Hanoi

LAKE OF THE RESTORED SWORD

Lake of the Restored Sword was once part of the Red river (song Hong). Throughout thousands of years of geographical changes, the lake moved eastward to its present position kilometers from the river. Before the famous historical legend of King Le Loi here, Hoan Kiem Lake used to be called Luc Thuy Lake (or Green Water Lake) since the water was green all the year round. In 15th century, it was named Hoan Kiem Lake after the legend of Emperor Le Thai To, which is somehow similar to the story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake’s.

Now please close your eyes and turn back time to the Le Dynasty 6 centuries ago to witness the legendary story. 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. After that, on a nice day, while boating on lake Luc Thuy, a large turtle came towards him.

It immediately grabbed the sword with its mouth and submerged. The king mourned the lost of such a valuable sword, yet could not find either the turtle or the sword. He realized that the God must have lent him the sword to drive back the enemy, but then that his nation was free, the sword must be returned. Hence, King Le Thai To named the lake Ho Hoan Kiem or Lake of the Restore Sword after this episode. Since the reign of King Le Trung Hung (XVI century), every King in the Le dynasty, and Lord Trinh have all contributed to the beauty of the lake. Lord Trinh Giang built Khanh Thuy shrine on Ngoc island on the north end of the lake. He also had the two man made hills built across from Ngoc son Shrine. At the end of the Le Dynasty, Khanh Thuy was toppled by Chieu Thong. A philanthropist named Tin Trai built Ngoc Son pagoda, which was renamed into Ngoc Son shrine during the reign of Thieu Tri III (1843) as it was no longer a Buddhist shrine. Instead, it became a shrine of Van Xuong, a deity, in charge of literature and the various tests required to become a Mandarin. It has also been a shrine of General Tran Hung Dao, a national Hero who secured numerous victories against the Mongols.

Hence, Hoan Kiem Lake is now situated inside a complex of Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Pen Tower in the surroundings, making a sparkling colorful natural picture! Ngoc Son has undergone a lot of renovations, one among which was the addition of Thap But (translated as Pen Tower) on its hill, which was once called Dao Tai. Three words were inscribed on the tower: “Ta Thien Thanh” or “write on blue sky”. Inside the gate a pool resembling the shape of an ink well was added. Beyond the ink well is The Huc bridge, which means “where the sun light is absorbed”. The bridge leads to Dac Nguyet Lau (or “Moon Light tower”) – Ngoc Son shrine. Beyond the gates to the shrine, there are two walls called bang Rong and bang Ho (dragon and tiger slate), where the names of those who passed the national test were inscribed.

What could not be missed in this beautiful complex is the Turtle Tower, which lies in the middle of the Lake, so as to remind Vietnamese people of the Turtle God of his great assistance. It was told that King Le Thanh Tong used to fish here. Lord Trinh also built the structure to house his entourage while visiting the lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake is considered one of the first things to see in Hanoi when one arrives in this bustling capital city. Visitors are recommended to hire a tour guide or book a Hanoi day tour so that they can learn many interesting stories and legends about the lake and other attractions surrounding it. For day tour information, take a look at this Hoan Kiem lake tour.

ONE PILLAR PAGODA

The original name of One Pillar Pagoda was Dien Huu Pagoda, which literally means “long lasting happiness and good luck”. The pagoda is located on Ong Ich Khiem St., in the western part of Thang Long Citadel, and near President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.
It was first built in 1049, during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. According to legend, ageing King Ly Thai Tong, who had no children, often went to pagodas to pray to Buddha for a son. One night, he dreamed that he was granted a private audience with Buddha. Buddha, who was seated on a lotus flower in a square-shaped lotus pond on the western side of Thang Long Citadel, gave the king a baby boy.

Months later, when the queen gave birth to a male child, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda supported by only one pillar to resemble the lotus seat of his dream in the honour of Buddha.

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE (VAN MIEU-QUOC TU GIAM)

Situated at the south of Thang Long citadel, is on top of the historical and beautiful sightseeings of the beautiful capital of Vietnam. Tourists, particularly the foreign ones, now flock to the site for taking a look into its profound traditional meanings of both a Confucion temple and the first university of Vietnam. Văn Miếu or Temple of Literature, known as “pagode des Corbeaux” during the period of French colonisation, was founded as a Confucian temple in 1070.

