Hanoi Tourist Sights
The Temple of Literature
The Great Portico entry to the temple grounds
The Constellation of Literature is the name of this middle gate to the Temple of Literature
The gardens leading to the Temple
The inner Courtyard of Sages
The temple is complete with its own orchestra and singing troupe. CDs for sale.
What tourists???
Some intricate topiary
Roof detail
In the Garden of the Stelae. These stone tortoises support ancient stone murals (stelae) that are engraved with the names of 1306 doctor laureates who acheived fame between the years 1442 to 1779.
Outside the Great Hall of Ceremonies
Hoan Kiem Lake
Pagoda at edge of the lake. This lake is supposedly occupied by a legendary giant tortoise.
The 25-acre lake has a small island with a special temple, Ngoc Son (Jade Mountain). The island is accessable by this famous red bridge, Huc Bridge.
The temple altar
Art shop next to the temple
Heading back to town across the Huc Bridge
Ho Chi Minh's Tomb
Ho's tomb is this bleak building in the distance. We didn't visit.
The Opera House
A beautiful example of French colonial architecture. Built in the first decade of the 1900s, with light touches of early Nouveau.
Because of its size and location at a major intersection of five streets, the Opera House can be seen from a long distance.
One-Pillar Pagoda
Presidential Palace
St. Joseph's Cathedral
Built in the mid 1880s, and serves a large community of Catholic Vietnamese.
The good thing about being a tourist is that you can always drop out for a quick refreshment stop...
That's about it for the tourism trail. Now on to the amazing streets and people of this vibrant city.