1.1.

Temple of Literature - Quốc Tử Giám

Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám is a famous historical and cultural relic consisting of the
Temple of Literature and Việt Nam’s first university.  
The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) was built in October 1070 to worship
Confucianism's saints and sages. Six years later (1076), Quốc Tử Giám house (closed to Văn
Miếu), at beginning it is a place to educate the sons of mandarins, later admitted talent pupils in
the country Văn Miếu enclosed by brick wall, inside there are 5 court yards divided by walls.  
The first area started from the gate, on it heaped 3 letter Văn Miếu Môn, two sides of gate
there are a pair of stone dragons bearing Lê Sơ dynasty style (15th century). A path leads to Đại
Trung Môn gate to start the second area. Two sides there are also two small gates. And this path
continues leading to the Khuê Văn Các area; on the two sides of belaying there are also two
small gates. The third ones started from Khuê Văn Các pavilion to Đại Thành Môn. On the
center of this area here is a square lake called Thiên Quang Tỉnh surrounded by low walls. Two
sides of the lake there are stale gardens, though 116 examinations were held between 1442 and
1778, when the practice was discontinued only 82 stelea are extant, and the most ancient is a
stale about the examination in 1442, and the latest is in 1779. Those are precious relics of this
fourth area calculated from Đại Thanh gate. A large yard on the two sides there are two houses
now.The far side of the yard is Đại Bái house with colorful and monumental architecture. In this
area, there is a statue casted in 1768 on the left and a stone going on the right on which carved a
literature regarding effectiveness of this instrument. Follow that is a stone, in where laid a statue
of Confucius (Khổng Tử) and his disciples Nhàn Tử, Tăng Tử , Tử Tư and Mạnh Tử. Behind Đại
Bái area under Lê dynasty this place was a Quốc Tử Giám university. In 1802, Emperor Gia
Long transferred this university to his new capital, Huế. This place was used to set up a Khải
Thánh temple to worship Khổng Tử parents. But this temple was destroyed in the war. In 1999,
there started a construction of a chain building in ancient architecture style for socio scientific
activities center Văn Miếu is the first abundant complex of relics of Hà Nội. 
With values of spirituality, culture and architecture, for many years, Văn Miếu Quốc Tử
Giám relic has always been one of the destinations not to be missed by domestic and foreign
tourists. In the monthly activity reports of the Hà Nội Department of Tourism, the Temple of
Literature - Quốc Tử Giám is always on the list of relics with stable operation, an attractive
destination of tourism in the capital. From the beginning of the year until now, the number of
tourists visiting the Temple of Literature has reached nearly 900,000.
1.2. Hoàn Kiếm lake
"Rủ nhau xem cảnh Kiếm hồ 
Xem cầu Thê Húc, xem chùa Ngọc Sơn 
Đài Nghiên, tháp Bút chưa mòn 
Hỏi ai gây dựng nên non nước này" 
  Location 
Hồ Gươm is located in the center of Hà Nội capital, with an area of 12 hectares, the
length of south-north, the width of east-west is 200 meters. Hồ Gươm is an old stretch of the Red
River left over when it diverted to the east, which is a natural freshwater lake of Hà Nội city. 
 History 
The lake has existed for a long time, a few thousand years ago, but before its official
name is Hoàn Kiếm, the lake has many names associated with different stories such as the name
of Lục Thủy Lake because the lake water is colored. Blue all year round, Thủy Quân Lake is the
court used to browse the marines. Previously, the lake was also called Lục Thủy Lake because
the colors of the water were green all four seasons. During the Lý Dynasty, King Lý Thánh Tông
chose this place to build Sùng Khánh Pagoda to pray for peace and prosperity. In 1057, the Lý
Dynasty erected the Đại Thắng Tự Thiên stupa to remember the victory in defeating the Chiêm
Thành people. In the Trần Dynasty (at that time, the lake area was very large, and it was
connected to Tô Lịch River), so the Trần Dynasties often practiced on the lake, hence the lake
was named Thủy Quân Lake.
According to the tradition is from Lê Thái Tổ. It is said that King Lê Thái Tổ before the
uprising in Lam Sơn against the invaders invaded the Ming Dynasty, was given a sword. In
1428, completely regained the country, became a king, built the capital in Thăng Long, and one
day the king sat in a boat playing in the lake, suddenly saw a golden turtle emerge. 
The King was holding the sword in his hand and slicing along, the turtle raised his neck
to grab the sword and then settled down to the bottom of the lake. The king wrongly slapped the
lake to search, the turtle could not find anywhere but the sword also lost, so it was supposed that
the god gave the sword to kill the enemy, now the enemy was quiet and then took the sword
away, so the lake was changed to Hoàn Kiếm, meaning Return the magic sword. That name
appeared from the beginning of the XV century (1428-1433). 
The name that people still use is Hồ Gươm. At the end of the 16th century, the Trịnh
Lord erected the Lord in Báo Thiên Ward, Hoàn Kiếm Lake at that time surrounded from the
right to the left of Phủ Chúa, so once again changed its name, the two parts of a lake into two
lakes were Tả Vọng và Hữu Vọng.
Turtle Tower is a small tower located on a small mound about 350m2 wide in the middle
of Hồ Gươm, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội. With that prime location, it is very convenient for
you to move from different points in Hà Nội to the tower. During the reign of Lê Thánh Tông,
there was a Điếu Đài built on this Turtle mound for the king to fish. In the 17th-18th centuries,
Lord Trịnh built Tả Vọng communal house, but by the Nguyễn Dynasty, there was no trace leftIn
1883, after the French defeated Hà Nội, the people around here were evacuated, leaving only
Nguyễn Ngọc Kim - a translator of Tự Pháp village who was appointed as an intermediary
between the French and Vietnamese, he was also known as Bá Hộ Kim. In 1886, he found the
mound beautiful and feng shui, so he decided to build a tower to later bury his father there.
1.2.1. Ngọc Sơn Temple 
 Location 
Ngọc Sơn Temple Hà Nội is located on Ngọc Sơn Island in Hoàn Kiếm Lake, also known
as Hồ Gươm. The temple was built on a small island to the north of Hồ Gươm with luxurious
and ancient beauty. Leading to the temple is a system of gates and a wooden bridge. Located on
Hàng Dầu Street, the first gate consists of four pillars made of bricks and two Mezzanine
sections.
 History 
Ngọc Sơn Temple was built in the middle of the 19th century, exactly in the late 40s of
the nineteenth century. At first, it was called Ngọc Sơn Pagoda, but it was later renamed Ngọc
Sơn Temple because in the temple, worship only gods and not Buddha. In 1841 Hướng Thiện
repaired a temple, built a place of worshiping more worshiping God to enter the bell tower that
Tín Trai had built and this whole complex was called Ngọc Sơn Đế Quân Temple, later called
Ngọc Sơn Temple. Thus, from 1841-1842 in the temple has just worshiped Buddha, worship
Quan Đế and Văn Xương. Now the temple is completely new, in front of an embankment and
water to the Trấn Ba communal house, which implies that the pillar stands firmly in the middle
of the Văn line. On the left, on the east side of Thê Húc Bridge, there is Đài Nghiên, and in the
east on Độc Tôn Mountain, to build Tháp Bút, representing the objects. Originally when King Lý
Thái Tổ decided to move the capital to Thăng Long, the temple has been built here ever since
and is called Ngọc Tượng. Under the Trần Dynasty, the name was changed to Ngọc Sơn.