Being an ancient school of Thang Long and the first university in Vietnam, Temple of Literature is acknowledged as an ancient historical-cultural heritage which gives tourists deeper understanding about Hanoi’s years of culture and tradition. Tourists should definitely add the Temple of Literature to their visiting list in Hanoi. It is included in a lot of Hanoi city tours as one of the main attractions in this bustling capital city. Tourists are also advised to join Hanoi motorbike tour in half a day to explore each corner of Hanoi city, including the Temple of Literature. Coming here, tourists might see many Vietnamese students visiting the places as a ritual for good luck before they enter an important exam such as the entrance exam into college.

HANOI OPERA HOUSE

The beautiful Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 by the then ruling French. It’s a phenomenal piece of neo-classical French architecture featuring Gothic themes on the doors and domes with pillars, shuttered windows, balconies and a glass room. Musicians, actors and dancers play to a 600-strong audience delivering powerful operatic and classical performances, making it a very popular theatrical attraction. The Hanoi Opera House is the biggest theatre in Vietnam and speaks volumes as historical and cultural evidence of Vietnam under French rule. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior with many arguing it is aesthetically even more appealing than the Paris Opera House. Visitors today will be entertained at this architectural landmark which features a range of events including local Vietnamese opera, traditional folk music, ballets and many international concerts.

Following the end of the August Revolution in 1945, The Hanoi Opera House reverted from entertaining the French elite to becoming the centre of major historical events including the first session of the National Assembly of the Republic. The Hanoi building went into a state of decline prior to being renovated and brought up to date in 1997 which included the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and the renewal of some of the interior decorations. These improvements returned the opera house to its former glory which now sees international artists including violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Wolfgang Glemser take to the stage in addition to home-grown talent. Vietnamese entertainers perform songs, classical music, dance, drama and contemporary performances from superstars such as singer My Linh. The Hanoi Opera House offers a superb setting in which to see any live show. The stage is three metres high and there are three storeys in total so a wonderful experience is guaranteed regardless of your seating arrangements.

The Hanoi Opera House is located near Hoan Kiem Lake on August Revolution Square. There are superb views of the opera house at the Hilton Opera House hotel which is very close by. You will need to purchase tickets to see the inside of the opera house although there are usually a host of concerts to choose from including drama, ballet and symphonies in addition to opera. The Hanoi Opera House is also the first choice for international meetings and conferences so check online when you are visiting to ensure a performance is scheduled.

HANOI’S OLD QUARTER

Loacted in the north of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi. The Old Quarter was founded from the 11th century as crowded trade area where artisans and traders concentrated to work and set up specific trade streets.

The artisans from craft villages around former Thang Long Citadel gathered in areas which specialized in their work. This reason made the trade streets develop more and more. Every streets were noisy, animated in trade and work as miniature craft villages.
The street names were begun with “Hang” and originated from names of types of merchandise produced and traded such as Hang Gai (Silk), Hang Duong (Sugar), Hang Muoi (Salt), etc. Therefore Vietnamese people usually call Ha Noi as Ha Noi 36 streets – guilds, of which street means concentration place of artisans or traders who specialize in same merchandise.

Nowadays, the Old Quarter includes 76 streets and covers an area of 100ha. The highlight of the Old Quarter is the tube shape old houses with slopping roofs, mainly built since the 18th, 19th centuries. Besides, visitors will also be attracted by about 100 old architectural works as communal houses, temples, pagodas… typically Bach Ma (White Horse) Temple on Hang Buom Street – one of four defense temples of the ancient Thang Long Citadel.

Especially, to Old Quarter on weekends, visitors will have the opportunity to walk and discover night market.

HO CHI MINH COMPLEX

Hochiminh complex consists of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh square, Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s House on stilt, Ho Chi Minh Museum…

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

In his will, the President stated his wish to be cremated, and to have his ash buried on the hills of the North, the Center, and the South of Vietnam. Yet, in honor of his huge dedication for the country and for the love of all Vietnamese for him, the successor Communist Government decided to keep his body so that he can see the whole country’s reunion, and the following generations can come and visit him.

