North Vietnam Destinations

Characterised by towering karst limestone pillars and small islets of various shapes and sizes amidst crystal blue waters, Halong Bay's ethereal beauty is a sight to behold. Located in northern Vietnam, it is the most popular tourist spot this side of the country. Halong Bay, where 'Halong' translates to 'where the dragon descends into the sea', had a part of it designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Halong City is the main entry point to the bay.

The most common way of exploring the region is via a cruise or day-trip boats, where tourists laze around in the boats while cruising among the limestone pillars and a number of islets. Many cruises and day-trips also include an island drop off and cave explorations. There are some floating villages as well which allow visitors to come and interact with the locals, try their food and buy knick-knacks.

Kayaking is another activity which has vastly become popular in recent years. One can kayak near and around the limestone pillars on a bright sunny day. Few caves also allow for exploring by kayaking which is a highly experience recommended.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, a beacon of serenity amidst the bustling heart of Hanoi, lays claim to the title of the city's oldest Buddhist temple. Its venerable history stretches back over 1,500 years, whispering tales of dynasties past. Originally named Khai Quoc Pagoda during the Ly Dynasty, it has served as a spiritual center for centuries.

Standing proudly on a small island embraced by the shimmering West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers a sanctuary of peace. Lush gardens, meticulously maintained, invite you on a tranquil stroll. Time seems to slow as you wander past ancient towers, each whispering secrets of the pagoda's long journey. A sense of awe washes over you as you reach the magnificent lotus-shaped stupa, a towering testament to Buddhist devotion.

Step inside the pagoda's main hall and find solace amidst the gentle glow of flickering candles. Venerable statues depicting Amitabha Buddha, the embodiment of boundless light, Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion, inspire reflection. Tran Quoc Pagoda is more than just a historical landmark; it's a place where visitors can connect with Hanoi's profound cultural and Buddhist roots, a place to find peace and reconnect with the inner self.

Hanoi’s Temple of Literature

Step back in time at Hanoi's Temple of Literature, “Van Mieu” in Vietnamese. More than just a temple honoring Confucius and scholars, it served as Vietnam's first national university, the Imperial Academy, from 1076 to 1779. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh tong, the temple complex embodies over a thousand years of Vietnamese history.
Tranquil gardens, a welcome respite from the city's energy, unfold before you as you pass through the imposing, tiered gateway. Stroll amidst the lush greenery, allowing the architecture's elegance to transport you. The path leads to the architecturally stunning Khue Van Pavilion, a testament to traditional Vietnamese design.

One of the temple's most striking features is the collection of Doctorates' Tablets. These stone steles, intricately carved and resting on stone tortoises, commemorate Vietnam's high achievers in the rigorous Confucian examinations. Imagine the pride of scholars whose names were forever etched here.

The Temple of Literature transcends its function; it's a window into Vietnam's deep respect for education and its rich cultural heritage. Breathe in the tranquility, appreciate the meticulous preservation, and let the temple's aura transport you to a bygone era where scholars were revered.

In the heart of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum serves as a powerful symbol of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Completed in 1975, the granite structure stands solemn guard over Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh himself once addressed the nation. Its imposing grey exterior reflects the reverence Vietnamese hold for their beloved "Uncle Ho".

Influenced by Soviet architecture, the mausoleum features a square base with a tiered roof, culminating in a smaller square at the top. The words "Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh" (President Ho Chi Minh) are prominently displayed above the entrance, a testament to his enduring legacy. Inside, visitors file past Ho Chi Minh's preserved body, lying in state within a glass sarcophagus. The atmosphere is one of quiet respect, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside.

Beyond the mausoleum itself lies a complex that offers a deeper look into Ho Chi Minh's life and vision. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which chronicles his revolutionary journey and fight for Vietnamese independence. Take a stroll through the surrounding gardens, a peaceful haven where Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, a symbol of his simplicity, still stands. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex is more than just a tomb; it's a pilgrimage site for Vietnamese and a window into the nation's revolutionary past.