Previously, in the Trần Dynasty, the temple was a place of worshiping heroic martyrs and
national heroes who had merit in the resistance war against Nguyên Mông Army, but later the
temple collapsed. Lord Trịnh Giang erected Thụy Khánh Palace and built two mountains on the
east opposite Ngọc Sơn called Đào Tai and Ngọc Bội Mountains. At the end of the Lê Dynasty,
Thụy Khánh Palace was destroyed by Lê Chiêu Thống. A philanthropist named Tín Trai, on the
basis of the old palace, established a temple called Ngọc Sơn Pagoda. So in history, in the area of
Ngọc Sơn Temple today there was a temple named Ngọc Sơn Pagoda. A few years later, the
temple gave way to a charity to change to Tam Thánh Temple. The association is composed of
people from the past few years. At its inception, the association's purpose was primarily to
encourage good deeds. It worships Văn Xương Đế Quân but there is no temple. Tín Trai's
children were closely related to the association, so they volunteered to return this temple to the
association.
 Construction 
Ngọc Sơn Temple was built in the shape of Tam. In the temple there are couplets,
diaphragms and sacred objects. The roof of Ngọc Sơn Temple is square, with three roofs, and a
two-storey roof with eight pillars supporting it. The system of the four outer pillars of the temple
is made of stone and the four inner pillars are wooden. On each pillar, there are Hán Chinese
couplets, got in the two main pillars have sentences:
 “Lâm thủy đăng sơn nhất lộ tiệm nhập giai cảnh
Tầm nguyên phỏng cổ thử trung vô hạn phong quang”
Meaning:
“Đến cõi nước, trèo lên non, một lối dẫn dần vào cảnh đẹp.
Tìm nguồn cội, hỏi chuyện xưa, trong chốn này biết mấy phong quang”
On the two sides of the wall are two large Phúc and Lộc words, painted as a blessing for
goodness. Entering through the gate, on the left stands a stone tower built on the mountain. That
is the Tháp Bút architecture cluster. Tháp Bút, to the second gate class: The path is limited by
two pillars, on top of a couple of opposing recommended sentences:
“Nhân gian văn tự vô quyền toàn bằng âm đức
Thiên thượng chủ hữu nhãn đơn kháng đan điền.”
The first side means: In this world, the righteous right is the moral upbringing, which is
the negative virtue, the immoral virtue (which is an indifferent blessing). On the second side, he
said: In heaven, he considered the examination of the world, but only examined the heart of man.
On both sides of the pillar, there are two fake eight-storey armpits with curved roofs. On the
front of these two doors, one dragon is curled up to welcome the fish fighting each other two
words Long Môn. According to oriental culture, Long Môn is the success in examinations. Hổ
Bảng is literally a tiger table, literally meaning a board showing the names of doctorates.
Through the above ideas, it can be considered as a symbol of encouraging study according to
Confucianism.
Through the gates of Long Môn and Hổ Bảng, at the end of the road is the third gate
class. This gate layer has high walls, roofs, rolling doors, and painted wooden doors. On the roof,
there is a stone stand, so the gate is also called Nghiễn Đài, which means "Đài Nghiên''. The
study must also be proportionate to the pen. There is an opinion that when building Tháp Bút,
Đài Nghiên: On the morning of the 5th of the 5th month of the Lunar Calendar, when the sun
rises, the shadow of the pen will be applied to the ink. Exit from Đài Nghiêng is the Thê Húc
Bridge which means "save the early morning sunlight". After all 15 spans of red painted bridge,
you can reach the Đắc Nguyệt Floor with the meaning of being the moon floor.
The main temple is two connected temples, worshiping Hưng Đạo Đại Vương - Trần
Quốc Tuấn and Văn Xương Đế Quân. In addition, the temple also worships Amitabha Buddha,
Lã Động Tân and Quan Vân Trường. This way of worship reflects the spirit of solidarity and
religious harmony of Vietnamese. The statue of Trần Hưng Đạo is placed on a 1m high stone
pedestal, flanked by two stone stairs, the symbol of Văn Xương stands up solemnly, holding a
pen in his hand, showing an elegant and elegant appearance.
1.2.2. Tháp Bút 
Tháp Bút (1865) as of 2020, was 155 years old. Tháp Bút, according to the ideas of the
designers, is an image for culture, Tháp Bút architectural cluster has both performed a literary
proclamation and a martial arts demonstration at the same time, here the Lord Trịnh's martial arts
in suppressing the uprising of Nguyễn Danh Phương. This is the implication of the designers,
because we see Tháp Bút built on a mound filled with rocks. This hill represents a mountain
called Độc Tôn.
Through the first layer of the gate of Ngọc Sơn Temple, we will see on the left a stone
tower built on the mountain also made of stones. This mountain has a diameter of 12m and a
height of 4m. The square tower has 5 floors, the bottom edge of the first floor is 2m, up to the 5th
floor is 1,2m. All 5 floors are 28m high. On the 5th floor is the tip of the brush, both handle and
nib, 0,9m high. Thus, the total tower is 28,9m high. Separating each tower floor is a roof
protruding about 15cm in front, on the four sides around the floors are trapezoids, getting smaller
and smaller as you go up. On those sides, there is a fake door that is indented by 10cm. To the
north, in the three doorways on the lower three floors, there are three large words "Tả Thanh
Thiên" (written in the blue sky). To the west, in the bottom floor door, there is an engraved poem
compiled by Nguyễn Văn Siêu. The content is about the history of the mountain and Bút Tháp .
On the rocky mountain, there is also a temple of Sơn Thần, a stone stele." Thái Sơn Thạch
sympathizes". It is the architectural cluster of Tháp Bút.
1.2.3. Đài Nghiên 
Đài Nghiên is located on the first building leading into the temple, it was a piece of blue
stone ink carved in the shape of a half peach, cut vertically, cut concave. The length of the peach
is 0,97m, the width of 0.8m, the height of 0,3m, the circumference of 2m, there are three sickle
thorns (toads), such as three tripod legs. On the body of the Nghiên is engraved a poem of the
form of ancient poetry - a form of poetry born in the Đường Dynasty (China) without following
the law, with no limit on the number of sentences and words. The demonstration on Đài Nghiên
includes 64 Chinese characters (four languages of the exam) of which the main author is Nguyễn
Văn Siêu.
There are many interpretations and so far there are many different translations. Here we
temporarily translate as follows: "Using the soil cavity to study, commenting on “Đạo đức kinh”,
brooding on the large side, writing Hán Xuân Thu books. From the stone split to do research,
there is no shape. Not square round, used to do everything miraculously, not high or low, in the
middle, bent over Hoàn Kiếm Lake, looking back at the stone tip, applying to Thái Dương,
making all changes”. Perhaps this is an ontological conception of Đài Nghiên and also about
people's ideas.
1.2.4. Thê Húc Bridge 
This ancient bridge was built during the reign of King Tự Đức (the fourth king of the
Nguyễn Dynasty). In 1865, Nguyễn Văn Siêu built a bridge connecting the lake with Ngọc Sơn
Temple and named it Thê Húc, meaning "light drops back" or "halo gathering halo". The bridge
has undergone two reconstructions since its completion. The first time was in 1897, Thành Thái
dynasty. The second time was in 1952 after a bridge span broke on New Year's Eve in the Nhâm
Thìn because the guests of the Ngọc Sơn Temple were overcrowded. The bridge was rebuilt,
instead of wood, the foundation was re-cast with cement. The bridge has a circular shape, with
16 rows of piles, beams of horizontal and vertical casting by concrete. The deck and the bridge
are still wooden. At present, the bridge is 45m long, 15 spans, each span 3m, the sphere is 2,6m
wide. The bridge is oriented to the east, oriented to the rising sun to catch the integrity of that
gas. With such a meaning, the bridge should always be red to symbolize the color of life, the
color of all happiness, and the desire to pass on the ancient life up to now, this is the symbol of
the sun god.