Accordingly, on September 2nd, 1973, his mausoleum started to be built in Ba Dinh Square, where he read the Independence Declaration on September 2nd, 1945, and was completed on August 22nd, 1975, with the Soviet Union’s help.

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”) on the top face of the mausoleum. In front of the mausoleum is the 79 cycad trees, symbolizing Uncle Ho’s 79 springs of life. The two bamboo ranges on the two sides whistle in the wind to commemorate the President!

Ba Dinh square

Ba Dinh square, where Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum lies, is a historical site where President Ho Chi Minh read the Independence Declaration of Vietnam on September 2nd, 1945. It was originally the western gate of the ancient Hanoi citadel. Under the French colony, the wall was destroyed to build a small flower garden named Pugininer, and renamed Ba Dinh Square in 1945 to commemorate the uprising against the French colonialists in Ba Dinh, Thanh Hoa province from 1886-1887. The square’s significant role also derives from its national largest size, containing up to 200,000 people, with 168 sq. meters of green and fresh grass. Not only is it meaningful to Hanoians but the whole nation’s people as well.

Presidential Palace

Now walking a few steps, visitors will pass by the Presidential Palace, right next to the mausoleum. From 1901-1906, the palace was built by the French colonialists, as a palace of the General Indochina Governor. It has a special typical French structure and architecture. Since 1954, the Vietnamese Government took over this Palace to house the President. Yet, he refused, thus it has been used as the Presidential Palace for high-ranking level diplomatic meetings since then.

Ho Chi Minh’s Residence. Refusing to live in the Presidential palace, President Ho Chi Minh lived in a normal electrician’s house nearby. The Government had a simple and nature-oriented environment constructed for him to live and work. Walking around, visitors can feel his simple and pure lifestyle in an wooden tiled house on stilt (of the Ethnic minority group’s style), surrounded by a gardens full of fruit trees and a peaceful fishpond.

Coming inside, visitors can witness a site left in the genuine state of the President last days here. The house has two floors. The ground floor was the meeting place, consisting of 12 chairs around a large table. Upstairs, there is a bookshelf used as a wattle between his study room and bed room. The lowest level of the shelf is laid a small typewriter for him to type himself. His bed room is very simple with a single wooden bed, a small blanket, a rush mat, a fan made of palm leaves and a bottle of water. Visitors can see a cotton bonnet he used to wear when alive. Some books periodicals he was reading are left on the table. The beloved President lived here from 1958 until he passed away.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

The museum is located on an area of the historical Ba Dinh square, the last spot in Ho Chi Minh complex. It was commenced in August 1985 and inaugurated on May 19th 1990 right on the birth centenary anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh.

The museum was built in the shape of a white lotus flower, which is nearly 20m high, including 3 floors. In the centre of the ground floor, there is a hall with 400 seats, which can host domestic and international meetings, conferences and scientific seminars. The main exhibition area of the museum is on the second floor covering an area of nearly 4,000 square meters. More than 2,000 documents and show-pieces are displayed, systematically reflecting President Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolution cause since late 19th century. Coming here, tourists can share a part of Ho Chi Minh’s tough life.

Ho Chi Minh complex is one of the popular destinations to tourists visiting Hanoi. It only take one day, or even half a day tour from Hanoi to visit these places.

TRAN QUOC PAGODA

Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on an islet of West Lake in Ha Noi. Characteristic: Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Viet Nam and a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism.

It is said that, the pagoda was built under the reign of King Ly Nam De (544-548) under its original name of Khai Quoc (National Founder). It was originally built on the bank of the West Lake and the Red River. In the time of King Le Kinh Tong (1600-1618), the pagoda was removed to the Kim Ngu (Golden Fish) Islet due to the river bank crumbling and was renamed Tran Quoc (National Defence).

