemed such a pose, with my hands clasped behind my back when a guard nudged them apart with his small wooden club. Not only can you not have your hands in your pocket, but they must be at your sides or in front only! The dress in pure white uniforms to add to the clandestine aura and Ho Chi Minh looks quite peaceful with his wispy white beard. It’s interesting for people watching as much as for the actual sarcophagus of the embalmed great one.

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  • Address: on D Hung Vuong
  • Directions: Ba Dinh District is about a half hour walk from the Old Quarter and an interesting one a that, past many Embassies.

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    Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House
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  • Updated By richiecdisc on December 29, 2004
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  • set on a carp filled pond - Hanoi
    set on a carp filled pond
    by richiecdisc
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    Nha San Bac Ho was Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house built in the style of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities though unlikely he spent all that much time on the grounds during the war as it would have been leveled by US bombers had the great one been suspected of residing here. It is nonetheless an interesting place to see how the Communist leader modernized how the lower classes were living. It is also a peaceful place to spend some time in between visiting the Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Admission included in Presidential Palace price.

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  • Directions: This is located just behind the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

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