Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Hanoi, VietnamThe spiritual and geographic heart of Hanoi. The lake (meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword") is steeped in legend. The red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple on a small island. The morning tai chi sessions around the lake are unmissable.
Quick info
Price range
$
Category
🏛️ Culture
City
Hanoi
More Culture in Hanoi
🏛️
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first national university, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. The Temple of Literature is a superb example of traditional Vietnamese architecture - five walled courtyards with lakes, gardens, and stone steles honoring doctoral graduates.
🏛️
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The preserved body of Ho Chi Minh lies in state in this imposing Soviet-built granite mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square - where he declared Vietnamese independence in 1945. A deeply significant site for Vietnamese people; visitors must dress conservatively and maintain silence.
🏛️
Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
Built by the French in 1896 to hold Vietnamese political prisoners, later used to hold American POWs during the Vietnam War including John McCain. The remaining structure is now a museum with sobering exhibitions on both chapters of history.