1.2.5. Đắc Nguyệt Floor 
The reason that the floor is called a moonlit floor is because in this position you can
enjoy the full moonlight. The architecture is a lovely small floor, consisting of 2 floors, 8 roofs, a
smaller upper floor on a larger lower floor. Each floor has 4 roofs, on the 2nd floor there is a
circular window facing the East, above the window there is a sign painted with yellow lipstick
with 3 words Đắc Nguyệt Lầu.
Crossing Thê Húc Bridge leads to the gate of Đắc Nguyệt Lâu (the floor with the moon),
which is a steeple with 2 curved roofs shaped like Khuê Văn Các in the Temple of Literature,
hidden under the shadow of an ancient banyan tree, in the middle of an area of trees. luxuriant, as
if emerging from the water. The two sides of the gate have 2 fake doors, on the embossed reliefs
"Long Mã Hà Đồ", "Thần Quy Lạc Thư". Through Đắc Nguyệt gate is to enter the main
architectural area of the temple.
1.3. Ba Đình Square 
 Location 
Ba Đình Square was the west gate of Thăng Long Citadel with a dense population.
During the French colonial period, Ba Đình was the headquarters of the administrative offices of
the French Governor General in Indo China. 
 History 
After the August Revolution 1954, the new Vietnamese Government also decided to get
the name of Ba Đình Revolution to name this special land of Hà Nội. After September 2, 1945,
both domestic and foreign media reported simultaneously: On September 2, 1945 at Ba Đình
Square, Hà Nội, President Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the
Democratic Republic of Việt Nam. After that time, the Square was also called Độc Lập Square.
During the anti-French resistance war, Ba Đình Square was also called Hồng Bàng. From
January 1, 1955 a solemn meeting was held to welcome President Hồ Chí Minh, the Central
Party Committee and the Government back to Hà Nội Capital, this place was again called Ba
Đình Square. After Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945,
the solemn meeting on January 1, 1955 was the second most important ceremony of the national
history and Hà Nội Capital of Hồ Chí Minh Era. After President Hồ Chí Minh's death, this place
became a particularly important relic of our country.
 Architectural  
In addition to Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, the Ba Đình Square is also home to many
historical works, attractive attractions such as the Presidential Palace, The Stilt House, One Pillar
Pagoda... 
 1.3.1.  Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum 
Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum is also called by Việt Nam people with many names such as
Uncle Hồ Mausoleum, Ba Đình Mausoleum, Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum. Is a famous architectural
work built with the contribution of Việt Nam and Russia. On August 28, 1975 the Mausoleum of
President Hồ Chí Minh was completed and inaugurated. The main face of the Mausoleum looks
straight out at Ba Đình Square. 
 Architecture 
The mausoleum consists of three floors: The first floor is a series of stands built in the
shape of a ladder to facilitate important ceremonies at Ba Đình Square. The second floor is the
Central part of the Mausoleum containing the corpse room, the corridors and stairs up and down.
The remains of President Hồ Chí Minh are housed in a glass cage. The upper floor is a three
level Mausoleum. On the main side of the Mausoleum is engraved with the words "President Hồ
Chí Minh" in plum colored ruby stones. 
 The entire mausoleum has a height of 21.6 meters, Ba Đình Square has a length of 320m,
a width of 100m with 240 green fields all year round. On the west side of Ba Đình Square is the
memorial area for President Hồ Chí Minh, including Hồ Chí Minh Museum, people's stilt house,
fish pond, coconut trees and hibiscus fences...
1.3.2. President Palace (Phủ Chủ Tịch) 
President Hồ Chí Minh lived and worked at the Presidential Palace for 15 years (from
1954 to 1969). Many historic sites here have been associated with the exciting revolutionary
activities and daily life of President Hồ Chí Minh such as: Presidential Palace building, House
54, House on stilts, H.67 house, Room meeting of the Politburo, Tunnel H.66 and outdoor
monuments such as: mango street, orchard, fish pond, flower trellis of the President Palace...
The Presidential Palace relic area is located in Ngọc Hà ward, Ba Đình district, Hà Nội city. The
site is bordered on the North by West Lake, the South by One Pillar Pagoda and Hồ Chí Minh
Museum, The West is adjacent to Bách Thảo, the East looks straight out to Hùng Vương Street,
Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum and Ba Đình Square - where President Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration
of Independence that gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam in the autumn year
1945. The entire area of the relic is more than 10 hectares, including houses, green gardens,
lawns, fish ponds and yards, paths. According to the nature of the architectural works and
activities of President Hồ Chí Minh in those places, the relic is divided into three areas:
Zone A: is the place where President Hồ Chí Minh lives and works. The monuments here
are directly related to the daily life and activities of him in the last 15 years of his life. That is:
House Ruins 54 - where President Hồ Chí Minh lived and worked (from late 1954 to mid May
1958). Wooden stilt house relic - where President Hồ Chí Minh lived and worked (from mid
May 1958 to 1969). Relic house 67 - where President Hồ Chi Minh worked during the fierce
bombardment of the North (1967 - 1969), where the healer died. Other relics such as green
gardens, fish pond, kitchen and car President Hồ Chi Minh used.
 Areas B and C: including the President Palace guest house, the Government Office and
the gardens surrounding these places. Currently, this sector State and Government are still
working. The first relic in the journey to visit the Hồ Chí Minh relic at the President Palace is the
Presidential Palace building. This is a luxurious, superficial, four storey building overlooking
Hùng Vương Street.
This Renaissance-style work was built in the early years of the twentieth century (1900 -
1906), designed by French-German architect Lichelen Sensor. The usable area of the building is
nearly 1300 square meters. The entire building has more than 30 rooms, each of which is
decorated in its own style. During the French colonial rule, the building was called the Governor
General of Indochina. From the time the house was completed to the successful August 1945
revolution, there were 29 Governor General and Governor General in residence and work.
With international guests, President Hồ Chí Minh welcomes from heads of state, party
leaders from brother countries, ambassadors of other countries to present national letters, art
delegations, sports, writers, houses newspapers, scientists, mass organizations and friends all
over the world come to Việt Nam, support the cause of the revolution and help the people of Việt
Nam build new lives.
With the people of Việt Nam, he meets with representatives from all parts of society,
regardless of their religion, party, or profession. In 15 years, from 1945 to 1969, at the
Presidential Palace, President Hồ Chí Minh received more than 1000 domestic and foreign
delegations. The Presidential Palace is also the place where President Hồ Chí Minh repeatedly
read poems for the New Year's Day.
After President Hồ Chí Minh passed away (September 2, 1969), the Presidential Palace
became one of the monuments of the State ranked as a particularly important relic in the overall
relic area. Hồ Chí Minh at the Presidential Palace. However, since then, this building has
remained the workplace of the President of Việt Nam. The activities of our Party and State are
still solemnly conducted here.
Uncle Hồ stilts house is a two-storey wooden architecture, with thatched roof, built in
1958. The house has the architecture of the Tày - Thái ethnic group in Việt Bắc, Uncle Hồ stilts
house has a length of 10,5 m, a width of 6,2 m, two floors high. The second floor has two rooms,
between the two rooms there is a shelf to use the bookshelves, and there is a corridor around.
1.3.3. One Pillar Pagoda (Chùa Một Cột) 
 Location 
Located in Ba Đình District, Hà Nội, near President Hồ Chí Minh’s Mausoleum and
located in the west Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. The pagoda is also known as Diên Hựu
Pagoda, Mật pagoda, Liên Hoa Đài or Nam Thiên Nhất Trụ.  
 History 
One Pillar Pagoda, as known as Diên Hựu pagoda or Liên Hoa Đài, was built in 1049 by
Lý Thái Tông (1028-1054), a king of Lý’s dynasty. Its name means “long happiness and
prosperity”. In Vietnamese language, One Pillar Pagoda is called Nhất Trụ Tháp.
