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HANOI - ENGAGING DESTINATIONS

Participating in each event in the series of GIN-Nobel 2019, you not only have chances to meet up with hundreds of life sciences, pharmaceutical economy, clinical specialties, healthcare, bio-IT professionals, and policymakers across the world, and immerse yourself in the professional science environment but you can also enjoy the glorious and cross-cultural beauty of Hanoi.

Hanoi is the heart of Vietnam for its location and terrain, creating favorable conditions for developing politic, economy, culture, and science. The capital is famous for its historical and cultural destinations. Here are some places that you should not miss when in Hanoi:

1.  Hoan Kiem Lake & Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Known as the lake of the returned sword, this lake marks the historical center of ancient Hanoi. It is a popular hangout spot for locals and foreigners. Especially, from Thursday’s night to Sunday every week, there is a Pedestrian Street around the lake with a ton of cultural and entertaining activities, which attract a lot of tourists and citizens. 

Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda lying in the centre on a small island. The temple attracts many visitors and was built in commemoration of the 13th-century military leader Tran Hung Dao who was centered for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty.

In the middle of the lake is the Turtle Tower. It was erected to commemorate the warrior Le Loi and his victory in the fight against the Ming Dynasty.

Photo: travelingthruhistory.com

Nearby, Hanoi Old Quarter is a lively area where travelers can enjoy many fine examples of colonial architecture packed along narrow streets. This is the city’s ultimate shopping spot and full of cafes and restaurants to indulge in some delicious Viet cuisine.

Hanoi Opera House is a must-listed destination in your Hanoi itinerary. It was erected by the French colonial administration in the 1900s, and has been a stage of flourishing art of Hanoi since then.

2. St. Joseph’s Cathedral

This was the structures built by the French colonial government in the 19th century. The whole church was built in neo-Gothic style, modeled after the Paris Cathedral. Mass is still held inside, several times a day.

Nha Chung Street now becomes the “Lemon Tea” street, a popular gathering place to many youngsters in Hanoi, and home to eye-catching souvenir shops and Western styled restaurants. It is not only the holly place for Christian couples hold their wedding, but also a great venue for non- religious grooms and brides to take nice wedding shots.

3. Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a Temple of Confucius and hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university. It was built in 1007, at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Dai Viet, the old name of Vietnam, took place.

There are 116 steles of carved blue stone turtles with elaborate motifs to honour talen and encourage study. The doctors’ steles are a valuable historical resource for the study of culture, education and sculpture in Vietnam.

Photo: azlocatrip

4. One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Photo: Jorge Láscar

The One Pillar Pagoda was designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond. The pagoda is the symbol of the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi.

On the remarkable September 2nd 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the momentus Declaration of Independence, announcing the creation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Photo: notesontraveling.com

5. Hanoi Flag Tower

This 200-year-old iconic tower is the symbol of Hanoi. 65 years ago, the red flag with a yellow star, the National Flag, flew on the top of Hanoi Flag Tower for the first time, marking the complete liberation of the capital.

Photo: daytripvietnam.com

6. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, is an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and, signifying its historical and cultural importance, was became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, many artefacts and items dating back to between the 6th and 20th centuries were excavated in 2004, including foundations of old palaces, ancient roads, ponds and wells.

7. West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

West Lake is the biggest freshwater lake of northwest center of Hanoi, Vietnam. With a shore length of 17 km and 500 hectare in area, this is the largest lake of the capital and a popular place for recreation with many surrounding gardens, hotels and villas.

West Lake is bordered by many significant places in the history of Hanoi and Vietnam. Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, was built in the 6th century by Lý Nam Đế and is located on a small island in the middle of the lake.

Photo: Hanoi Discovery

8. Long Bien Bridge

The Bridge was one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of the French colony and a showpiece of colonial infrastructure. During the Vietnam War, it was heavily bombed due to its strategic placement in connecting Hanoi to the port city of Hai Phong. The left spans still remaining today reminds us of an unforgettable past. The bridge, hence, is not only a traffic construction, but also a living historical relic.

Photo: Vietnamtravelguide