HO CHI MINH PRESIDENT HOUSE

 It is a house on stilts situated inside  Presidential complex with green garden and trees. The house was built in 1958 according to style of Tay -Thai ethnic house in mountainous areas in the North Vietnam.

The house on stilts for President Ho Chi Minh is recolonized as a Special National Site. It looks humble in the heart of Hanoi capital. The place is must -see on tour itinerary when you visit Hanoi. Next to Ho Chi Minh house are the house No 67, the house where he receive foreign guests, Presidential palace.

The stilt house is overlooking to a fish pond. Whenever the president feed them he just clap hand for a sign, then hundreds of fish coming. The house consist of 2 floor. The ground floor is meeting place with members in politburo. On the second floor there are 2 small rooms, one is bedroom and the other is his working place. 

The President house is simple but he is the great man of Vietnam. People call him with respected name Uncle Ho or Bac Ho in Vietnamese. 

Share:

Read More

Streets of Hanoi welcome arrival of Hoa Ban blossoms

VOV.VN - During late February each year the streets of Hanoi are filled with Hoa Ban, known by their scientific name of Bauhinia variegate, in bloom, serving to fill the streets with delicate pink flowers which are reminiscent of orchids.

Local people can easily spot the flowers blossoming on trees on Bac Son, Hoang Dieu, Yen Phu, and Hoang Dao Thuy streets, in addition to on the banks of Ho Guom, also known as Sword Lake.

Source vov.vn

Share:

Read More

Ancient house of 87 Ma May

 The house of 87 Ma May is situated right in the heart of Old quarter Hanoi belonging to Hoan Kiem district. The house is well preserved as a must-see place if you wish to know deeper about another Hanoi in the past.

Photo Internet

87 Ma May house was built by the late XIX century, in an area of 160 sqm. The length is 28 m, the width is 5m in front and  6m on the back. By passing time the house was owned by different families. Till 1999 when it was recognized as National heritage, there were 5 families living there. 

                                                                         Photo Internet

The house consists of 2 floors and 2 block that is separated by small opened yard in middle for wind and sunlight. The house front used to be a shop, back yard are bedrooms, place receiving guests, toilet, and kitchen. On the second floor, it consists of ancestor worshiping space, living room, open yard, and bedroom. 

                                                                   Photo Internet

Main materials for construction are wood and brick. Architecture of the house is very Hanoi style in business area in the past. The house is open for visit everyday. Take a short walking tour in Old town of Hanoi and visit 87 Ma May house. 

Share:

Read More

Travel around Hanoi center by Electric car

 There are diverse means of transport in Hanoi capital city such as public bus, motorbike taxi, car taxi, cyclo or rickshaw, and electric car. In recent years people get used to hire Grab bike, car booked through apps on mobile phone. Here, how to choose the mean of transport to visit Hanoi.

We highly recommend electric car to explore Hanoi center and West lake area. This mean of travel suits small group from 2- 6 people/ 1 car. It moves slowly around bustling streets in Old quarter, French quarter with colonial buildings, Hoan Kiem lake, West lake, and old traditional villages by West lake. You feel quite comfortable and not scare at massive number of motorbike at rush hour in Hanoi.

You can buy ticket at Hoan Kiem lake or in the front of Dong Xuan market for one hour tour inside Old city through handcraft shop, narrow streets, temples, lake....or another one-hour itinerary around French quarter with Opera house and colonial buildings from early 20th century. 

If you choose the pick-up point by West lake you have another itinerary of 3-4 hour tour around the lake and it's traditional villages with some stops for visit temple and see daily life of the locals. 

Share:

Read More

Districts for tourist attraction in Hanoi center

 Hanoi contains 17 outlying districts, 1 town of Son Tay, and 12 urban districts including Ba Dinh - Dong Da - Hai Ba Trung - Tay Ho - Thanh Xuan - Long Bien - Hoang Mai - Ha Dong - Cau Giay - Bac Tu Liem - Nam Tu Liem. But major number of hotels and tourist attractions are allocated in Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and Hai Ba Trung dictricts.

Hoan Kiem district is the heart of Hanoi city where there are numerous hotels, old quarter, temples and pagodas, traditional markets, and lovely Hoan Kiem lake.

Ba Dinh district includes historical Ba Dinh square, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Government offices, and foreign ambassies, Parliament House. It is country political center.