 According to folk legend, the king was old but had no child. Each day, he used to go to
pagodas to pray to Buddha for a son. One night, he dreamt that he saw Quan Âm Bồ Tát sitting
on the lotus pond that lightened up gorgeous halos and gave him a baby. When he woke up, the
king told his subjects about that. A few months later, the queen gave birth to a prince. The king
was at the top of the world. He decided to construct a pagoda with only one pillar to resemble a
giant lotus blossom to show deep gratitude to Quan Âm Bồ Tát.
In 1105, King Lý Nhân Tông renovated and expanded the pagoda with Linh Chiểu Lake
added.
In 1954, French colonialists set mine to destroy One Pillar Pagoda; there was only the
pillar with some wooden beams remained in confusion.
In 1955, the municipal government restored and preserved the pagoda as it is now.
In 1962, One Pillar Pagoda Complex was recognized as National Historic Heritage and
“The Pagoda with the Most Unique Architecture in Asia” by Asia Record Organization in
10/10/2012 in Faridabab (India).
 Architecture 
The pagoda has a square structure made of wood, roofing tiles, each side 3m, with four
roofs, four curved heads with dragon heads. The stone pillar consists of two blocks attached to
each other, 1,2m in diameter and 4m high. The path to the temple is a small staircase made of
bricks. The upper part of the cylinder consists of a system of wooden bars that form a solid frame
supporting the temple built above, similar to a lotus rising from the lake, this is a very unique
architecture of One Pillar Pagoda.
In the pagoda, the statue of Buddha Quan Âm sits on a wooden lotus painted with golden
veneer, at the highest position. Above the Buddha image is the diaphragm “Liên Hoa Đài”
reminiscent of the dreaming legend of King Lý leading to the construction of the temple. From
the yard to the pagoda floor to chant the worship ceremony, you have to go through 13 steps of
1,4m wide, on both sides of brick walls, with stone steles to introduce the history of the temple.
The pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond, 20m on each side of the lake,
surrounded by a low wall. Although the scale of the temple is not large, it brings a very unique
beauty, erected by only one pillar but can still stand firm, nothing can be demolished over time.
The pagoda today is not shaped like lotus petals on the old stone pillar, but the image of a temple
in the middle of rising water still reminds of a lotus flower – a beautiful flower, symbolizing the
beauty of the planet drug topping – located right in the middle of the lake. Not only that, it is also
a symbol of wisdom, of longevity, liberation through intellectual awareness to reach nirvana.
One Pillar Pagoda is not like any other Buddhist tower, the pagoda is full of philosophical
humanity with a square outer ring representing yin (âm), and a round column symbolizing yang
(dương), law of yin and yang, this is the law of reciprocity, the analogy of the universe. It’s
beauty has both the majesty of the Buddha realm.
1.4. Bát Tràng pottery village 
Location:  On the left bank of the Red River, now in Bát Tràng commune, Gia Lâm
district, Hà Nội, more than 10km southeast of the city center. Located in an area rich in clay, the
village has advantage of ingredients to create fine ceramics. This is a famous traditional craft
village for ceramic products.
History: This craft village was formed in the Lý Dynasty, over 500 years of history with
many ups and downs at the same time, but the name Bát Tràng still exists and continues to
develop until now.
Moreover, lying besides the Red river, between Thăng Long and Phố Hiến, two ancient
trade centers in the north of Việt Nam during 15th-17th century, Bát Tràng’s ceramics were
favorite products not only in domestic market, but also foreign ones thanks to Japan, Chinese and
Western trading boats that passed by.
In the 18th and 19th century, due to restricting foreign trade policy of Trịnh, Nguyễn
dynasty. It was difficult for pottery products in Việt Nam to be exported to foreign countries, and
some famous pottery making villages like Bát Tràng, or Chu Đậu ( Hải Dương province) went
through a hard time. Since 1986, thanks to economic reforms and development, more attention
has been vested in the village and the world gets a chance to know more about Vietnamese
porcelain through many high quality exported Bát Tràng ceramic products.
Bát Tràng ceramics are produced for daily household use (bow, cup, plates, pot,
bottle…), worshipping, or decoration purposes. Nowadays, the pottery artists bring into ceramics
many innovations in production techniques, and creativity in products’ features, hence many new
products have been born, and even daily household items may have the beauty like decoration
ones.
1.5. Vạn Phúc silk village 
Location: Also known as Hà Đông silk weaving village in Vạn Phúc ward, Hà Đông.
Having existed for more than 1000 years, Vạn Phúc silk village is one of the most beautiful silk
weaving villages in Việt Nam. . 
History: Vạn Phúc silk village was formerly known as Vạn Bảo. Due to the Nguyễn
Dynasty, the village was renamed Vạn Phúc. According to legend, about 1.200 years ago, Ms. A
Lã Thị Nương living in Cao Bằng is a famous person with skillful weaving of Vạn Phúc village.
She brought the secrets of Chinese weaving silk to teach people who live in the village. When
she passed away, she was respected as tutelary deity.
Vạn Phúc silk village became famous from the reign of Lý. Vạn Phúc silk was the first
introduced at the Marseille International Fair (1931) and Paris (1938), it was evaluated as the
sophisticated products of Indochina. Vạn Phúc silk is very popular in France, Thailand, and
Indonesia… From 1958 to 1988, Vạn Phúc silk were exported to Eastern Europe countries, from
1990, it was exported to many countries in the world.
For many years, Vạn Phúc village still retains intact the traditional values. In general, the
special features of Vạn Phúc silk and in particularly Hàng Vân silk is warm in the winter and
cool in the summer, wearing it people find soft and gentle. Decorative patterns on silk are diverse
such as Sông Hac sample, Thọ Đình sample, Tứ Qúy sample… and it always follows the
traditional methods.
1.6. Phú Vinh bamboo and rattan village 
 Location: Phú Vinh craft village in Phú Nghĩa commune, Chương Mỹ. Famous for the
craft of bamboo and rattan from about the 17th century, about 20 km from the center of Hà Nội.
The village is famous for delicate and beautiful bamboo and rattan products, ranging from items
such as baskets, baskets... to souvenirs, decorations such as couplets, photo frames, royal duels...
or objects such as tables, chairs, vase, ... The materials that make up the products are carefully
selected by the craftsmen from the highlands and carefully handled: bamboo drying, peeling,
polishing, drying, splitting small...
History: Phú Vinh Village is considered to be the "Rattan Land" famous for its rattan and
bamboo knitting business with a long history of craft development. Elderly people recounted
that, about 400 years ago, Phú Hoà Trang (now Phú Vinh) had a place called Cò Dầu plain
because there were many storks (Cò) here, later called Gò Dầu. Stork feathers often shed and
made a white plain, some people liked and picked up and made very lovely hats. Initially they
used to see these were beautiful, durable gifts for relatives, friends, gradually, the products were
popular and many people came to buy. Over time, the stork feathers were limited, people looked
for grass, reeds available in the field and went to the forest to find flexible materials such as
bamboo, rattan, and giang... to produce household items such as baskets, cooking-pot holders,
hand baskets... Over time, many new materials were added, product designs were improved,
bamboo and rattan knitting techniques of the villagers were improved to make the products more
and more sophisticated and of higher economic value. The rattan and bamboo handicraft has
since spread to other villages in the region and spread to more than 20 provinces and cities
nationwide.
1.7. Long Biên bridge
Location
Long Biên Bridge crosses the Red River, connects two districts of Hà Nội – Hoàn Kiếm
and Long Biên.
