Hanoi is the capital and one of the biggest city in Vietnam . It has been the capital of the Vietnam emperors between 11th – 19 th century . After that the capital has been shifted toward Hue . In Hanoi there is lots of Historical places to visit . Some of them are free to enter and some of them are paid . In this article I am going to discuss some of the free places to visit in Hanoi .
Hoan Kiem Lake :
Hoan Kiem Lake is situated in the center of the city and this lake has both the religious and Historical significance . According to the vietnames mythology when Ming dynasty from china attacked vietnam . The dragon god gives the king a golden sword . According to the viet mythology turtle , dragon , unicorn and phoenix are the four sacred animal . Different animals were associated with this different gods .
After defeating the Ming emperor , one day when he was boating in this Lake suddenly , he saw a golden turtle(turtle god) asking him the golden sword what he has given before war . At that place there is a small temple to reminder the story .
Lots of local people walk around the Lake in the morning and the evening time . Weather and atmosphere of this place is very peaceful which will give you rest from the hustle and bustle of the city .This is also the gathering place of the local people .
This lake is free but there is a ticket for the monastery inside the lake . Ticket price 30000 VND .
Near to this place there is three paid attraction . This are Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , Imperial citadel of thang long , water puppet theater(show in the evening ) .
Train street :
Train street is another unique attraction in Hanoi city . This is a narrow single train line which passes through a busy market and lots of food stalls and restaurant are just beside the track . There is no level crossing in this area and when the train passes they horn and people ordered their furniture from the line . Tourist go back to the restaurant and finally the train passes .
Lots of tourist waited in those restaurant to see the passing trains .
This spot is totally free but if you rest in the restaurant you have to buy a drink or food .
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum:
It is the final resting place of the Vietnam’s first president and freedom fighter Mr Ho chi Minh . He used to give independence day speech from this place . The Mausoleum is made by the black granite . It’s door is always guarded with two uniformed arm personal . There is a wide road in front of this Mausoleum and here is a big red National flag flying from a large pole .
Entry to this place is free but if you want to visit the Museum then there is a entry fees of 40000 VND .
Hanoi Old Quarter :
Hanoi old quarter is the place of shopping , eating and lots of ancient style building situated beside the Imperial palace of thong long . In this area you can also see lots of pubs , massage parlor and tourist office to book a tour of nearby tourist attraction like Ninh binh and Halong bay .
Here the lanes are short and the buildings were made of french architectural style . Night Market , Quang ba flower market , dong xuan Market and Hom market are some of the famous market in the OLD QUARTER . If you specially come to a fish and meat market , then you will be amazed by the varieties of items were present there .
Ta Hien Street or bear street :
This is specifically the tourist attractions for the youngsters . This streets have been full of bars , restaurant and lots of activity . In the Friday ,Saturday and Sunday nights the whole streets will be closed and people eats ,drinks alchol , smoke large hukka and enjoy the environment . There will be loud music in those bars . The environment is crazy and you can find people from different countries hang out there . In the weekend , whole streets are packed with people and there is barely any space to walk here .
You enjoy the environment , music , food and the drink but be aware of the brokers and the drug dealers . Avoid them at any cost . Police are everywhere and you don’t want to be in a unnecessary trouble in a foreign country .
Tran Quoc Pagoda :
It is one of the oldest pagoda in the Hanoi city which was build in the time of Ly nam de dynasty in the earlier 6 th century . This is a temple of the confusion followers . The famous multistoried pagoda is the graveyard of the famous zen master Tinh tri Giac quon who spread the zen buddhism here . in the year 580 a indian buddhist monk come here and preach for some years . It is also the historical places inside the hanoi city .
This pagoda is situated inside a huge lake and a bridge is connected with the road . So , when you are near to the gate you see lots of sellers sell goldfish and different fish to release them inside the huge lake . It is one of the rituals in this pagoda . This pagoda is very tall and have multiple floor in it . Inside this there is a temple of confusions believers .
Summary :
This are some of the free spots in Hanoi city . Those spots are located centrally inside the city and can be easily walkable . I must say the Train street and the Ta hien streets are very unique inside the city . Hoan kiem lake is a very peaceful place just inside the heart of the city .