Tay Ho district where has the large lake of Hanoi name West Lake with 500 hectare large. Surrounding the lake are old villages, vast field of flowers. 

Hai Ba Trung district consists of 2 parts old one and new one from 1960s. Most of universities were built since 1955 in the district beside modern buildings in recent decades. 

Travel to Hanoi you should stay and explore tourist sites in districts mentioned above before others.  

Share:

Read More

VISIT HANOI CATHEDRAL

 Hanoi Cathedral is also known as St. Joseph's Cathedral situated at Nha Chung street, just few minutes walking to Hoan Kiem lake in the old center of Hanoi.

                                                                           Photo Internet

French army conquered Hanoi in 1873. After taking full control of Hanoi French governor start to expanded and modernized this city. Hanoi Cathedral was inaugurated on Christmas Day, 1887. The Cathedral was constructed on the land of former Bao Thien tower, which was popular in Thang Long citadel (former name of Hanoi) since Ly Dynasty (early 11th - early 13 century).

                                                                 Photo Internet

The Cathedral was built of clay-baked brick and stone slabs. The design is Gothic Revival. Two tower reach the height of 31 meters high. The twin bell towers are resembled Notre Dame de Paris. 

The stained glass windows were made in France. The ceiling is rib vaulted like those in medieval Europe. Hanoi Cathedral is opened daily for mass from 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at 40 Nha Chung street.

                                                                       Photo Internet

It is convenient to walk there if you stay in the old quarter of Hanoi. Surrounding the Cathedral are cafes, restaurants, treet food stalls, and souvenir shops.

Share:

Read More

HISTORICAL HOUSE OF 48 HANG NGANG STREET

The house at 48 Hang Ngang street become famous historical house in Hanoi, where president Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945.

                                                                          Photo Internet

By the end of August 1945, after returning from mountainous area of Tan Trao, the resistant base of Viet Minh, Ho Chi Minh chose the house as one of his meeting places. 

                                                                            Photo Internet

The living room is the place where he received representatives of domestic and foreign visitors. Next to the living room is a small room with humble furnishing of a wardrobe, a sofa, a round table, and an armchair, where the President composed the Declaration of Independence. 

                                                                            Photo Internet

The houe number 48 Hang Ngang street is situated right in the heart of Old Quarter Hanoi, and becomes one  of National Heritages

Share:

Read More

VISIT NGOC SON TEMPLE IN HANOI

 Ngoc Son temple is situated on an islet, poetic Hoan Kiem lake. Ngoc Son means Jade Mountain. The temple was built in 2nd half of 19th century by the call of Hanoi scholars. Actually, the temple with an other name of Ngoc Tuong was here in 11th century, under Ly Dynasty.

                                                                         Photo Internet

The temple is dedicated to Van Xuong saint who is considered as the brightest star in Vietnamese Literary, and General Tran Hung Dao, the hero who led Vietnamese people to defeat Mongol aggressors in 13th century.

                                                                      Photo Internet

The temple complex includes Thap But or the pen-shaped tower by the entrance, The Huc Bridge where receiving sunbeams, Vong Nguyet Lau or watching moon platform, Tran Ba pavilion, and the main temple.

                                                                        Photo Internet

Next to the temple there is a house where we display embalmed tortoises from Hoan Kiem lake, the tortoise is the biggest one in Vietnam.

                                                                             Photo Internet

The temple opens daily from 7h00 AM - 5h00 PM. You buy the ticket at entrance gate. 

Share:

Read More

THANG LONG ROYAL CITY IN HANOI

 Thang Long or "Ascending Dragon" royal city has been part of Thang Long citadel since 1010 when Ly Thai To King chose Hanoi or former Thang Long as the capital for the country.

                                                                        Photo Facebook

In December 2002, experts carried out the largest excavation in South East Asia on an area of 19,000 sq meters inside the Royal city. They discovered millions of artifacts relating to layers of culture during 13 centuries

                                                                     Photo Facebook

The relics show us the culture of Dynasties of Ly, Tran, Le, Mac, and Nguyen (1010 - 1945). At 20h30 on 31 July 2010, Thang Long Royal city was recognized as World Heritage of Culture by UNESCO. Hanoi people in particular and Vietnamese in general were very proud of that news.

                                                                 Photo Facebook

Thang Long royal city open daily for visit. You will see the remaining relics, artifacts in the museum, experience ancient water well, taste Vietnamese tea, visit the house D67 and secret bomb shelter built during war time, art show....

