The name of Hoan Kiem Lake is derived from a
legendary story in King Le Dynasty about six centuries ago. The legend has it
that during the war against the Minh aggressors, King Le Thai To was given a
precious fairy Sword by the Golden Turtle God. After 10 years of continuous
struggling, the King finally defeated the Chinese and reclaimed the nation’s
independence...
The Mausoleum, which was made of marble and
granite, features a three-stored structure. In the second store places the
famous President’s body, lying as if he were sleeping in the simple clothes worn
when he was alive. Outside, visitors can see his popular quote “Khong co gi quy
hon doc lap tu do” (translated as “Nothing is more precious than independence
and freedom”)...
This tradition is unique to North Vietnam but
has recently found fame on stages all over the world; so it’s a rare treat to
see the puppets perform in their original location at the Thang Long Water
Puppet Theatre. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing
traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals.
There are also authentic Vietnamese operatic songs...
The Temple of Literature is often cited as one
of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Originally built as a
university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, the building is
extremely well preserved and is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese
architecture...
In the past, One Pillar Pagoda was located in
Thanh Bao Village, Quang Duc District in the west of Thang Long Citadel under
the Ly Dynasty. According to Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu (A Complete History of
Great Viet), the pagoda was built in the winter of 1049 under the reign of King
Ly Thai Tong who dreamt of seeing the Goddess of Mercy sitting in a lotus throne
and taking him to it...
It would be a big surprise should you know that
Hanoi Old Quarter came into being at the time King Ly Thai To selected Thang
Long as the capital in 1010, that is, the streets have a nearly 1,000-year old
history and became crowded and lively in 15th century. What makes them unique is
that many of them remain in their very ancient architecture of the 15th century.
Up to now, it has been the oldest continuously developed area in Vietnam...
