Joanna James
Hanoi is an old city that is said to have existed from over a thousand years ago. So, the city is never short of places to explore and things to do. Here are a few things that you ought to do and places you ought to visit when in Hanoi.
This was identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 and for good reason as well. A whole host of items belonging to the time period between the 6th and 20th century have been found after excavations were conducted in 2004. Ancient foundations of buildings, roads and ancient ponds and well have also been identified within the area. Apart from these, bronze coins and pottery from various Asian countries have been found here and put on display. This is proof that Vietnam had good trading relationships with other countries in the region.
This is one of the most famous entertainment options in Vietnam. It's not just a puppet show, this one is unique where the puppets are manipulated on a stage of water. Expert puppet masters pull the strings from behind the curtain to tell ancient tales of legends and the most loved tale would be the Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which is a story about the giant and tortoise. The water puppet theatre was an idea that came about from the 11th century. This was a time when the paddy fields were flooded, and people would stand waist-deep in water and control the puppets with wooden rods. The puppets would appear as though they were walking on water.
In the history of Vietnam, there lived an iconic leader, one that the people of the country absolutely loved and was affectionately known as Uncle Ho. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of the man named Ho Chi Minh. It is where his body has been preserved with although against his wishes. It is located in Ba Dinh in Hanoi and is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 7:30 to 10:30 and one weekends till 11:30. However, the body of Uncle Ho is sent to Russia for maintenance, the mausoleum, therefore, is closed from October. It's best to ask the front desk at your local hotel the likes of Pan Pacific Hanoi just to be sure.
This temple is also known as the Chua Huong in the local language and the very centre of this complex is believed to be very holy. There are several Buddhist Temples some are even inside limestone caves. In the middle of it all is Huong Tich Cave which is visited by both locals and foreigners for the blessings it is said to bestow upon visitors.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then head over to the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Here you will come across the Hoan Kiem Lake with quite a bit of greenery providing a cool and relaxing environment. There is a temple to explore as well if you feel like it. It is easily accessible from any Hanoi Old Town hotel.
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