Behind the worshipping shrine is the Buddhist trinity followed by corridors, ten shrines and the belfry. In the pagoda, there are many valuable statues, such as the red lac¬statue trimmed with gold of Sakyamouni Buddha’s Parinirvana and many ancient stelae with the old- one made in 1639 by Doctoral Law- Nguyen Xuan Chinh recording the pagoda’s history.

In 1959, on his visit to Viet Nam, Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasat offered the Pagoda a bodhi tree as a gift. The plant was grafted from the holy Bodhi tree where Sakyamuni sat in zen (meditation) position 25 centuries ago. Now the Bodhi tree is green and luxuriant, shading part of the pagoda’s yard.

As a religious relic among spectacle ¬scenery, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a favourite stop-over of many foreign visitors and pilgrims.

WEST LAKE

West Lake, also called Ho Tay, is the biggest lake in central Hanoi with area of over 500ha. The road running around the lake is 17km long.

Scientists proved that West Lake was once a part of the Red River. This part turned into a lake when the river changed its course.

The lake itself and its name are originated from many legends. According to the Ho Tinh (Succubus) story, the lake was called Xac Cao (Fox Carcass) because there was a nine-tail fox which often harmed people died here. The lake was the vestige of the fox’s cave after it was destroyed by Dragon King when he raised the water level to kill the fox. Whereas, according to the “Khong Lo casts a bell” story, the lake was called Kim Nguu (Gold Buffalo). The story tells that monk Khong Lo had the power to collect all the black bronze of the North and cast a bell. The echo of the bell attracted a Gold Buffalo to follow the sound to look for its mother. When arriving at this area, the sound of the bell ended, the buffalo didn’t know where to go. It trampled upon the ground and the sunken area became the lake. According to ancient books, the lake was named Dam Dam (Fog Lake) in the 11th century. In 1573, it was called Tay Ho (West Lake) to avoid coinciding with King Le The Tong’s real name of Duy Dam.

Described as the most romantic part in the colourful Ha Noi panorama, West Lake has been creating an endless source of inspiration for poets, writers and artists for their works that have gone down deep to the heart of many people.

With the vast blue water, the violet and red flowers in summer, the soft sunshine and cool climate in autumn, the near-freezing winds in winter and the pure air as dawn breaks in spring, West Lake is known as a friend with whom people can share their feelings. In early morning, hundreds of people, old and young, flock to the lake to enjoy the fresh air as they do morning exercises. From the Thanh Nien (Youth) slope near the lake, flower-loaded bikes and vendors balancing baskets of traditional snacks hung on the ends of bamboo sticks on their shoulders are seen fanning into Hanoi’s busy streets.

The lake has become a habitual rendez-vous for many people. The beautiful Thanh Nien Road, previously called Co Ngu, that separates West Lake and Truc Bach Lake is jammed at every sunset. Some people search for a niche by the lake to enjoy a coffee, shrimp pancakes, snail noodles or ice creams. Others treat themselves with luxurious restaurants on boats that cruise around the lake while the rest prefer a simple walk in the fresh air. During weekends, the lake often witnesses weddings of couples who wish to make the most memorable day in their life on a boat.
Not only an ideal tourist attraction, West Lake is rich in cultural values. Up to 21 pagodas, shrines and communal houses with many valuable artifacts dot the lake’s rim. From the Ly and Tran dynasties, many palaces and pagodas were built there such as Thuy Hoa Palace under the Ly Dynasty, afterward Ham Nguyen Palace under the Tran Dynasty and now Tran Quoc Pagoda; Tu Hoa Palace under the Ly Dynasty, now Kim Lien Pagoda. The 17km path around the lake leads to Nghi Tam flower village, Tay Ho, Nhat Tan peach villages and Tay Ho Temple, built in honor of Princess Lieu Hanh.

Most frequently visited ones include Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Tay Ho Temple where visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture after praying for blessing. Villages located in the west of the lake have their specific characteristic. Nghi Tam Village boasts the unique architecture of Kim Lien Pagoda while Xuan Tao Village takes pride as home to Soc Temple dedicated to Saint Giong. Trich SaiVillage houses Thien Nien Pagoda, Ke Buoi Village houses Dong Co Temple while Thuy Khue Villagehouses Ba Danh Pagoda.

