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Asia Vietnam Hanoi Do & See Ngoc Son Temple

Overview

Ngoc Son Temple

The guide was updated: 2023-02-03

Located on an island at the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake, this peaceful temple site honouring scholars and war heroes is best known for its preserved turtle corpse which links to the lake’s mythology. There is a red-painted bridge, constructed in classical Vietnamese style that takes you to the island and is one of the most visited temples in Hanoi.

Useful Information

Address: Dinh Tien Hoang St, Hanoi

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

VAC Library

VAC Library

Standing for the Vietnamese words Vườn (Garden), Ao (Pond), Chuồng (Cage), the VAC Library lives up to its name. It's not only an outdoor space in which you can read your books, but also a project that wants to teach children how farming and agriculture can thrive even in urban settings. That is accomplished by showcasing how the local fish pond, the chicken cages and the vegetable garden can provide nourishment to one another in a symbiotic relationship.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Hanoi is the perfect starting point for a trip to the UNESCO heritage listed, Halong Bay. Book an organized tour, either a day trip or over night, with one of the many different Junk companies and enjoy the magical landscape of the thousand islands scattered in the green water.

One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda

The 11th-century wooden shrine, revered for its fertility and healing properties, was burnt by the French in the 1950's and is now replaced by a concrete one and is still a popular destination. To honor the symbol of purity in Buddhism the pagoda is built to look like a lotus blossom.

Temple Of Literature

Temple Of Literature

Temple Of Literature, constructed in 1070 under Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty, can be found about ten minutes away from Hoan Kiem lake. The temple is one of the oldest sights in Hanoi and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius (Khong Tu). Six year later, it was founded as Vietnam's first university. The building itself is extremely well preserved and is a beautiful example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture.

Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple

Located on an island at the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake, this peaceful temple site honouring scholars and war heroes is best known for its preserved turtle corpse which links to the lake’s mythology. There is a red-painted bridge, constructed in classical Vietnamese style that takes you to the island and is one of the most visited temples in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Known for honouring the national hero: President Ho Chi Minh, this is the number one tourist attraction as well as an important historical sight in Hanoi. Inspired by the Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow it was built within two years from 1973 to 1975. It is only open on limited time so prepare for very long queues. If you are lucky you might catch the changing of the guard outside the mausoleum.

Thien Quang Pagoda

Thien Quang Pagoda

Ngu Xa villages are located in the Truc Bach Lake shore, west of Hanoi and consist of five villages. It is in Ngu Xa, also known as the bronze village where you will find Thien Quang Pagoda temple. This temple holds one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Vietnam, weighing in at 10 tonnes and 3.95 meter tall.

Vietnam National Museum of History

Vietnam National Museum of History

This beautiful museum takes their visitors through around two thousand years of Vietnamese history. Well-presented objects (about 7,000 artefacts) from prehistoric days to the present day in two storeys, are displayed in this attractive colonial building.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison

Constructed by the French in 1896, the prison was taken over by the Vietnamese in 1954 to house prisoners of war. The original guillotine room and stories told by the ex-inmates themselves make this a gruesome but compelling experience.

Vietnam Women's Museum

Vietnam Women's Museum

This museum shows the history of Vietnam's women through times. Over an area of 2,000 square metres more than 25,000 objects display information about their lives during war time until today.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Water Puppet Theatre is a traditional and prestigious artwork in Vietnam and especially in the northern parts of the country. Live musicians and beautifully made puppets on a scene made of water, perform together and shows local and traditional stories.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

With over 50 different ethnic groups in the country, this first class museum has a lot to show. Inside the museum you can watch all types of artefacts and exhibitions and on the outside, it offers an area showing different types of houses in various parts of Vietnam. Don´t miss the entertaining water puppet show hosted here.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral

This cathedral is one of the sights remaining from the French colonial time. It was built in 1886 in neo-gothic style and its interior with coloured windows and religious paintings is still the same.

Hanoi Cooking Centre

Hanoi Cooking Centre

To bring some of the Vietnamese culture with you home, a cooking class could be a good idea. At Hanoi Cooking Centre you can participate in one of their classes where you first make a visit to the market to buy your groceries and the get back to the kitchen to prepare your own mouth-watering meal.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park

Even if it takes almost three hours to get to this national park from Hanoi it is worth the effort. Here you can experience the nature and wildlife of the northern parts of Vietnam. The park offer different guided tours and there are also a few options for staying over night.

Old Quarter

Old Quarter

Old Quarter, is a charming gem in Hanoi packed with tourists from around the world as well as locals. Explore the old Vietnamese styled buildings in the area and try some traditional food from the roadside stalls or bargain some lovely Vietnamese souvenirs at one of the many shops around. This is an experience that should not miss, the sounds, the smells, the sights are just a thrill for the senses.

Fine Arts Museum

Fine Arts Museum

Housed in a 1930s French colonial structure, Fine Arts Museum displays not only contemporary art in the forms of paintings and sculptures, but also traditional arts, including religious sculptures, folk paintings and ceramics. With four floors and two separate buildings, make sure you have time on your side when vising this large museum.

Hanoi Street Food Tour

Hanoi Street Food Tour

With this tour, you will experience the true taste of Hanoi and discovered the most popular dishes in Vietnam. The knowledgeable guide will guide you through some yummy dishes and you will get the chance to sample Vietnamese cuisine just like the locals do - on the street.

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

A popular lake among countless locals and tourists where to find a rare breed of turtle and the perfect spot to observe the life in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake is a dynamic place where to enjoy everything from morning walks, yoga or tai-chi exercises on the shore to jogging around the lake.

La Siesta Spa

La Siesta Spa

After a busy and enjoyable day sightseeing in Hanoi, pamper yourself with a spa treatment at La Siesta Spa where the attentive staff will take good care of you. The tranquil and exclusive environment in combination with the soothing treatments will only enhance the experience and will be the ultimate relaxation for your mind, body and spirit.

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