History
Long Biên Bridge is the first steel bridge in Hà Nội, also one of the first bridges built by
the French in Việt Nam. The more than one-hundred-year-old bridge was constructed from 1899
to 1902 with the idea and construction of the architects Daydé & Pillé of Paris. At first, it was
named after the Governor-General of French in Indochina – Paul Doumer. It was not until 1954
when the Vietnamese totally defeated the French in Điện Biên Phủ that the bridge was renamed
Long Biên Bridge. At the time it was built, Long Biên Bridge was one of the four greatest
bridges in the world. The bridge has attached with many memories of the citizens in the heart of
Vietnam when witnessing the panoramic picture about the history of Hà Nội. Despite being more
than a hundred years of age, the bridge is nowadays still in use and becomes one of the most
superb tourist attractions in Hà Nội, alluring numerous both domestic and international tourists to
delve into.
More than 100 years of wars, Long Biên Bridge is the witness and also the victim in the
bombardments of the American army in 1967, 1972, that is why a lot of spans were destroyed.
However, the left spans still remain today, which reminds us of an unforgettable past. Hence,
Long Biên Bridge is not only a fundamental traffic construction, a typical architecture, but also a
real historical relic.
Architecture
With the length of 2290 meters, Long Biên Bridge, one of the famous bridges in Hà Nội,
started its construction in September 1898 and it finished after 3 years 7 months. The initial
name of Long Biên Bridge was “Doumer Bridge”, the name of Governor-General of French
Indochina at that time. Nowadays, the bridge still remains the metal plaque engraved “1899 –
1902 – Dayde & Pille – Paris” on the head of the bridge.
Long Biên Bridge includes 20 piers and bridge abutment with the depth of 30 m and 13,5
m in height. The construction of 2 roads on both sides and a railway in the middle seem the most
prominent of the bridge. Instead of hiring Chinese workers like before, the ingenuity and subtle
Vietnamese workers directly assembled metal components, operated cranes… under the
professional instruction of French engineers.
There are more than 5,300 tonnes of French steel, cement produced in Hải Phòng, wood
from Thanh Hóa, and over 30,000 m3 stone from many parts throughout Việt Nam to create
Long Biên Bridge as we see today. With a length of 1,682 m and about 896 m long of
approaching the bridge, Long Biên bridge is divided into 9 frames with 61 m in length of each,
and it is the first bridge of the railway route running through Indochina and Hà Nội – Hải Phòng
route as well. Particularly, steels used on Long Biên Bridge is the same with steel creating the
famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. As a result, discover the unique architecture and heroic
history of the bridge will surely one of the most fascinating things to see in Hà Nội.
1.8. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Hoàng thành Thăng Long)
 Location 
The Imperial Citadel is located at 19C Hoàng Diệu Street, while the archeological site is
at 18 Hoàng Diệu Street. This is one of the most prominent monumental complex of the capital.
It is bounded by the Northern road of Phan Đình Phùng Street, South of Bắc Sơn Street, West of
Điện Biên Phủ Street, East of Nguyễn Tri Phương Street.
 History
The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, is an intriguing relic of Việt Nam’s history and,
signifying its historical and cultural importance, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
2010. Also known as the Hà Nội 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. The ancient site was the political centre of the country for 13 consecutive
centuries and served as the capital of Việt Nam for eight centuries.
The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long - Hà Nội, located in the heart
of the capital of Việt Nam, is the most important and best-preserved part of the ancient Imperial
Citadel of Thăng Long. The Thăng Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Lý
Việt Dynasty, marking the independence of the Đại Việt. It was constructed on the remains of a
Chinese fortress dating from the 7th century, on drained land reclaimed from the Red River Delta
in Hà Nội. It was the centre of regional political power for almost 13 centuries without
interruption.
The Imperial Citadel buildings and the remains in the 18 Hoàng Diệu Archaeological Site
reflect a unique South-East Asian culture specific to the lower Red River Valley, at the
crossroads between influences coming from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of
Chăm-pa in the south.
During the French colonial era, the royal palaces and most of the structures were severely
damaged. By the 20th century, a number of the remaining structures were torn down. The Citadel
was used by the Imperial Japanese Army to imprison over 4000 French colonial soldiers
captured in March 1945. During 1954, when the Vietnamese Army took over Hà Nội, the Citadel
became the headquarter of the Ministry of Defense. In the 21st century, the ruin foundations of
Thăng Long Imperial Citadel were systematically excavated. In 2004, a number of artefacts and
items between the 6th and 20th centuries were excavated, including foundations of old palaces,
ancient roads, ponds and wells.
 Artchitecture
The World Heritage Site comprises two sections: the archaeological site at 18 Hoàng
Diệu Street and the central axis of the Nguyễn Dynasty Citadel of Hà Nội, which together create
an integrated heritage complex. This was the most important sector of Thăng Long Citadel, the
capital of Đại Việt under the Lý, Trần, and Lê dynasties from the 11th to the 18th centuries. It
was also the core of the earlier Đại La Citadel, dating from the period when the region was ruled
directly by China (7th to 9th centuries) and the headquarters of the North Vietnamese
government and army during the Resistance War against the Americans between 1954 and 1975.
Standing monuments in the Nguyễn Dynasty’s Ancient Citadel include the Flag Tower
(Kỳ Đài), the South Gate (Đoan Môn), the Kính Thiên Palace Foundation, the Princess’s Pagoda
(Hậu Lâu), and the North Gate (Bắc Môn). The 18 Hoàng Diệu Archaeological Site, located
about 100 meters to the West of Kính Thiên Palace Foundation, is an important part of the
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long- Hà Nội. This is a site of immense
archaeological value, which accommodates a huge complex of architectural relics and an
exceedingly large volume of artifacts overlapping and alternating one another, dating back to the
Đại La (7th to 9th centuries), Đinh Dynasty, Anterior Lê Dynasty (10th century), Lý Dynasty
(1009-1225), Trần Dynasty (1226-1400), Early Lê Dynasty (1428-1527), Restored Lê Dynasty
(1593-1789) and Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945).
The standing monuments and subterranean vestiges of palaces, together with numerous
other unique artifacts unearthed in the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long- Hà
Nội are invaluable assets not only of Việt Nam but also the entire human race.
1.8.1. Hà Nội Flag Tower (Cột cờ Hà Nội)
Flag Tower is known as one of the most iconic symbols of Hà Nội. Built in 1805 under
the reign of King Gia Long, Flag Tower is one of the few constructions of Hà Nội Citadel, which
have survived almost intactly. It now lies within the Việt Nam Military History Museum
compound.
 Flag Tower consists of three storeys of bases and one tower. The pyramid-shaped bases
are tiled with bricks. The first storey is 170m in perimeter and 3,1m in height. Each side of the
second storey is 27m long and 3,7m high. There are four doors at this storey. On the eastern-
looking door are two Hán characters meaning "welcoming sunrise", on the western-looking one,
"reflection of light", and on the southern-looking one, "looking towards light". Only the
northern-looking door has no Hán characters. Each side of the third storey is 12,8m long and
5.1m high. The door leads to the staircase that turns to the north. The body of the flag tower lies
on this storey. It is an eight-sided cylinder, getting narrower as it reaches the height of 18,2m.
There is a 54-step spiral staircase leading to the top inside. For ventilation and light, there are
four or five asterisk-shaped holes on each of the eight sides. On the highest location of each side
is a sector-shaped hole.
The top of the flag tower takes the shape of an eight-sided observation floor that is 3,3m
in height. Each side has one door. At the top of the floor is a round column, 0.4m in diameter,
where the flag has been fixed since Hà Nội’s liberation day (10 October 1954).
1.8.2. The 18 Hoàng Diệu Archaeological Site (Khu khảo cổ 18 Hoàng Diệu) 
The Archaeological Site at 18 Hoàng Diệu Street covers the area of 4.53ha, about 100m
to the west of Kính Thiên Palace.