Nhat Tan Village has been known as the source of most beautiful peach blossoms, a must-have floral home decoration to every Hanoi family at the approach of the traditional New Year. Many of the traditional sketches of the villages like century-old dwelling houses, village gates and communal houses are still preserved in face of the urbanization process that has brought high-rise buildings, hotels and villas to the land around the lake.

West Lake isn’t only a place for Hanoians to relax, but also an ideal residential place for foreigners working in the city with hundreds of villas built near the lake.
Quite a few describe the lake as a mirror of Hanoi, but still many others call it “a lung of the city”.

THANG LONG WATER PUPPET THEATRE

The world-famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi has its roots in an art form that dates back to the 11th century. The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water. Using large rods to support the puppets it appeared as if they were moving across the water with the puppeteers hidden behind a screen.
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 telling the story that is being acted out by the puppets. Most of the shows recount Vietnamese folk tales and legends with topics including the celebration of the rice harvest depicted in a humorous fashion.

Shows at this modern theatre are performed in a pool of water as the stage for the puppets. The puppets are controlled by no more than eight puppeteers hiding behind a bamboo screen. The renowned Thang Long Water Puppet show is considered to be one of the cultural highlights of Northern Vietnam dating back to a tradition that first started in the Red River Delta. Today’s performances usually include a number of short sketches rather than one long story, taking the audience on a journey of ancient village life, agricultural harvests and dances of mythical creatures. Most shows also feature the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which tells the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise. The live music plays an integral part of the show with singers often shouting words of encouragement to the puppets.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hanoi with tickets selling out well in advance so it’s worth booking yours as soon as you arrive in town. It is also advisable to pay more to get closer to the action as the theatre seats a few hundred people and the puppets are not that big. The theatre is modern and usually shows 17 short sketches within a one-hour performance.

VIET NAM MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY

The museum stores documents and objects on everyday life, culture, customs of the 54 ethnic groups of Viet Nam.

Built in 1987 and inaugurated in 1997 under design of Tay ethnic architect Ha Duc Linh and French woman architect Veronique Dollfus.

With 15,000 objects, 42,000 color films and photos, 2,190 positive films, 273 cassettes, 373 videos and 25 CD-ROM, Viet Nam Museum of Ethnography is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors to visit, research and experience culture of ethnic groups of Viet Nam. The museum often organizes the performances of crafts and folk culture types of ethnic groups of Viet Nam, Southeast Asia and other regions in the world.

Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology covers an area of over 4ha and includes three main exhibition areas: exhibition area in Trong Dong (Bronze Drum) Building, outdoor exhibition area and Southeast Asia exhibition area.

With an area of 2,500m², the exhibition area in Trong Dong Building is divided into 9 themes: general introduction, Viet-Muong group, Thai-Kadai group, Mong-Dao group, Han-Tang group, Mon-Khmer group, Nam Dao group, ethnic groups of Cham, Hoa, Khmer, and exchange and integration among the ethnic groups. The outdoor exhibition area introduces typical architectural styles of ethnic groups of Viet Nam such as long house of Ede people, stilts house of Tay people, tile-roof house of Kinh people, grave house of Gia Rai people, communal house of Ba Na people…

The Southeast Asia exhibition area presents the culture panorama of ethnic groups in Southeast Asia according to 5 themes: textile, daily life, social life, performance arts and religions-beliefs.
According to TripAdvisor – one of the most prestigious tourism websites in the world, Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology ranked 4th in top 25 fascinating museums in Asia in 2014.

BAT TRANG CERAMIC VILLAGE

Bat Trang, a small village in the north of Vietnam, is about 13 kilometers south east of Hanoi center, on the other side of Chuong Duong bridge. Why is its name popular to most tourists to northern Vietnam? The answer is its ever famous ceramic and pottery products of high quality. If you have known about Vietnam, you may not be surprised that Bat Trang’s vases, bowls, dishes, and many other kinds of ceramic products have been exported worldwide. Should you would like to contemplate workers making ceramic products by hand, just come here! What’s more, you can also try it yourself!

