Quan Son Lake

Quan Son is a lake in My Duc district of Hanoi.QuanSonLakeis located in the North –North West– South Southeast of My Duc district. A part of it is in Hoa Binh province. It is about 50km to the South Southwest of centreHanoi. This is a 850ha wide lake with nearly 100 limestone mountains inside. Therefore, it is compared to the “dry Halong”. Quan Son Lake Coming to Quan Son, visitors will take on a boat trip and witness the pure nature. Quan Son lake is in the triangle of tourism of religious – leisure – health curing. Quan Son tourism area also contains much of the ethnic group area with lots of traditional festivals and pure living style ofVietnam’s villages. Quan Son has some pagodas such as Ham Long, Linh Son tu, Ngoc Linh Tu, Ban Long Tu, Thung Phat, etc. About 1km from the lake, there is the vestiges of Mac dynasty citadel with the ancient citadel wall, gate which blocks the 431 road from theDamBridgeto Ben market. The interesting of Quan Son is its natural beauty like neglected. Coming to Qan Son, visitors will be taken to the mountains by small boats in the Rocky Mountains: Hon Me, Mom Nghe, Da Bac, Quai Cheo etc. Visitors could come to the biological garden with the fruit of Thung Mo (24ha of Hop Tien commune), thung Cong (30ha in Hong Son commune). Besides, visitors could enjoy the water sports like boating and enjoy the water products like fish, shrimp, and shellfish.

Long Bien Bridge

Built in 1903 by the architects of French company, Daydé & Pillé, Cầu Long Biên lies in the same league as French icon – the Eiffel Tower. Both icons sharing the same birth father – Gustave Eiffel, the very same man who crafted the Eiffel Tower. Long Bien Bridge It across the Red River, Hanoi. The bridge connects Hanoi with the North of Vietnam and the port of Haiphong.Before North Vietnam’s independence in 1954, it was called Doumer Bridge, named after Paul Doumer – The Governor-General of French Indochina and then French president. It was, at that time, one of the longest bridges in Asia with the length of 2,500 m. For the French colonial government, the construction was of strategic importance in securing control of northern Vietnam. From 1899 to 1902, more than 3,000 Vietnamese took part in the construction. Long Bien Bridge It was heavily bombarded during Vietnam War due to its critical position (the only bridge at that time across the Red River and connect Hanoi to the main port Haiphong). The first attack took place in 1967, and the center span of the bridge was felled by an attack by 20 USAF F-105 fighter-bombers. The defence of Long Bien Bridge continues to play a large role in Hanoi’s self-image and is often extolled in poetry and song. It was rendered unusable for a year when, in May 1972, it fell victim to one of the first co-ordinated attacks using laser-guided “smart bombs”. Long Bien Bridge The bridge now stands like a patched-up war veteran. Some parts of the original structure remain intact, while large sections have clearly been built later to repair the holes. In this way the bridge is a strong visual expression of history. Only half of the bridge retains its original shape. A project with support and loan from the French government is currently in progress to restore the bridge to its original appearance. Today trains, mopeds, bicycles and pedestrians use the dilapidated bridge, while all other traffic is diverted to the nearby Chuong Duong Bridge and some newly built bridges: Thanh Tri Bridge, Thang Long Bridge, Vinh Tuy Bridge, and Nhat Tan Bridge.

Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market (Vietnamese: Chợ Đồng Xuân) is a market in Cau Dong Street of Hoan Kiem district. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, it was part of an ancient hamlet of that name before it became a street. It was built in 1889 by the French colonial administration, Dong Xuan Market has been renovated several times with the latest in 1994 after a fire which almost destroyed the market. Dong Xuan Market At the end of 19th century, the Old Quarter of Hanoi had two main marketplaces, one at Hang Duong (Hàng Đường) street and the other at Hang Ma (Hàng Mã) street. In 1889, these two markets were closed and replaced by the original Dong Xuan Market which was built by the order of the French administration in 1889 as one of the principal new architectures of Hanoi, together with Long Bien Bridge which was located nearby and completed in 1902.The market was located at the Hanoi’s Old Quarter which was only 600 m north of Hoan Kiem Lake. Dong Xuan Market The covered area of the market was about 6.500m² with a large roof of corrugated galvanized iron supplied by the French contractor Poinsard Veyret.The most recognizable feature of the market was the 5-arch entrance corresponding to Dong Xuan Market’s five domes, each dome was measured 19 m in height and 25 m in width. When the First Indochina War broke out in Hanoi in early 1947, a fierce struggle between Việt Minh and French forces took place in the area of the market on February 14. To commemorate the event, a memorial was erected near the principal gate of the market in 2005. In 1994, the market was nearly destroyed by a disastrous fire which claimed the lost of about 4.5 million USD worth of stock. After the fire, Dong Xuan Market was rebuilt in the original form and it is still the largest covered market of Hanoi. The ward to which the market belongs is also named Dong Xuan (phường Đồng Xuân), this is one of the busiest commercial place of Hanoi with about a half of the total number of households has trading activities. Dong Xuan Market In 2003, the night market of the Dong Xuan Market was opened. Dong Xuan night market has a warm atmosphere that makes visitors feel like they are on a walk or on a tour, not in a market to bargain or to buy things. Dong Xuan night market has 67 handicraft, garment and food shops. The night market adds colour to the lifestyle of the residents of Ha Noi and makes the Old Quarter more attractive to foreign tourists. The night market, which includes Hang Khoai, Nguyen Thien Thuat and Cau Dong streets, is divided into three parts. The first area has 12 stalls that sell handicrafts and souvenirs. The second area has 44 stalls that sell clothing, cosmetics, silk and footwear. In the third area, there are 11 stalls that sell food and drink. This night market is organized as a tourist attraction rather than a business place where one can buy souvenirs, handicrafts and also taste traditional foods or enjoy cultural activities such as ca trù and chèo. Performers of other traditional arts like đàn bầu or xẩm artists are also invited to demonstrate their talent in the night market.

Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam

Van Mieu – Temple of Literature is a school for the sons of the Nation was established for the princes in Vietnam. Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam Although several Temples of Literature can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, which also functioned as Vietnam’s first university. The temple was first constructed in 1070 under King Lý Nhân Tông and is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The Imperial Academy was the first national university of Vietnam. It was constructed in 1076 during the reign of King Lý Nhân Tông for training the talented men, including crown princes, for the nation. For nearly 1000 years, it has preserved its ancient architectural style of many dynasties and precious relics at the sanctuary. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places, where many offering ceremonies, study sessions and strict exams of the Dai Viet took place. Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam The temple was reconstructed during the Trần (1225 – 1400) and subsequent dynasties. In 1484, King Le Thanh Tong decreed the names of all those who have attained the doctoral ranks in the national examination be inscribed on stone stele carried on the backs of giant tortoises. In all, 2,313 individuals were awarded the title of tien si. However, detailed records were kept only between 1442 and 1779 . According to records, there should be 112 stele in all but only 82 stele are still standing. Each represents a single examination year. The name and native village of the students who were awarded the title Tien Si or doctor laureate were inscribed on the stone. Tien si was not a diploma of graduation from the royal college. This title was awarded to those who have successful passed the 4 royal examinations. Scholars from all over Vietnam could participate only if they had passed the regional exam. Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam Courtyard of the Sages is located beyond the Garden of Stelae. Entrance to the courtyard is through Dai Thanh Mon or Gate of Great Success. The Great House of Ceremonies is located here. It was here that all new doctor laureates would come to pay respect to Confucius. The king would also come to pay homage to the great teacher at Dai Thanh Mon. Inscribed on a wooden panel above the altar are the words “Teacher of Ten Thousand Generations”. Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam Behind the Great House of Ceremonies is the Sanctuary, with statue of Confucius flanked by his four closest disciples, Nhan Tu, Tu Tu, Tang Tu, and Manh-Tu (Mencius). During the time when Van Mieu was used as a school, this area housed classrooms, housing facilities and a print shop. When the university was moved to Hue, Quoc Tu Giam was turned into a shrine to Confucius’ parents called Khai Thanh.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hanoi’s old quarters spread out on an area of 100 ha, including 76 streets belonging to 10 wards namely Cửa Đông, Đồng Xuân, Hàng Bạc,Hàng Bồ,Hàng Bông,Hàng Buồm, Hàng Đào,Hàng Gai, Hàng Mã, Lý Thái Tổ in Hoàn Kiếm district. Hanoi s Old Quarter The Old Quarter began to acquire its reputation as a crafts area when the Vietnamese attained independence in the 11th century and King Ly Thai To built his palace there. In the early 13th century, the collection of tiny workshop villages which clustered around the palace walls evolved into craft cooperatives, or guilds. Skilled craftsmen migrated to the Quarter, and artisan guilds were formed by craftsmen originating from the same village and performing similar services. Members of the guilds worked and lived together, creating a cooperative system for transporting merchandise to the designated streets in the business quarter. Hanoi s Old Quarter Because inhabitants of each street came from the same village, streets developed a homogeneous look. Commoners’ homes evolved out of market stalls, before streets were formed. Because storekeepers were taxed according to the width of their storefront, storage and living space moved to the rear of the buildings. Consequently, the long and narrow buildings were called “tube houses.” Typical measurements for such houses are 3 meters wide by 60 meters long. Although the old section of Hanoi is often called the “36 Old Streets,” there are more than 36 actual streets. Some researchers believe that the number 36 came from the 15th century when there might have been 36 guild locations, which were workshop areas, not streets. When streets were later developed, the guild names were applied to the streets. Others attribute the 36 to a more abstract concept. The number nine in Asia represents the concept of “plenty.” Nine times the four directions makes 36, which simply means “many.” There are now more than 70 streets in the area. Hanoi s Old Quarter Some streets have achieved fame by their inclusion in popular guidebooks. Hang Gai Street offers silk clothing ready-made and tailored, embroidery, and silver products. Hang Quat, the street that formerly sold silk and feather fans, now stuns the visitor by its brilliantly colored funeral and festival flags and religious objects and clothing. To Tich Street connects the above two and is still the wood turner’s street. Hang Ma glimmers with shiny paper products, such as gift wrappings, wedding decorations and miniature paper objects to burn for the dead. Lan Ong Street is a sensual delight of textures and smells emanating from the sacks of herbal medicinal products: leaves, roots, barks, and powders.

Duong Lam ancient village

Duong Lam ancient village with is located near the center of Son Tay town, is prominent with ancient hamlets, dark red laterite walls, mounds, hills, deep drainage ditches- specific features of a midland village in Doai area. Duong Lam ancient village Duong Lam Ancient Village has a history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years. It is the only place in Vietnam where two kings came from. Two of Vietnam’s kings, Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (896-944) were born in Duong Lam, giving the village its prestige. Both men led resistance wars against northern invasion and after winning national independence, were crowned kings. After their deaths, the local people built temples in their honour. Duong Lam ancient village The village is a place to see for tourists from far and wide. It is included in tours of many travel companies. Two of its famous places are Sung Nghiem Tu (Mia Pagoda) and Mong Phu Temple. Mia Pagoda is on a small hill in Dong Sang Hamlet. It was constructed before 1632 and has been upgraded and restored many times. Now it is a national cultural and historical site. Mong Phu Temple is in Mong Phu Hamlet. It was set up with ancient Vietnamese architecture in 1638. In the village, tourists can also see ancient houses and small lanes as well as study the everyday life of residents. Duong Lam ancient village People in Duong Lam are very much aware of their village’s cultural values. They know that the profound and ancient beauty of their old houses is a very valuable heritage of their ancestors and a bridge kinking the people of today and the people of the past. Duong Lam ancient village Coming to Duong Lam, we cannot be unamazed at a village which has been able to keep the colors of time and a world containing many secrets which have been gradually opened up before our eyes. Amid the hurry circles of modern life, Duong Lam quietly keeps itself closed in corner so as to reserve the images of the past, of the things that are deemed to be obsolete, keep a calm space in order to comprehend and absorb itself in a rarely secluded and quiet atmosphere that exisits in the consciousness of each person at the sam esituation.