Tran Quoc Pagoda
Hanoi, VietnamHanoi's oldest pagoda, dating to the 6th century, perched on a tiny island in West Lake. The 11-storey tower is photogenic at any time, but at sunset when the lake turns gold, it's extraordinary.
More Culture in Hanoi
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Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
The 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.
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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.
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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.