Bat Trang ceramic village has become a popular destination for the young living in Hanoi (college or high school students) to visit during weekends. It has also become famous among foreign tourists who want to understand more about the historical and traditional values in each handicraft product. There are a lot of travel agencies providing one day tour from Hanoi to the village at reasonable prices. Choose a Hanoi traditional handicraft villages tour to visit the two famous handicraft villages on Hanoi outskirts: Bat Trang Ceramic Village and Van Phuc Silk Village. Surely you will find it best fit your time frame and may buy some ceramic.

DUONG LAM ANCIENT VILLAGE

Five hamlets of Mong Phu, Cam Thinh, Dong Sang, Doai Giap and Cam Lam, Duong Lam Commune, Son Tay Town, about 45km to the west of Ha Noi.
This is the only village keeping intactly the structure and way of life of a Vietnamese ancient village in the Northern Midlands.

Duong Lam has still preserved the typical features of a traditional Vietnamese village with village’s gate, banyan tree, well, communal house’s court, etc. The ancient houses from 17th-18thcenturies in harmony combination of yards, gardens, wells are located on the fish-bone-shaped roads. The houses in Duong Lam built by traditional materials as laterite, bamboo, wood, clay, rice husk, mud, sawdust, lime, sand, straw are usually cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The houses consists of 5 or 7 compartments and 2 lean-tos. Of which, the largest middle compartment is the place setting the ancestor altar along with horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, old paintings, etc. Here also has wooden settee or bed with tea pot to invite guests.

Besides the ancient houses, Duong Lam also contains many shrines, temples, pagoda, etc and vivid natural landscape of mounds, ponds, lakes, ancient trees and rice field. Therefore, Duong Lam is an attractive destination for photographers, especially in rice harvest season.

Duong Lam Ancient Village has been recognized as National Art Architecture Relic Site since 2005. This is the first ancient village in Viet Nam ranked as a national relic site.

Due to being the homeland of King Bo Cai (? – 789) and King Ngo Quyen (939 – 944), two national heroes that led insurrections against Tang invaders in the 8th century and the Southern Han in the 10thcentury, Duong Lam is known as “the land of two kings”. This is also the home of Giang Van Minh – an eminent diplomat in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

THANH CHUONG’S VIET PALACE

Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace, situated Soc Son district, was started building following ancient structure of Vietnamese house by Thanh Chuong painter in 2001. It was completed in 2003. The palace preserves and honors art values of Vietnam.

Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace has 25 cultural works which combine architecture, sculpture, art, religion and food. Coming hear, visitors can see Vietnamese architecture and sculpture art which colorizes old houses of hundreds of years old such as stilt houses, Thanh Tinh, Tuong Van, Đai Khoa and thatched cottage houses.

The works are simple and closed to Vietnamese people but very sophisticated. The palace features Vietnamese people’s spiritual life via belief and cultural works such as Son Tinh, Thien altar, stone altar, Pho Hien Bodhisattva statue and Ngua temple.
Particularly, cultural and art heritages of traditional operetta and Bac Ninh folk song, ceremonial song, strolling blind music, “Chau Van”, “Hau Dong” and water puppetry will be performed here. Viet Palace will see the display of Thanh Chuong painter and Vietnamese leading artists as well as collections of rare antiques from the dynasties of Đinh, Ly, Tran and Le.

Works made by harmony of folk and contemporary, past and present. All architectural works at Viet Palace have special features, bringing viewers a multidimensional view about Vietnamese national identities.

BA VI NATIONAL PARK

Ba Vi National Park is located in the five districts: Ba Vi, Thach That, Quoc Oai, Hanoi, Luong Son, Ky Son and it is far about 60 kilometers from Hanoi along the highway 21A, 87.

Ba Vi National Park is divided into three functional areas: Strict Conservation, Ecological Restoration and Administrative Services. Ba Vi is the average mountain and low mountain. In Ba Vi National Park, there have several mount with 1000 meters height such as: Dinh Vua (1296 meters), Tan Vien mount (1277 meters), Ngoc Hoa mount (1131 meters), Vien Nam mount (1081m) and Hang Hum mount (776 meters), Gia De (714 meters)… Ba Vi mountain range has large slope with the average slope about 250 meters.