It houses many architectural vestiges and artifacts from Pre-Thăng Long period to Đinh -
Pre-Lê (10th century), Lý - Trần (11th to 14th centuries), Post-Lê - Mạc (15th to 18th centuries).
Artifacts here are mostly porcelain and ceramic wares used in the imperial citadel through
various stages of development. The findings paved the way for researchers to study ceramics
made in Thăng Long in general and ceramic wares used in the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
through different dynasties. 
1.8.3. Kính Thiên Palace (Điện Kính Thiên)
Kính Thiên Palace was the centre of Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long in Lê Dynasty and
Hà Nội Citadel in Nguyễn Dynasty. In 1886, the French colonists destroyed Kính Thiên Palace,
except for two sets of stone dragon steps and had a house built on the foundation of the palace
including 2 floors with 7 rooms. The house was used as the French headquarters of artillery and
called Dragon House because there are sets of stone dragon steps at the front and the back of the
house. When Hà Nội was liberated in 1954, Dragon House became the general headquarters of
the Vietnamese People's Army. It is now a relic of revolution and history, opened frequently for
visitors.
Kính Thiên Palace is the central relic in the complex. It was built in 1428 and used as a
place to celebrate imperial ceremonies and major national affairs. The palace’s foundation is 57
meters long, 41,5 meters wide, and 2,3 meters high. Despite being a culturally significant relic,
the only remains of Kính Thiên Palace to the present day are the steps. 
1.8.4. Princess’s Pagoda (Hậu Lâu)
 Hậu Lâu (literally “the tower in the back”) was built of brick and consists of a basement
and 3 floors above. The Pagoda was constructed for the use of princesses and queens. The
French called Hậu Lâu “Pagode des Dames”. Hậu Lâu was built in the north (the back) of Kính
Thiên Palace for peace according to feng shui principles. Therefore, it’s called Tịnh Bắc Lâu or
Back Pavilion.  Hậu Lâu was also known as the Princesses’ building because it was
accommodation for concubines of Nguyễn Kings during their trip to Hà Nội Citadel. At the end
of the 19th century, Hậu Lâu was seriously damaged due to war and reconstructed by the French
as a military post of the French army. At present, Hậu Lâu is the place to exhibit some artifacts
found in the surrounding area as well as images about Hà Nội through some historical periods.
1.8.5. North Gate (Bắc Môn)
Bắc Môn (Northern Gate) is the last remains of five gates of Hà Nội Citadel under the
Nguyễn Dynasty. Built of brick and arches of stone in 1805, Bắc Môn is 8.71m high and 17.08m
wide. Its two wooden doors, 16 tons in weight, spread over 24m², running on bronze wheels
weighing some 80kg. The two holes caused by the cannonballs from a French war ship on 25
April 1873 in its outside wall still remain. Bắc Môn is now open to visitors. The gate is now used
as a place to worship the two former governors of Hà Nội: Nguyễn Tri Phương and Hoàng Diệu.
They stood as loyal subjects to the Vietnamese court under the invasion of the French colonists
in the 19th century.
1.8.6. South Gate (Đoan Môn)
Đoan Môn was built in the Lê Dynasty and located to the south of the Citadel. Only
members from the royal family were allowed to pass this gate. There is one main gate in the
middle and four smaller gates on the sides. The gate is now decorated with lotus-shaped lanterns
that are lit up at night, adding a mystical beauty to the Citadel. Đoan Môn is the main gate of
Forbidden Citadel, directed toward the South. Đoan Môn is U-shaped, 46.5m in length, 26.5m in
width and 6m in height. Constructed of stone and large square bricks, Đoan Môn has three
floors. The first floor includes 5 doors, of which the central door reserved for kings is the largest
one. The second floor is surrounded by a balustrade and reached by two flights of stairs. The
third floor features a gazebo-style pavilion with a two-layer roof. Dragon faces adorn the gables.
1.9. Hỏa Lò Prison Museum
 Location
Hoả Lò Prison (now a historical site of Hoả Lò Prison) is located at 1 Hoả Lò Street, Hà
Nội. In the past, this land belonged to Nam Phụ village, Tiền Nghiêm canton. The location of the
prison's premises is located on a trapezoidal plot of land in Phụ Khánh village. Opposite the
prison to the east is the court, the southwest borders Thợ Nhuộm street, the west borders Richaud
street (Quán Sứ street), the north borders Rollandes street (Hai Bà Trưng street).
 History
Hoả Lò Prison was built by the French in 1896 and named "Central Prison".
 Due to the extremely urgent nature, the construction of Hoả Lò prison was carried out
right in 1896. Hoả Lò Prison was placed by the French colonialists in the most important
position in the plot to suppress the opponents of the colonial regime. Therefore, they built this
prison on a large scale and solidified the first class in Indochina. Hoả Lò Prison is where the
French colonialists once imprisoned tens of thousands of Vietnamese patriotic and revolutionary
soldiers throughout Bắc Kỳ provinces and Đà Nẵng province. In addition, there are both ordinary
prisoners and foreign prisoners here. Prisoners with sentences of up to 5 years or death were
detained by the French in Hỏa Lò, while those sentenced to 5 years or more were transferred to
Sơn La prison, Côn Đảo prison and many orthers prisons.
From a famous pottery craft village, the French colonialists turned Hỏa Lò land into a
place of physical and mental imprisonment and exile of thousands of patriotic and revolutionary
soldiers in Việt Nam. Living in an imperial prison, with a harsh prison regime, and damned
activities, the patriotic and revolutionary soldiers still kept their temper, turning the prison into a
school and a place to popularize revolutionary theories. Many people have cleverly escaped from
prison to return to the people and organizations, making worthy contributions to the cause of
national liberation. There were many patriotic and revolutionary leaders of Việt Nam who were
detained by the French in Hỏa Lò prison, such as: Phan Bội Châu, Lương Văn Can, Nguyễn
Quyền, Hồ Tùng Mậu, Nguyễn Lương Bằng… and five years. General Secretary of the
Communist Party of Việt Nam includes: Nguyễn Văn Cừ, Trường Chinh, Lê Duẩn, Nguyễn Văn
Linh and Đỗ Mười.
 Architecture
The total area of Hỏa Lò Prison and adjacent roads leading to the prison is 12,908 square
meters. Surrounding the prison is a solid wall built of stone 4m high, 0.5m thick, on top of bottle
fragments and high voltage wires to prevent prisoners from escaping. At the foot of the inner
wall is a 3m wide sidewalk used for guards to patrol around the prison area. The four corners
have four watchtowers, capable of observing the entire inside of the patrol road and around the
outside of the prison.
After peace was established (October 10, 1954), the prison was renamed "Hà Nội Prison
Camp" and assigned to the Hà Nội Military Management Committee, under the management of
the City Police. From 1964 to 1973, Hoả Lò prison was also a place to hold American pilots.
According to the design approved in 1896, Hoả Lò prison includes the following work
items:
1. A house used for guarding
2. One house is used as a hospital
3. One house is used as a hospital for alms
4. Two houses are used to imprison the accused (not yet convicted)
5. One house is used as a workshop for carpentry, iron, sewing, leather
6. Five houses are used to hold convicted prisoners
7. Four prison camps are used to hold death row inmates, dangerous prisoners, and
prisoners who violate prison rules.
 Currently, Hoả Lò prison relic has become "Red Address", a place to educate patriotic
and revolutionary traditions to all classes of people, especially the young generation of the
Capital; which attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists to visit, study.
1.10. Trấn Quốc pagoda
 Location
Trấn Quốc Pagoda is located on an eastern peninsula of West Lake, near the end of
Thanh Niên Street, Ba Đình District, Hà Nội. This pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in
Vietnam, with a history of 1500 years.
