Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hoan Kiem Lake
LAKE
Legend claims in the mid-15th century Heaven sent Emperor Le Thai To (Le Loi) a ma-
gical sword, which he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. After the war a giant
golden turtle grabbed the sword and disappeared into the depths to restore the weapon to
its divine owners, inspiring the name Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword). Every
morning at around 6am local residents practise traditional t'ai chi on the shore.
Ngoc Son Temple
(Jade Mountain Temple; Hoan Kiem Lake; adult/student 20,000/10,000d; 7.30am-5.30pm)
Hanoi's
most visited temple sits pretty on a delightful little island in the northern part of Hoan
Kiem Lake. An elegant scarlet bridge, Huc (Rising Sun) Bridge, constructed in classical
Vietnamese style and lined with flags, connects the island to the lake shore.
Inside you'll find some fine ceramics, a gong or two, some ancient bells and a glass
case containing a stuffed lake turtle, which is said to have weighed a hefty 250kg.
The nearby
Martyrs' Monument
was erected as a memorial to those who died fighting for
Vietnam's independence.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Vietnamese Women's Museum
MUSEUM
(
www.baotangphunu.org.vn
; 36 P Ly Thuong Kiet; admission 30,000d; 8am-5pm)
This excellent
museum showcases women's role in Vietnamese society and culture. Labelled in English
and French, it's the memories of the wartime contribution by individual heroic women
that are most poignant. There is a stunning collection of propaganda posters, as well as
costumes, tribal basketware and fabric motifs from Vietnam's ethnic minority groups.
St Joseph Cathedral
CHURCH
(P Nha Tho; main gate 5am-noon & 2-7.30pm)
The striking neo-Gothic St Joseph
Cathedral was inaugurated in 1886, and boasts a soaring facade that faces a little plaza. Its
most noteworthy features are its twin bell towers, elaborate altar and fine stained-glass
windows. Mass times are listed on a sign on the gates to the left of the cathedral. The
main gate is only open when Mass is held.
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