HANOI - A HISTORICAL CAPITAL OF VIETNAM

HANOI- A HISTORICAL CAPITAL OF VIETNAM


Hanoi is in the North Vietnam. The 1000 years old capitol is known as one of the most ancient capitals in the world, hosting well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, and unique museums within the city center along with lush parks, verdant mountains, and traditional villages in the tranquil countryside. Hanoi is the best place for you to explore more about the traditional and historical beauty of Vietnam. It is not only about the historical structures but it also about the people who always maintain and follow the traditional culture of Vietnam.   

HOAN KIEM LAKE & NGOC SON TEMPLE IN HANOI

They are one of the places that you should not miss out. The story about those historical places are passed by from one generation to another generations. The story shows our believing with historical event occurring in the past.

Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century on Jade Island in the centre of the ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ or Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend describes how an emperor was once given a magical sword which helped him defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and in doing so saw the return of the Golden Turtle God to the lake.


Today ‘Turtle Tower’ stands close to the lake in memory of this legend. There are also endangered large soft-shell turtles swimming in the lake, and to see one of these gentle giants is considered very auspicious. The name of the temple translates to ‘Temple of the Jade Mountain’ and is predominately dedicated to war hero General Tran Hung Dao who defeated an armed force of 300,000 soldiers sent by Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan in the 13th century to invade Vietnam. Also inside the pagoda are a large bronze bust and other deities. There are altars dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, some ancient artefacts including ceramics and a preserved specimen of a giant turtle found in the lake weighing 250kg.


The lake and the temple offer plenty of trees and shaded spots in which to escape the busy city streets. To get there head towards the Old Quarter and the main post office which is located next to the lake. Moreover, it is in the city center so you could also enjoy its beauty and traditional Vietnamese food at the same time.

WATER PUPPET THEATRE IN HANOI


The world-famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi has its roots in an art form that dates back to the 11th century. The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water.

Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals. There are also authentic Vietnamese operatic songs telling the story that is being acted out by the puppets. Most of the shows recount Vietnamese folk tales and legends with topics including the celebration of the rice harvest depicted in a humorous fashion.

Most shows also feature the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which tells the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise. The live music plays an integral part of the show with singers often shouting words of encouragement to the puppets.

The show would bring you an unforgettable experience since you could view a unique traditional Vietnamese art with the beautiful melody of folk songs. The lighting, music and the act would bring you back to Vietnam in the past. It would create a magnificent traditional image of Vietnam in your mind.

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE IN HANOI



The Temple of Literature is often cited as one of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Originally built as a university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, the building is extremely well preserved and is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture.

This ancient site offers a lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were once used by royalty. Visiting the Temple of Literature you will discover historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a revered place that has seen thousands of doctors’ graduate in what has now become a memorial to education and literature.

Originally the university only accepted aristocrats, the elite and royal family members as students before eventually opening its doors to brighter ‘commoners’. Successful graduates had their names engraved on a stone stele which can be found on top of the stone turtles.

With the history, this place is the famous place for the students to talk their pictures for their graduations. People also believe that visiting this location and praying could help they gain more confident for their important exams. Temple of literature is also a studying location in the past. Hence, it is an interesting place for visitors to have a view about the traditional education of Vietnam.

Hanoi captures the historical beauty of Vietnam. It is where you could know more about Vietnamese culture and how it is maintained. Coming to Vietnam, it is important to visit Hanoi since nothing is better and knowledgeable than understanding about a country culture while you are travelling.   

Information and pictures from: 
http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/information/
http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/hoan-kiem-lake.htm
http://vietnam-touristspots.com/interest/hoan-kiem-lake/30
http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/temple-of-literature.htm

http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/water-puppet-theatre.htm

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