 History
Trấn Quốc pagoda was built during the reign of King Lý Nam Đế (in 541-547) in An Hoa
village, Quảng Đức district, near the banks of the Red River with the name "Khai Quốc". During
King Lê Thái Tông (in 1440-1442), the king changed the name of the pagoda to An Quốc. In
1615, Lê Kính Tông dynasty, the river bank was avalancheed close to the pagoda, the people of
An Hoa (later Yên Phụ) moved the pagoda to Kim Ngưu (Golden Fish) island in West Lake, is
the present location.
In 1624, after building the dyke "cố ngự", later called Cổ Ngư, An Hoa villagers built
more upper halls, incense burning houses, raised moats around, and paved the way. From now
on, the new pagoda is called Trấn Quốc Pagoda - it was the year of Vĩnh Tộ 10 (1628) of Lê
Thần Tông dynasty. In 1844, King Thiệu Trị of the Nguyễn Dynasty went to the North, visited
the temple and changed its name to Trấn Bắc, but now at home, the bell hangs on the diaphragm
with the words Trấn Bắc Tự, but the name Trấn Quốc pagoda is too familiar to people.
 Architecture
Like most other temples in Vietnam, the structure and interior of Trấn Quốc Pagoda are
arranged in sequence and according to strict Buddhist principles. Consisting of many layers of
houses with three main houses: Tiền Đuờng, Thiêu Hương and Thượng Điện, connected into the
shape of the word “Công”.
Tiền Đường faces west, the two sides of Thiêu Hương and Thượng Điện are two
corridors. Behind Thượng Điện is stepple, The pagoda's steeple is a three-room house, the roof is
stacked with matches, located on the main hall axis.
The temple campus has the Lục Độ Đài Sen stupa built in 1998. The large stupa consists
of 11 floors, 15m high. Each floor of the tower has 6 arched doorways, in each box there is a
precious stone statue of Amitabha Buddha. The top of the tower has a nine-storey lotus (called
the Cửu Phẩm Liên Hoa) also made of precious stones.
Through many dynasties, Trấn Quốc Pagoda is still considered a very beautiful temple in
the most scenic destination in the city. The temple has a fairly large architectural scale, beautiful
scenery, a famous temple that combines the ancient, historical relics with the elegant beauty of a
landscape along the West Lake.
The three main houses are connected and make the pagoda look like a blooming lotus. It
can be said that Trấn Quốc pagoda is a harmonious combination of the serene ambiance of green
garden, far-flung lake, and ancient and imposing architecture. That’s why it was recognized as a
national monument in cultural and historical values by the Ministry of Culture and Information
in 1962.
1.11. Quán Thánh Temple
 Location
Quán Thánh Temple is located on Thanh Niên Street, Hà Nội, this temple is not only one
of the Four Towns of Thăng Long but also becomes the oldest temple in Hà Nội.
 History
Quán Thánh Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Lý Thái Tổ (1010-1028). In
1823, King Minh Mạng changed the name of the temple to Trấn Vũ Quán. During the reign of
King Thiệu Trị in 1842, it was renamed Quán Thánh Temple to this day. When King Minh Mạng
of the Nguyễn Dynasty came out to Bắc Thành, changed the name of the temple to Chân Vũ
Quán, these three Chinese characters were carved on the roof of the gate. However, on the mural
in Bái Đường is Trấn Vũ Quán. The three ancient Chinese characters at the top of entrance of
Quán Thánh Temple read “Trấn Vũ Quán”, which means that the temple is dedicated to Huyền
Thiên Trấn Vũ, the God who guarded and administered the north of country. Saint Trấn Vũ was
both a Vietnamese legendary character (who assisted Emperor An Dương Vương in chasing
away ghosts during the construction of Cổ Loa Citadel) and a Chinese legendary character (who
guarded and administered the North).
The temple was dedicated to Trấn Vũ, Deity of the North in Taoism, whose symbols of
power are a serpent and a turtle. Along with other three temples in Hà Nội, the four are called
The Four Sacred Temples (Thăng Long Tứ Trấn), which protects the city from evil spirits. Each
of the four are located in a different direction and worships a different deity: Trấn Vũ Deity in
the north (Quán Thánh Temple), Bạch Mã Deity in the east (Bạch Mã Temple), Linh Lang Deity
in the west (Voi Phục Temple) and Cao Vương Deity in the south (Kim Liên Temple.
 Architecture
The gate features the prevailing architectural patterns from the imperial era, with one
primary door in the middle and two smaller doors on the sides. Passing through the gate, tourists
will find a spacious yard shaded by a giant banyan tree, a layout typically found in Vietnamese
temples and pagodas. The main house hosts the display of statues and carvings, as well as the
shrines.
The temple was repaired in 1838. The architectural parts of the temple after restoration
include: three gates, courtyard, three pavilions, the front hall, the middle palace, and the apse.
Wood carvings and carvings have very high artistic value. The layout of the space is very airy
and harmonious. West Lake in front of the pagoda gives the pagoda a cool atmosphere all year
round. Statue of Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ was reconstructed in black bronze. The statue is 3,96m
high, 8m in circumference. This statue is a unique work of art, marking the bronze technique and
talent of the Vietnamese people 3 centuries ago. Quán Thánh Temple architectural style is said to
be heavily influenced by Buddhism, the most popular religion when it was originally built, while
Taoism and Confucianism competed for the second position. Seeing through a lot of ups and
downs, the remaining architectural features resemble the Nguyễn Dynasty architectural styles.
 Quán Thánh Temple is not only a valuable work in terms of history and architecture, this
temple is also a place of famous cultural and religious activities of Hà Nội people in the past and
present. Quán Thánh Temple is a valuable cultural, artistic, architectural and sculptural relic,
located on the banks of West Lake with the sound of Trấn Vũ bells blending with nature,
contributing to embellishing the ancient beauty, poetic of West Lake tourist area – Hà Nội.
1.12. Đồng Xuân market
 Location:
Located in Hà Nội Old Quarter, in Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội. The market borders on
Hàng Khoai Street to the North, Cầu Đông Street to the South, Đồng Xuân Street to the West,
Đồng Xuân market lane to the East.
 History 
Đồng Xuân market in Hà Nội is the "descendant" of two ancient markets of the Imperial
Citadel of Thăng Long, Bạch Mã market near Bạch Mã temple (now at 76 Hàng Buồm) and Cầu
Đông market near Cầu Đông pagoda (now at 38B Hàng Buồm Street). In the past, it was just a
small market on the alluvial ground of the Tô Lịch and Red river when it was not completely
filled. Established in 1889, Đồng Xuân Market is housed within a four-storey Soviet-style
building on the northern edge of Hà Nội Old Quarter. It’s also known as Hà Nội’s largest indoor
market, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and
clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances. In 1890, the small market meeting
places were removed by the French government, collected into an empty land in Đồng Xuân
ward and established a market with the same name. Due to the location near the river, the traffic
is busy, this place quickly became the largest trading point in Hà Nội. On February 14, 1947,
Đồng Xuân market was the place that suffered the biggest and fiercest battle of Hà Nội's army
and people in the early days of the resistance war. In 1994, the market was once again caught on
fire, causing heavy damage. Experiencing many ups and downs in history, the market has been
built and remodeled 3 times. Currently, it still has the old design but is equipped with emergency
exit doors and fire fighting equipment. This is also considered the market with the most beautiful
and widest design in Hà Nội.
 Architecture
The market consists of three floors built gradually from bottom to top with a total area of
14,000 square meters, with more than 2,000 large and small trade stalls. Not only has a large
space, the market also designs convenient aisles for customers to shop: 3 front entrances, 3 rear
entrances, 2 side entrances and many systems of stairs, elevators inside the market.
Based on French architecture, Đồng Xuân Market possesses a beautiful and modern
dome design, while the facade includes 3 triangular-shaped parts (formerly 5 parts) with holes
like a honeycomb, creating a strong impression on visitors right from the first sight.