                                                                         Photo Internet

The Royal city of Thang Long is located in Ba Dinh District, center Hanoi, just next to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh square. 

                                                                   Photo Facebook

Share:

Read More

GOLF COURSE LONG BIEN IN URBAN AREA OF HANOI

 Long Bien Golf Course is right in urban area of Hanoi, just 10 minute drive from Hanoi Old Quarter. The address is at Phuc Dong ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi city.

                                                                        Photo Suu tam

It is 27 hole golf course designed by Nelson and Haworth Golf Course Achitects - one of the leading golf course design company in the world.

                                                                      Photo Suu tam

Long Bien Golf course is the best choice for golf lovers. Location the the golf course is quite convenient, and landscape design is spectacular.  

                                                                         Photo Suu tam

The golf course has very popular clubhouse in Vietnam with an area of 10,000 sq meters equipped with 5 star facilities imported from Europe. 

Share:

Read More

VISIT VIETNAM MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM

 Vietnam Military History Museum was opened on 22nd Dec 1959 on the occasion of 15 foundation of Vietnam people's Army.

                                                                           Photo Sưu tầm

There are 30 rooms displaying objects, photos, weapons relating to revolutionary movements during French colony, Franco-Vietnam war, and the Vietnam War. You  will see Soviet tanks, MICT - 21 Fighter, wreckage of French aircraft, American B-52 bomber. 

                                                                          Photo Sưu tầm

There are also rooms showing us Vietnam Military history during 10th - 19th century.

                                                                          Photo Sưu tầm

The Museum open daily 8h00 - 11h30; 14h00 - 16h00; closed on Friday. Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi city.

Share:

Read More

THU LE ZOO IN HANOI CITY

 Thu Le Zoo covers an area of 28 hectares in which 6 hectare is Thu Le lake that shapes oval. Thu Le Zoo is situated in the land once was ancient village dated back to 11th century (Ly Dynasty). 

                                                                         Photo Sưu tầm

Thu Le Zoo and Park is not only the amusement park but also historical site of Hanoi capital.

                                                                        Photo Sưu tầm

The Zoo was built in 1976, and received visitors 2 year later. There are hundreds of species of animal and birds, reptiles....The zoo is already a member of South East Asia Zoo Association and has relation with over 30 zoos in the world.

                                                                         Photo Sưu tầm

The are 2 entrance gates to the zoo. The main one at Kim Ma street, closed to Daewoo hotel. The zoo is 5 km from Hanoi Old Quater only. Spend half day tour in the zoo combining the visit to Lotte shopping mall Hanoi nearby.

Share:

Read More

QUAN SU PAGODA IN HANOI CENTER

 Quan Su pagoda is situated at 73, Quan Su street, Hanoi. It was built in 17th century. The Northern Buddhist Association chose Quan Su Pagoda as its meeting hall during 1934 - 1942.

                                                                        Photo Internet

I was recorded that, in the past, near today Quan Su pagoda, Le King built a building to welcome ambassadors from neighboring countries when the come to visit Vietnam. They were Buddhists so that Le King decided to constructed a Buddhist temple for their worship. 

                                                                 Photo Internet

Quan Su pagoda was once the first place for Buddhist Institute during 1981 - 1985. The pagoda opens daily from 7:30 - 11h30 and 13h30 - 17h30.

Share:

Read More

TRUC BACH LAKE IN HANOI

 Truc Bach lake is popular among hundreds of lakes in Hanoi. It is separated from West lake by Thanh Nien Road built by Hanoi students during 1960s. 

In 17th century villagers of Yen Hoa and Yen Quang built a narrow dike between West lake and Truc Bach lake to lure fish, then raise fish. Lord Trinh Giang built a resort palace near the lake call Truc Lam Institute in 18th century.

                                                                           Photo Internet

Later Truc Bach became the place for banishing guilty concubines. They made their owned living by weaving silk. The silk has fine quality and great beauty so that soon became famous in Hanoi. 

For the secondary job in the village is to make bamboo blinds so that they also planted bamboo in surrounding. Bamboo means Truc, and silk made by concubines mean Bach so that's why the lake there was called Truc Bach lake.

                                                                            Photo Internet

There is a tasty beer brand named Truc Bach in Hanoi. Near Truc Bach lake there are Quan Thanh temple, Tran Quoc pagoda, 5 star Pan Pacific hotel, Ly Tu Trong flower garden....Nice to come for taking photo, being relax with a cup of coffee on floating restaurant

Share:

Read More

VISIT WEST LAKE IN HANOI

 It is said that West Lake was once a part of the Red River. It became the lake when the river changed it's course long time ago.

