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Temple of Literature - Van Mieu
This ancient site was established in the 11th century as a seat of learning dedicated to Confucianism and later became the city's first University. The site comprises a series of low buildings, five courtyards and pathways with ponds shaded by trees. The Garden of the Stelae features over 80 inscribed stones set on the back of turtles surrounding a pool of water. Traditional music and dance performances added add to the tranquil atmosphere. Pho Van Mieu
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87 Pho Ma May
The traditional houses in the Old Quarter are known as ‘tube' or ‘tunnel' houses. This restored example based on life in the 19 th century shows the narrow frontage, workshop, courtyard and living areas set back from the street.
Hoa Lo Prison
Only a small part of the prison built during French rule of Vietnam survives today where it is possible to see the small cells and guillotine in the courtyard. It was used to hold US prisoners of war during the Vietnam War and became known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton'. 1 Hoa Lo Street
Ambassadors' Pagoda
This is the main centre for Buddhist prayer in the city and is busy throughout the day with worshippers paying their respects and lighting incense sticks. 73 Quan Su
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One Pillar Pagoda
This unusual pagoda featuring a single stone pillar with a wooden structure on top represents a lotus flower. It was constructed in the 11century and is based on the legend of an Emperor's dream about his son who was presented on a lotus flower. Ong Ich Kiem Street
Ho Chi Minh's House Ba Dinh Square
Ho Chi Minh lived in the traditional stilt house during the 1950s and 60s. It contains many of his personal effects including two old cars and gifts from fellow Communist leader Fidel Castro. The grounds of the house feature the Peace Pond shaded by attractive trees, a bomb shelter and restored colonial buildings.
Quan Thanh Temple
This 11th century temple on Truc Bach Lake is set in a large courtyard and houses the imposing lacquered bronze statue of Huyen Thien Vo which was cast in 1677. His giant feet have been ‘polished' by centuries of worshippers. Truc Bach Lake
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Originally dating to the 6 th century this pagoda and garden on the shore of West Lake has been rebuilt in the 15 th and 19 th centuries. It is an impressive structure and one of the oldest pagodas in the country. Pho Than Nien
St Joseph 's Cathedral
Constructed in the 1880s St Joseph 's (Nha Tho) was built on an ancient pagoda site and its twin towers, neo-Gothic style and impressive stained glass windows are reminiscent of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Nha Tho
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Mausoleum is located in an imposing Soviet-style building where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh lies in state in a glass casket in the dimly lit crypt. Outside in the square changing of the Mausoleum guards and parades regularly take place. Ba Dinh Square
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