The general characteristics of Ba Vi is dominated by mechanisms of monsoon. The average annual temperature in the region is 23,40oC. With this feature, this is an ideal holiday for tourists.
According to the list of flora collected from the samples and the results of additional investigation in 2008, Ba Vi National Park has 1201 species of vascular plants. The specific feature of the region of Ba Vi is that it has 5 species of Ercaceae and 6 species of Theacae and 19 species Fagaceae which is more than the numbers of Cuc Phuong National Park.

According to the investigation in 2008, the vertebrate fauna in Ba Vi National Park are 342 species. Besides, there has 70 species for meat, leather.

MOUNT TU TRAM

About 20km southwest of Ha Noi, along Highway 6, stands a limestone mountain amid a prosperous plain offering relic of Tu Tram Mountain.

When visiting the spot, the traveller is usually told the story of Mt. Tu Tram. In ancient times, the brightest and finest star of the heavens, Tu Vi, suddenly fell from the sky and has transformed into a mountain. The local people named it Mt. Tu Tram. In the Le Dynasty, in the seventh year of Canh Tri, 1669, a text was carved in the stone half way up its walls. The mountain was then called Mt. Long Chau or Mt. Phat Tich (the mountain embracing relics and traces of the Buddha).

Mt. Tu Tram is indeed a precious gift of nature. The landscape with its mountain and water is a Holy Land. Enamored with the beautiful landscape of Mt. Tu Tram, in 1516 King Le Chieu Tong had a royal stopover pavilion built and ordered the digging of canals and clearing of streams around the mountain for dragon-boat rides whenever he was free from national affairs. Quite a few religious structures such as altars and shrines, temples and pagodas were built during following dynasties. As a result, today, many architectural vestiges of different times are found, such as the Pagodas of Long Tien, Quan Yin, Vo Vi and Ba Lang, the Cao Son Temple, Mother’s Temple, stone-slab pavilions and towers. Due to the wear of ages and the devastation of wars and nature, some of the architectural relics could not be kept intact and others lie in ruins such as the tower and little temple on the southwestern slope of the mountain.
Long Tien Pagoda, also called Tram Pagoda, was erected in the 7th year of Canh Tri 1669. It has been repaired and restored several times. In the middle of its high stone floor perron stands a stone slab with a relief carving of two lizards. According to some Southeast Asian agricultural people, the lizard symbolizes the fire genie. A group of Buddha statues in the pagoda bears the style of 18-19th century art with very delicate and sophisticated curving lines.
Nature has endowed Mt. Tu Tram with picturesque caves and caverns. Long Tien is the most beautiful cave. Its mouth is not so large but its vault is immense. Hundreds of stalactites in every exotic and eerie form flow from the roof and the walls of the cave. In the 17th year of Chinh Hoa (1696), King Le Hy Tong had dozens of statutes of Buddha, giant guardians and sacred deities carved in the cave. This treasure trove is of immense historic and artistic value, particularly the statute of Amitabha. It portrays him in a zen position on a lotus, with a round, chubby upright face and half-closed eyes, in deep meditation and wearing a sympathetic and savory smile. The piece was masterfully carved with delicate lines in detailed animation. The roof and the walls of the cave still bear the autographs of more than ten famous scholars from the Posterior Le to the Nguyen dynasties. Present are 20 pre-eminent essays in prose and poetry in classical Vietnamese script (Han Nom) heaping praise upon the beautiful landscape of Mt. Tu Tram. This may be seen as a cavern of literary coterie, thud rendezvous of generations of poets. This treasure trove is of a historic and cultural value rarely seen in Viet Nam.

In the area of Mt.Trao, very close to Mt. Tu Tram, a little shrine is found on top of a mountain: Vo Vi Pagoda built in 968 AD. Today, on the stone walls around the pagoda are found slabs with scriptures of great historical and artistic value. Each year, when spring comes round, the local people around Mt. Tu Tram hold the Tram Pagoda Festival on the second day of the second lunar month. In the festive atmosphere, village elders recount for the young generation the myths and legends of Mt. Tu Tram.