Total area of West Lake is about 500 hectares, and has circumstance of 17 km. In the past, since 11th century the lake has been destination for sightseeing and visit. It was also relaxing place for royal families. 

                                                                           Photo Internet

There are traditional villages making handcrafts around the lake such as paper, silk, bronze casting, and flower villages. There are also 61 city heritages of pagoda, temples, and shrines in those villages. 

                                                                         Photo Internet

Nowadays, we build luxury villas, hotels, and apartments around the lake to host foreign tourists and expats. Nice to have a cup of coffee there and enjoy lake view. The locals gather at the lake to practice Taichi, cycle, play badminton...in the morning. 

Share:

Read More

HANOI OPERA HOUSE

 Hanoi Opera House is an impressive building erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 - 1911. The Opera house is situated at one end of Trang Tien street, overlooking to August revolution sqaure, near Opera Hilton hotel, Sofitel Metropole Hotel, History Museum, and Revolution Museum.

Hanoi Oprea house is modeled on Gamier Opera house, the old one in Paris. Since then it has become one of architectural landmarks in Hanoi city. 

The Opera House is 87 meters long and 30  meters wide with more than 900 seats. The ceiling is 30m high and in typically Greek style. It consists of 3 floors in which balcony is designed on 1st and 2nd floor. Behind the stage are office, make-up rooms, rehearsal room and meeting hall.

                                                                            Photo Internet

From the beginning it was the place for French art performance but soon later Vietnamese troupes also introduce their shows at Hanoi Opera House. On August 19, 1945 Hanoi people held a meeting in the front of Opera House in order to response to the call of Viet Minh Troupe for a revolution. 

                                                                   Photo Internet

When they start to build the background over 35,000 poles of bamboo were piled, and 0.9 meter of concrete was paved to support the heavy building. The construction required 12,000 cubic meters of different materials, 600 tons of metal, and 300 workers working daily. 

                                                                          Photo Internet

In 1997 the House was refurnished to its original condition. Then it appears beautiful and magnificent as early days. In early 2000 the House received and arranged 20 performance a year but now that number reaches over 400.

                                                                           Photo Internet

Hanoi Stay can help you book tickets and arrange tour to visit Hanoi Opera House for 2 hours from Monday to Friday. 

Share:

Read More

BA DINH SQUARE IN HANOI

 Ba Dinh square is the largest square in Vietnam. The name Ba Dinh is derived from an Uprising named Ba Dinh that occurred in 1886 - 1887, an anti-French rebellion. 

                                                               Photo Stay Hanoi

Ba Dinh square is on one side of former Hanoi citadel. It is 100 meter wide and 320 meter long, going along with 240 square of grass. 

On 2nd September 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence for Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Surrounding Ba Dinh square are important buildings including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Parliament House, Head office of Planning and Investment Ministry, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh President House and Garden, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo nld.com.vn

We arrange tour in the morning to witness raising flag ceremony performed by a unit of Military. Ba Dinh square is the place we hold important national events.  

Share:

Read More

HANG DAO AND HANG NGANG STREETS

 Hang Dao and Hang Ngang streets connect with Hang Duong, Dong Xuan, and Hang Giay streets deriving from Hoan Kiem Lake in Old center of Hanoi capital city.

Photo Internet

Formerly, Hang Dao street inside Thang Long citadel was a hamlet for the artisans immigrated from Hai Duong city. In the old days, the dwellers made their owned living by the job of dying cloth and sold red silk. The street name was taken since 19th century. Nowadays, people sell clothing and watches.

Next to Hang Dao is Hang Ngang street, where family traders sell clothes - fashion for kids and women. The building numbered 48 is the place where President Ho Chi Minh drafted Independent speech for Vietnam in 1945.

                                                                        Photo Internet

The connecting street is Hang Duong (sugar street) where you can find shops selling Vietnamese dried fruits. Going further we will meet Dong Xuan street and market as well as Hang Giay street. 

                                                                         Photo Internet

These streets situated in the mid-old quarter Hanoi where city people run their private business inherited from families. Houses in here long and narrow with 2 - 5 floors. It is quite interesting to have a short walk and explore daily life there. 

 

Share:

Read More