1. OLD QUARTER
This section of the city has a 1000 year old history of commerce and through much has changed, items are still sold according to category , with entire streets dedicated to single items. The streets are aptly named " Hang", merchandise , followed by the product it sells. For travellers looking to experience a taste of Hanou's nightlife , the Old Quarter houses countless bars. Grab a map as the area can get notoriously confusing.
2. LONG BIEN BRIDGE
Designed by French architect Gustaba Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame , the cantilever Long Bridge was completed in 1902. a beloved Hanoi landmark , the bridge connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts and provides stunning views of the Red River - if you are adventurous enough to brave the potholes. The bridge is not open to car traffic, only motorbikes and pedestrian.
The on -ramp is located on the bike road near Gam Cau. follow the train tracks.
3. St Joseph's Cathedral
This neo- gothic structure located in the Old Quarter's twisting streets was built by the French in 1886 on the site of a former pagoda. Today, cathedral conducts mass several times a day in Vietnamese and French. Once inside , you will be bowled over by the stained glass windows and European decorations. Sunday mass is so popular that the crowd often overflows into the street!
4. HANOI OPERA HOUSE
One of the few places in Hanoi to host concerts , this century old French colonial building is a popular landmark. Erected by the colonial administration in 1911, it was modelled on the Palais Garnier, the older of Paris 'two opera houses. Today the old lady hosts local and international entertainers and performers.
5. VIETNAMESE WOMEN'S MUSEUM
Be they national heroes , mothers, intellectuals or fashion icons, the women's contribution to Vietnam as a nation and society is told beatifically through visual and audio imagery in this 2000 square metre museum. From family to history and finally fashion, each floor presents a different as a woman dimension of life in Vietnam. An entire section is dedicated to the Vietnamese cult of the Mother Goddess.
6. HANOI NIGHT MARKET
This market, held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, is a bustling affair in the heart of the Old Quarter. Stroll through the myriad stalls offering clothes and souvenirs or stop and grab some mouth watering street food at one of the many food stalls. This popular haunt is a pedestrian only area. Aim to pay 50% of the item'starting price and don't forget to smile while trying to clinch your deal.
7. QUAN SU PAGODA
The Ambassador's Pagoda is the headquarters of the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam. It doesn't boast a long history or impressive architecture , but it is one of Hanoi 's treasures as a hub for religious activity. When most of the pagodas were burned down at the end of the Le Dynasty , Quan Su was saved for posterity. Purchase a stick of incense and make an offering at one of the assorted altars and sand urns. Originally, the complex was a place for foreign ambassadors to bring the emperor gifts.
8. MUSEUM OF HISTORY
An extensive collection of over 7000 artifacts makes this museum worth a visit. Dont' miss the bronze Dong son drums and 2500 years old coffin canoe. The exhibits , divided into 4 exhibition areas, focus on ancient history , so visit the Revolution Museum across the street afterwards to learn about recent events.
Operation hours : open everyday
entrance fee : VND 40000
9. HOA LO PRISON
Built in 1896 by French , this prison was just one in a series of incarceration centres in the north. Most of prison was demolished in the mid 1990s to build a hotel and office complex.What is left are chilling displays of its past as a prison for Vietnamese patriots and later American POWs who referred to it ironically as the Hanoi Hilton. American senator John McCain was a prisoner here for 6 years.
Operation hours: 8am -5pm , entrance fee : VND 20000
This section of the city has a 1000 year old history of commerce and through much has changed, items are still sold according to category , with entire streets dedicated to single items. The streets are aptly named " Hang", merchandise , followed by the product it sells. For travellers looking to experience a taste of Hanou's nightlife , the Old Quarter houses countless bars. Grab a map as the area can get notoriously confusing.
2. LONG BIEN BRIDGE
Designed by French architect Gustaba Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame , the cantilever Long Bridge was completed in 1902. a beloved Hanoi landmark , the bridge connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts and provides stunning views of the Red River - if you are adventurous enough to brave the potholes. The bridge is not open to car traffic, only motorbikes and pedestrian.
The on -ramp is located on the bike road near Gam Cau. follow the train tracks.
3. St Joseph's Cathedral
This neo- gothic structure located in the Old Quarter's twisting streets was built by the French in 1886 on the site of a former pagoda. Today, cathedral conducts mass several times a day in Vietnamese and French. Once inside , you will be bowled over by the stained glass windows and European decorations. Sunday mass is so popular that the crowd often overflows into the street!
4. HANOI OPERA HOUSE
One of the few places in Hanoi to host concerts , this century old French colonial building is a popular landmark. Erected by the colonial administration in 1911, it was modelled on the Palais Garnier, the older of Paris 'two opera houses. Today the old lady hosts local and international entertainers and performers.
5. VIETNAMESE WOMEN'S MUSEUM
Be they national heroes , mothers, intellectuals or fashion icons, the women's contribution to Vietnam as a nation and society is told beatifically through visual and audio imagery in this 2000 square metre museum. From family to history and finally fashion, each floor presents a different as a woman dimension of life in Vietnam. An entire section is dedicated to the Vietnamese cult of the Mother Goddess.
6. HANOI NIGHT MARKET
This market, held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, is a bustling affair in the heart of the Old Quarter. Stroll through the myriad stalls offering clothes and souvenirs or stop and grab some mouth watering street food at one of the many food stalls. This popular haunt is a pedestrian only area. Aim to pay 50% of the item'starting price and don't forget to smile while trying to clinch your deal.
7. QUAN SU PAGODA
The Ambassador's Pagoda is the headquarters of the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam. It doesn't boast a long history or impressive architecture , but it is one of Hanoi 's treasures as a hub for religious activity. When most of the pagodas were burned down at the end of the Le Dynasty , Quan Su was saved for posterity. Purchase a stick of incense and make an offering at one of the assorted altars and sand urns. Originally, the complex was a place for foreign ambassadors to bring the emperor gifts.
8. MUSEUM OF HISTORY
An extensive collection of over 7000 artifacts makes this museum worth a visit. Dont' miss the bronze Dong son drums and 2500 years old coffin canoe. The exhibits , divided into 4 exhibition areas, focus on ancient history , so visit the Revolution Museum across the street afterwards to learn about recent events.
Operation hours : open everyday
entrance fee : VND 40000
9. HOA LO PRISON
Built in 1896 by French , this prison was just one in a series of incarceration centres in the north. Most of prison was demolished in the mid 1990s to build a hotel and office complex.What is left are chilling displays of its past as a prison for Vietnamese patriots and later American POWs who referred to it ironically as the Hanoi Hilton. American senator John McCain was a prisoner here for 6 years.
Operation hours: 8am -5pm , entrance fee : VND 20000
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