VIET NAM NATIONAL VILLAGE FOR ETHNIC CULTURE AND TOURISM

This is the place presenting the typical cultural and historical values of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.
Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism covers on a total area of more than 1,500ha with 7 functional areas, of which, the 200ha ethnic village area has the terrain of hills, mountains, valleys, lakes interwoven the traditional village models of ethnic groups to recreate the natural and cultural landscapes of 4 village clusters in Viet Nam.
Cluster I includes landscapes and typical cultural works of 28 ethnic groups in the North-East, North-West and North Central mountainous regions belonging to language families of Tay – Thai, Tang – Mien, Mong – Dao, Viet – Muong, Ka Dai.

Cluster II possesses landscapes and typical cultural works of 18 ethnic groups in the South-Central and Central Highlands regions belonging to language families of Mon – Kho Me, Nam Dao.

Cluster III contains landscapes and typical cultural works of the ethnic groups in the half-mountain half-plain, plateau, mountain, riverside regions belonging to language families of Mon – Kho Me and Nam Dao (Cham, Khmer, Cho Ro, Chu Ru ethnic groups).
Cluster IV expresses landscapes and typical cultural works of the ethnic groups residing in the half-mountain half plain, mountain, plain, coastal, riverside, town regions belonging to language families of Han, Viet – Muong (Kinh, Hoa, Ngai, San Diu ethnic groups).

Here, the traditional cultural festivals are reappeared such as North-West highland markets, rain praying festival of Cor ethnic group (Quang Nam Province), rice planting festival of B’rau ethnic group (Kon Tum Province), Bay Nui Ox Racing (An Giang Province), Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho City), etc. These are the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere imbued cultural identity of each region. Especially, the ethnic people will introduce their own traditional culture beauties to visitors.

QUAN SON LAKE

Quan Son Lake is situated in My Duc District, Ha Tay Province. It covers an area of 850ha with nearly 100 mountains and a diversity of plantation on, pagodas and historic relics.

The lake water is clear with fresh air year round. Visitors to the lake will be taken by surprise at the natural beauty: the water, the clouds, the river and the mountains. Quan Son eco-tourism system is covered with rebirth-forests of rare plantation and animal species. Wildlife: birds, reptiles, mammals are plentiful in the forest. The area has retained traces of national cultures, festival traditional identities. The attraction lies in the natural beauties almost untouched and untapped. The first footing is ferry-berth of Giang Noi Lake. It’s one of three huge lakes of Quan Son. Ranges of 20 mountains could be viewed tram distance, long and surround the lake. There are in the lake cliffs, which look like islets. Visitors to the lake by boat will be able to see mountains named differently: Su Tu, Voi Phuc, Ham Long, Yen Ngua and caves and grottoes: Doi, Ran, Da Truot, Linh Son, Bong Lai, Ngoc Long… Each one is natural wonder with stalagmites and stalactites in imaginative animals: dragons, turtles, phњnixes and tigers, panthens or birds… Every year, from October to the end of spring, birds can be seen building nests in the Voi valley. ln rainy season, tram high mountains, waterfalls flow down the lake, creating white foamy waves that make the scenes more beautiful and exciting. Over climbing Truot Mount, visitors will be more relaxed to breathe in fresh air while viewing the whole nature panorama of Quan Son. Everything here: the lake, the mounts, the forests, the lotus-ponds, the rice fields help to make unforgettable memories. 

Around the lake, there are pagodas. Linh Son Pagoda lies at the foot of the Linh Son Mount, mirroring in the Giang Noi Lake. Linh Son Grotto is nearby. It’s not so large but there are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Pagoda of Cao and Ham Yen are close in sight. Ham Rong Pagoda is a must to see when in Quan Son. It’s built in ancient architecture with decorative designs of dragons, phoenixes, plants, birds and flowers. The pagoda was a revolutionary base during the resistance-war against French invasion. Cam ping, boating, fishing and trekking, swimming are available and please don’t forget to try the local specialties cooked by ethnic minorities in stilt-houses or night at the foot of the mountains.