Vietnam Travel Guide: Top 5 Places you Must Go in the City
When travelers think of Vietnam, which in recent years has experienced a boom in tourism, the spectacular culture of the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City comes out. These are the top prosperous cities. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, also the center of politic and historical culture. Once visiting Vietnam, why not pick up this charming city in your bucket list. Then, let’s check out the top tourist attractions that Myproguide has found that you shouldn’t miss out on.
1. Hanoi Old Quarter
As a historic and cultural city that has survived eras of severe toughness, in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, you really should roam around somewhere old yet memorable, and the Old Quarter is the place to remind travelers of French colonial era; from two-storey houses, narrow alleys, western styles of architectures, to local Vietnamese cuisine and a cup of coffee.
Also, Hanoi Old Quarter is known for ‘36 streets’, and many travelers would decide to stay and have fun in Bui Vien Street, which is packed with a wide selection of restaurants and bars. It’s just like Phạm Ngũ Lão of Ho Chi Minh City(Saigon). If you would like to experience the vibrant nightlife, then Bui Vien Street is the exact attraction.
2. Hoan Kiem Lake
Located adjacent to Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is considered a must-visit for all travelers chasing for a tranquil and picturesque view. Furthermore, this lake features Ngoc Son Temple, literally as Meaning ‘Temple of the Jade Mountain’, and it’s a pagoda dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, who was the General as well as national hero repelling the Mongol invasion in the 13th century.
3. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Speaking of the oldest church in Hanoi, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is definitely worth taking a glimpse. Standing in Nha Chung Street, this unique and magnificent architecture, boasting Neo-Gothic style, attracts tons of travelers to record its beauty that can date back to 1886, French colonial era. If you really have limited time in Hanoi, this tourist spot is what you shouldn’t ignore.
4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Exploring the unknown world while reading history books, many might yearn to learn more about the Great of all time(even though they were no longer in the world, still want to close to them.) Needless to say, when you come to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, the most influential political leader that changed the history of modern Vietnam, is the man who probably impresses you with his efforts in the past.
Thus, Hanoi boasts Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum that symbolizes his braveness and spirits., and here is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the capital.
5. Temple of Literature
This temple, also known as the first national university of Vietnam or Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám, ‘國子監’ in Chinese), was built in almost one thousand years ago(1070), and so far, it actually worships the contribution and influence of Confucius. Once upon of time, only aristocrats, the students grown up in royal family, were qualified to study here; therefore, being an university student showed high status of society in Vietnam in the past. If East Asian studies are your type of reading, you might be familiar with this kind of ‘university’ that was originated from China. Perhaps, comparing the differences between the Temple of Literature of Vietnamese style and those of other neighboring countries could spice up your journey of historical culture.
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Besides viewing the temple for Confucius, travelers wouldn’t ignore how tidy and well-maintained the garden is; grassy, red flag, and clear pond water form a harmonious picture.