Inside the market, there are escalators for customer movement and goods transport.
Standing from the market center, you can feel so small in the middle of a large "hall" like this.
 As the largest market in the capital with a total of more than 2,100 stalls and surrounding
71 kiosks with a wide range of goods, Đồng Xuân Market always welcomes thousands of people
every day for many other purposes like taking pictures, shopping, or enjoying food.
1.12. Hà Nội Old Quarter
“Rủ nhau chơi khắp Long thành
Ba mươi sáu phố rành rành chẳng sai
Hàng Bồ, hàng Bạc, hàng Gai
Hàng Buồm, hàng Thiếc, hàng Hài, hàng Khay
Mã Vĩ, hàng Điếu, hàng Giầy
Hàng Lờ, hàng Cót, hàng Mây, hàng Đàn
Phố Mới, Phúc Kiến, hàng Ngang
Hàng Mã, hàng Mắm, hàng Than, hàng Đồng
Hàng Muối, hàng Nón, cầu Đông
Hàng Hòm, hàng Đậu, hàng Bông, hàng Bè
Hàng Thùng, hàng Bát, hàng Tre
Hàng Vôi, hàng Giấy, hàng The, hàng Gà
Quanh đi đến phố hàng Da
Trải xem hàng phố, thật là cũng xinh
Phồn hoa thứ nhất Long thành
Phố giăng mắc cửi, đường quanh bàn cờ
Người về nhớ cảnh ngẩn ngơ
Bút hoa xin chép vần thơ lưu truyền.”
The poem above wants to refer to a very famous place in the magical land that almost
everyone knows. That is the area of 36 busy and bustling Hanoi streets once, an attractive
destination for those who want to learn about the land and people of the capital.
 Location
Located between Hoàn Kiếm Lake the Lake of the Restored Sword), the Long Biên Bridge, a
former city rampart, and a citadel wall, the Old Quarter (consisting of 36 old streets inside)
started as a snake and alligator-infested swamp. It later evolved into a cluster of villages made up
of houses on stilts, and was unified by Chinese administrators who built ramparts around their
headquarters. The area was named “Dominated Annam” or “Protected South” by the Chinese.
 History
The Old Quarter was formed in the Lý – Trần dynasties. At this time, people from villages
around the Northern Delta gathered here to live, forming the most crowded neighborhood in the
city. The outstanding feature of Hà Nội's Old Quarter is the concentrated craft streets in each
area. The merchant ships can enter the middle of the street to trade and exchange, making the
trade streets more developed. And the product being traded becomes the name of the street, with
the word "hàng" in front, meaning that it specializes in wholesale of that item. During the Lê
Dynasty, there were some overseas Chinese trading here, forming more Chinese streets. At that
time, in the middle of Hà Nội's Old Quarter, there were a number of lakes and ponds, the largest
being Thái Cực Lake. By the end of the 19th century, those lagoons were filled, but there are still
traces left through the places: Hà Khẩu, Giang Khẩu, Cầu Gỗ, Cầu Đông. During the French
colonial period, the old town was expanded, Indians and French also came here to trade, forming
cultural and ethnic diversity. Two small markets at that time were also cleared to set up Đồng
Xuân market, and the tram track Bờ Hồ - Thụy Khuê at that time also ran through here...
Experiencing many historical events, the old quarter of Hà Nội is still the busiest commercial
area of Hà Nội.
 Architecture
Hà Nội Old Quarter is a unique architectural complex bearing the Vietnamese national
identity. Area 36 streets are part of the urban area in the overall Thăng Long citadel, formed
from the point of view of feng shui theory. Regarding the spatial boundary, many people still
compare Hà Nội Old Quarter as an isosceles triangle with the top of Hàng Than Street, the East
side is the Red River dike, the West side is Hàng Cót, Hàng Điếu, and Hàng Da streets and the
bottom is the axis Hàng Bông - Hàng Gai – Cầu Gỗ. The old quarters, until before the French
arrived, all had the same appearance: the streets lined with chessboard-style lines, mostly bearing
the names of goods produced or traded in those places, such as: Hàng Đường, Hàng Bạc, Hàng
Voi, Hàng Hòm... The streets are separated from each other by large gates built like walls whose
width occupies the road surface, which is strictly closed at night. On both sides of the road are
rows of close-knit tubular houses, arranged in the style of "stack of matches". Most of the houses
in the Old Quarter are one-story houses, roofed with small tiles with two gable walls rising from
the roof, built up like stairs and with two pillars at the top of the roof. After the French
colonialists invaded Hà Nội, the planning of Hà Nội in general and the Old Quarter in particular
had many changes. Streets were paved and straightened, and the infrastructure added drainage,
sidewalks, and lighting. Some old houses were rebuilt more solidly still following the ancient
architecture. Some were built in the "Western" style, with one or two or three floors, influenced
by new building materials and European architectural decoration. French architecture crept
throughout the old town space and gradually became a heritage of Hà Nội. Hà Nội Old Quarter
from 1954 to 1985 had many changes. Many families returning from the war zone were arranged
to live together in houses in the old quarter. From one household, now each house number has
three or four households living together, then each household develops more in the style of three,
four great streets... To meet the daily living needs of a large number of people. has given rise to
more distortions of the houses in the old town. The architecture of Hà Nội's old townhouses is
small and idyllic. In the old quarter, buyers and sellers are busy and bustling. The roof-to-wall
and wall-to-wall houses have created the attraction of Hà Nội Old Quarter architecture, thereby
expressing the spirit and soul of the people here: a lively architectural complex, attached closely
tied, dependent on each other to coexist, reproduce and develop.
1.12. Hà Nội Opera House
Location
 Hà Nội Opera House is an architectural work for performing arts located on August
Revolution Square, at 01Tràng Tiền Street, Hoàn Kiếm district, not far from Hoan Kiem Lake
and the Vietnam History Museum.
History
The land for the construction of the Opera House was formerly a swampy area belonging
to the land of two villages of Thạch Tần and Tây Luông of General Phúc Lân, Thọ Xương
District. In 1899, the city council met under the chairmanship of Richard - the Hà Nội
Ambassador to propose to the Governor General of Fourer to build the Theater. The author of the
design project are two architects Harlay and Broyer. This design has to be revised a lot by the
comments of many architects. Construction was started on June 7, 1901, under the technical
supervision of urban inspector - architect Harlay - one of the two design authors. The people in
charge of construction are Mr. Travary and Savelon. When completed with 870 seats, the Hà Nội
Opera House was a very large-scale project compared to the population of Hà Nội at that time.
The theater became the center of cultural and artistic events for the French and a few upper-class
Vietnamese in Hà Nội. This is also an ideal performance venue for troupes and bands from
France and Europe to tour. Some time later, a number of performances by Vietnamese artists for
charity purposes such as donating to rescue flood areas, building a hospice... also began to be
performed here. Since 1940, many Vietnamese troupes have been able to rent out the theater to
perform. Since then, the Hà Nội Opera House is no longer a venue only for the French. The
formation of a new urban class and intellectuals has turned this place into a cradle for many
Vietnamese artistic activities.
Architecture
The designers of the work sought to refer to the ancient Greek architecture of Corinth
combined with the style of the castle of Tuylory and the Paris Opera to create a separate
architectural block. Inside the former theater there is a large stage and a main audience room
with an area of 24x24m, leather seats, some seats upholstered in velvet. The middle floor has
many small rooms for spectators with separate tickets. The middle staircase to the second floor is
a large main hall. Side stairs and corridors on either side. Behind the theater is an administration
room, with 18 rooms for costume actors, 2 rehearsal rooms, a library and a meeting room. In
front of the second floor is a very splendid mirror room.