|
| |
 |
Hanoi is a city where a bygone era melds perfectly with modern developments; treating visitors to a romantic blend of Asia’s rich past and its rapid economic progress. Experience a culture that is steeped in a beautiful hybrid of French and Vietnamese heritage, complementing its progressive and energetic modern-day spirit.
Hanoi Old Quarters
This old quarter consists of 36 streets with names that reflect the businesses once conducted there: Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street, Paper Votive Objects Street and so forth. The area now houses a variety of small shops; ideal for souvenir and bargain-hunting.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The lake is an enchanting body of water right in the heart of Hanoi city. Legend has it that in the mid-15th Century, Heaven gave Emperor Le Thai To a magical sword that he used to drive the Chinese invaders out of Vietnam. One day after the war, whilst boating, he came upon a giant golden Tortoise swimming on the lake surface. The creature grabbed the sword and disappeared into the depths of the lake. Since then, the lake has been known as Hoan Kiem (The Restored Sword) because the tortoise restored the sword to its divine owners.
Literature Temple, Van Mieu
Built in 1070 and consecrated to Confucius, the temple was also known as the first university in Vietnam to educate royal children. The temple is also famous for its 82 pillars recording the names, places of birth and achievements of men who received doctorates in each examination held between 1442 and 1772.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Inaugurated in 1886, the cathedral is noteworthy for its neo-Gothic style with square towers, an elaborate altar and stained-glass windows.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
