Today we immerse ourselves in the somewhat chaotic but intoxicating street life and architecture of Vietnam’s capital city.
We begin at one of Hanoi’s most striking buildings. Standing in the heart of Hanoi, the Opera House was completed in 1911 after 10 years of construction, by two French architects, Broyer and V. Harley, resembling the Opéra Garnier de Paris. Although not open to the public outside of performances it may be possible to have a sneak peak inside with the assistance of your Travel Expert on the spot (not guaranteed and subject to availability).
Whilst most visitors would head north of here to the commercial Hoan Kiem Lake area, we wander south into the more traditional neighbourhoods. A short stroll down a tree lined street takes us to the Hanoi University of Medicine.
Formerly called the Indochina Medical College, it was founded in 1902 and was the first modern university in Vietnam. The facade of the building is a stunning example of French/Vietnamese architecture of the time.
Continuing our stroll, we enter the small flower garden Pasteur park, named after the nearby Statue of Louis Pasteur, the revered French chemist and microbiologist. Opposite lies the Institute of Epidemiology and is another prime example of captivating French architecture in central Hanoi that has been well preserved.
From here we cross down various side streets bustling with commercial activity until we reach the small Ha Ba Trung lake. Across it lies a pristine temple dedicated to the two Trung Sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, in Vietnam.
The Trung Sisters were military leaders who rebelled against Chinese domination. Instead of surrendering and accepting their defeat at the hands of Chinese, they decided to drown themselves and have been revered since then for their courage and strength.
Continue with a visit to Quan Thanh temple Established during the Ly dynasty (1010–1028). Quang Thanh is a Taoist temple lying as a gateway to the vast West Lake area and is considered one of the finest examples of religious architecture in the city.
A short stroll takes us to the French built Roman Catholic church of Cua Bac. Built in 1932, Cua Bac is one of the three major churches of Hanoi designed with significant influence from the Art Deco movement of the times, reflecting the marriage between French and Vietnamese architecture.
From here we continue our walk along Phan Dinh Phung Street, known as one of the most romantic roads in Hanoi, with ancient dracontomelum trees along the sidewalks. It can be argued that there is no finer street in all ‘Indochina’ for its gorgeous villas and historical buildings.
We take a break here for lunch at a local restaurant.
A short 1km away we reach the French built water tower and head into the northern section of the Qld Quarter. Nearby lies Long Bien Bridge and train station. Once considered the pride, symbol of architecture in the Far East when completed in 1902, a short walk across part of the bridge opens up the Red River in full view and life across it.
As the afternoon gets busier we embark on a 20 minute cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the less touristed parts of the Old Quarter through to Nha Tho church where the program concludes. We can leave you to explore the Old Quarter or return you to your hotel.
NOTE:
Suggested time: 08:00 - 14-30 ( 6.5 hours)
PROGRAM CONCLUDES
