The capital of Vietnam, the city of Hanoi, will appeal to you at first sight. Rest in the Vietnamese capital is exclusively for excursions and there will be no time to get bored here.
Temple of Literature
The ancient temple complex dating from 1070 is a magnificent architectural monument. 6 years after the completion of the construction, the country's first educational institution with a very beautiful name "Lyceum of Creativity Dreams" was located here. The temple is still a key cultural center in the country.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The mausoleum, where the body of the first president of the country rests, was erected with the participation of Soviet builders. It is located on the famous Dean Square. It was here that on September 2, 1945, a historical document was announced announcing the independence of Vietnam.
There is a round-the-clock watch near the mausoleum, and a change of the guard is held every hour. Many people want to see the body of the great leader, so a living snake of a queue always stretches to the entrance to the building.
Silk street
Literally the name of the street - Hang-gai - translates as "hemp". For six long centuries, hammocks and first-class hemp were traded here. And now it is the main place for "rag shopping" and just a huge selection of silk fabrics. Here you will find both government shops and private shops. By the way, if you are willing and able to bargain, you can get a good discount in the latter.
One Pillar Pagoda
Another ancient masterpiece of Vietnamese architecture that appeared in Hanoi in 1049. It later became part of a huge temple complex, partially destroyed during the war with China.
The pagoda was built by order of Li Thanh Tongu. The goddess Kuam Am appeared to the emperor in a dream, calling him to her. The dream was interpreted as a bad omen and to appease the goddess and a sacred pagoda was built.
Lake of the Returned Sword
There is a legend that the hero of the country Le Loy returned the magic sword he received, with the help of which the Chinese army was defeated, sacred turtle. In the center of the lake on the island is the Temple of the Jade Mountain (19th century). Here you can also see the very same turtle (or rather its sculpture) Thap Zua. Her image is one of the symbols of the capital.
Changquoc Pagoda
The oldest religious building in Hanoi. It was built in 541. To explore Changquoc, you need to go to the Yenfu quarter. The pagoda is located on one of the islets of the western lake. Here, the architecture of ancient Vietnam will appear before you in all its splendor. The pagoda belongs to the cultural heritage sites of the country.
Changquoc is a fairly tall multi-tiered structure. Each tier is decorated with Buddha statues. The largest are on the lower tiers, and as the buildings rise, they decrease in size. Of particular value is the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, carved from valuable trees and covered with gilding.
