Destination Hanoi, Vietnam

The lines of Vietnamese and tourists went on for miles and miles. They were all there to pay their respects to the revered figure of Ho Chi Minh, Bringer of Light, as his name translates.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

 

The revolutionary leader died in 1969. But for many Vietnamese, a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is the most important reason to visit their capital. Here they can see his embalmed body and pay their respects to the man many regard as a hero.

Ho Chi Minh spearheaded the fight for a united Communist Vietnam. The mausoleum's grounds and building are impressive and contrast starkly with Minh’s simple house on stilts behind it.

The lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda rising out of water is another attraction there. A symbol of Hanoi, it was originally built in the 11^th century on a single pillar – hence its name. It has been reconstructed several times over the years, the last being in 1955 by the new Vietnamese government.

The gardens of the Temple of Literature

From there it was on to the Temple of Literature, a requirement on any tourist’s itinerary. This ancient capital’s first university, founded in 1070, is dedicated to Confucius.

The contrast between its zen-like gardens, studded with pagodas and ponds, and the streets of Hanoi was stark. Motorbikes were everywhere in the city seemingly only interrupted with a steady flow of tour buses and a few cars.

This small capital city, which over the centuries has been plagued by so many wars and survived colonial occupation, is chaotic yet exhilarating at the same time.

The Old Quarter

A visit to what was sarcastically referred to as the Hanoi Hilton by US prisoners of war gives another picture of Hanoi. Hoa Lo Prison, its official name, is where the French held Vietnamese revolutionaries. It was later used by the North Vietnamese to keep Americans, including the late Senator John McCain, captured during the American War, (as the Vietnamese call what we know as the Vietnam War). Only a small section of the prison remains but the exhibits tell the story of what was endured here. 

But, it is the Old Quarter, where it feels as if time has stood still, that captures your affection. With a delicious French flavour, Hanoi’s beating heart is unique and exotic. 

Where life happens

This labyrinth of narrow streets filled with architectural marvels such as the tunnel homes (so-called because they are long and not wide) is a great place for getting to grips with the culture. The 36 streets were named after the merchandise that was originally traded here. 

Women in conical hats push wheelbarrows displaying goods to sell, locals sit on the pavements peeling vegetables or playing with their children or simply taking a walk. This where life happens. 

Hoan Kiem Lake

You will also find some lovely boutiques to mooch around as well as trendy cafés where you can enjoy delicious Vietnamese coffee. Have it on its own or drink it like a local with sweetened condensed milk. It is also served with yoghurt or egg white.

It is also a great place to sample the wonderful flavours of Vietnamese cuisine as there are so many restaurants to choose from. There are also plenty of cookery classes should you want to improve your culinary skills.

Afterwards take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, fringed by trees. People come here to escape the hustle and bustle as it is so calm and relaxing. Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), a renowned landmark, is perched on a small island.

Just past the lake is the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre, where tourists flock to watch musicians and puppeteers perform this centuries-old Vietnamese tradition. You should see one performance while in the country.

Hanoi is on the cusp of change. You can see the winds of globalisation starting to blow through the city. I am so glad that I got to see it now.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

Fly with Qatar Airways. For best rates visit qatarairways.com

Stay at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com

.