Things to see and do Hanoi

The museum was built on the site granted by the Vietnamese authorities to France in 1874. On the site of the museum was once the headquarters of the French Consulate, which was transformed into the Hotel du Résident de France until 1887. The present building, designed by Ernest Hébrard, chief architect of the General Government of Indochina, was built between 1926 and 1930 and completed in 1932. It is an example of the style of Indochinese architecture, of which Hébrard was the founder, which combines the technical standards and aesthetics of French architecture of that time with those of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Former museum of the French School of the Far East (Musée Louis-Finot, named after the first director of the school: see the abbreviation of the Efeo stamped on the sides of the octagonal entrance pavilion), it is, since 1954 and the withdrawal of the French, dedicated to the history of Vietnam from its prehistoric origins to the proclamation in 1945 of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. It was plundered and stolen before being restructured.

Among the most important pieces are impressive bronze drums, testimony to the culture of Dong Son (named after the village in northern Vietnam where they were exhumed). The museum also presents statues, reliefs and terracotta objects, some of which are among the oldest testimonies of Champa (from the^5th to the 13th century). Less spectacular than the gigantic statues, but essential for the work of historians, several steles : foundation stele from the Cham shrine of Po Nagar in Nha Trang and stele from the Cham shrine of My Son dating from 731, stele of Vinh Lang, whose engraved text was composed by Nguyên Trai (1380-1442), national hero, strategist and man of letters, political and military adviser to Le Loi (1385-1433), who repelled the Chinese invader and became Emperor Le Thai Tô.

The museum often organizes temporary exhibitions of great interest, but the means are lacking to present remarkable archaeological remains and discoveries in a modern way.

Another building (216, Tran Quang Khai or 25, Tong Dan) is devoted to modern history from 1858 to the present day. Installed in the former Indochina Mining Museum, it recounts in detail the history of the anti-colonial struggle, its hidden phases, the origins of the heroes of the revolution, their studies, their lives... How the spark of the revolt left Paris, Hong Kong or Beijing.

Inaugurated on 6 October 2010 as part of Hanoi's millennium celebrations, the museum was designed by the German architectural firm von Gerkan, Marg und Partner. It affects the shape of an upside-down pyramid 30.7 m high, stretching over 54,000 m² (5,000 sq ft) spread over 6 floors including 2 basements. Access to the exhibition spaces is via a spiral ramp. The museum displays artefacts from the history of Hanoi, and more broadly of Vietnam. The museum is rarely visited, due to the lack of attractive activities and an educational presentation of the exhibits.

It is very pleasant to frequent its shady alleys, which have very beautiful trees, including a banyan tree planted by Ho Chi Minh himself. It is necessary, at least once, to get up at dawn and try the experience of morning gymnastics. From 5:30 am, there is a crowd in the park: from 7 to 77 years old and over, everyone can try their hand at physical fitness according to their means. Before the frenzy takes hold of the city, everyone draws on the breath of the tall trees to gain the energy needed for the day ahead.

This agency offers fun tours of Hanoi and the surrounding area in a jeep. Various tours are available: The Inside Hanoi allows you to discover the different facets of the city and its must-see monuments, while the Hanoi Jeep Street Food Tour offers a taste of Hanoi's gastronomic classics, as well as the city's culture. The Hanoi Red River Delta Tour allows you to explore the villages and nature around the Red River, while the Ba Vi National Park Tour is a one-day nature tour.

Tours in Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia. Good value for money.

Organizes guided tours of the capital by motorcycle (with a driver). Several tours in the surroundings of Hanoi (Bat Trang ceramic village, Perfume pagoda, Tam Dao...) or towards more distant destinations (discovery of the North in 8 or 11 days). Also, motorcycle rental (big bikes). The itineraries and accommodations in the villages of the minority ethnic groups in the heart of the mountainous areas have been carefully selected in order to offer conditions conducive to the discovery and pleasure of the trip.

The company Hai Au Aviation organizes flights over the capital, Hanoi, and Halong Bay by seaplane (Cessna Caravan, 12 seats). Landing (or take-off) in/from the marina of Tuân Châu Island. Also, possibility to choose a 2 in 1 formula, with seaplane flight over the bay and cruise. Rates, packages and tours are available on the website which proposes attractive promotional offers. The company also provides charter flights to more than 20 destinations throughout Vietnam.

The Ha Noi Urban Adventures team was formed in 2007. It is composed mostly of Vietnamese and some Westerners. The guides are dynamic and provide an efficient and personalized service. There is a large choice of tours to consult on the website. On the program, the visit of Hanoi and its historical sites, on foot or by bike, the gastronomic tours, or for more tranquility, the surrounding villages or the Halong Bay. Possibility to privatize the visits. A nice way to discover Hanoi and its surroundings.

Since 2013, this agency has been offering tours of the city aboard a Vespa, the famous Italian scooter, piloted by women all dressed in pink Ao Dai, a traditional costume. Several tours are available: the Hanoi Vespa City Tour is a half-day tour of the city's must-see sites, the Hanoi By Night Street Food Tour accompanies visitors to explore the capital's gastronomy, and the Hanoi Vespa Countryside encourages discovery of Hanoi's rural surroundings, with farm visits and a crossing of the Long Biên Bridge.

The temple of Kim Liên was built under Emperor Ly Thai Tô to worship Cao Son, one of the children of Lake Long Quan and Au Co, mythical ancestors of the Vietnamese people. It is said that in 1509, the Tong Duc, on the way from the Thanh Hoa to'his half brother Le Huy Muc, a cruel and débauché sovereign, stopped at the temple to obtain the support of Cao Son. He succeeded in his company and restored the prestige of the Buddhist dynasty by proclaiming himself emperor. This episode gave great prestige to the temple now protected by the new emperor. The temple of Kim Liên is dedicated to the cult of Cao His genius for the South.