Hanoi Itineraries: Vietnam's Past and Present (Central Circuit)

The few tourist attractions here may not be as popular as those in the other circuits described earlier, but may offer a good photo stop whilst traversing the roads of Hanoi. You may be surprised as to what you will be able to find here.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Opening Hours: 0800h – 1700h (Tue – Sun) 

Entrance Fee: VND 30,000

The imposing Đoan Môn through which you will be able to enter the Citadel

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an enormous complex that dates back to the 11th century to mark the independence of Dai Viet after being ruled by the Chinese dynasties for a prolonged period of time. Although a large portion of the ancient relics had been demolished in the past centuries, the central sector of the Imperial Citadel which is the most important part of the entire architecture remains well-preserved. Therefore, this historical landmark has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Being the capital of Dai Viet, Thang Long was the most important political region in the entire country, making visiting this impressive fortress that served to protect the capital especially meaningful and enriching. Standing on top of the fortress walls, you may find yourself imagining how vibrant the royal palaces must have been back when Thang Long was still in its heyday. 

There was an extensive exhibition of the archaeological relics that were excavated at 18 Hoang Dieu where miraculous discoveries were uncovered. Items dating back as early as the Dai La Dynasty (7th century AD) were found to be preserved in good condition and showed the continuous development of civilisation of Vietnam over the many centuries. The display items, such as stone carvings and roof tilings, were well documented and clearly showed tourists the progression through the different dynasties. I really felt like I was travelling through time as I viewed the vastly different exhibits.

Authentic artefacts excavated from the site at 18 Hoang Dieu!

Just as what you may expect, Uncle Ho appeared in the citadel as well. During the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese military set up its headquarters within the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long to conceptualise attacks and defences of the nation against its enemies in South Vietnam and the United States. Therefore, you will be able to have a first-hand experience of the actual locations where these conferences were conducted and visualise how they must have taken place back in the day. You will also have the opportunity to admire the authentic photographs, detailed geographical maps and life-size exhibits like the conference tables showed how the North Vietnamese leaders planned the occupation of South Vietnam to achieve unification. There was even an underground bunker built for the same purpose which showcases weaponry and how North Vietnam was planning to counterattack during the Vietnam War which was really impressive. 

The conference room in the D67 House, which North Vietnamese leaders used to deliberate on their military tactics against their enemies

There is really no end to the Imperial Citadel with an abundance of relics to view with numerous miniature temples and even an altar in a building with extremely steep stairs (each step must have been 1 foot high). Visiting this attraction is a definite must when you visit Hanoi not just for history buffs, as it really gives you a good overview of how this Southeast Asian nation has developed over the years from historic times to the recent decades. Unlike ordinary museums, you get to feel the actual aura and atmosphere of how grand Thang Long must have been while being educated on history. Awesome!

Just look at all the 'bling bling' ornaments and beautiful sculptures in this temple!

Flag Tower of Hanoi

Opening Hours: 0800h – 1700h

Entrance Fee included in Military History Museum

The Flag Tower of Hanoi is the only complete section left of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and was previously used as an observation post to watch over the citadel. Unlike most architectural structures which were destroyed during the invasion and colonial rule by the French, the Flag Tower was spared and continued to serve as a military post looking over the entire expanse of the Hanoi city centre with its strategic location.

The Flag Tower of Hanoi basking in its former glory

Today, the Flag Tower is located in the grounds of the Military History Museum which will be introduced shortly. If you are not that interested in learning about tanks and weaponry (like myself), you may wish to consider strolling along Lenin Park which is opposite the road from the tower to enjoy the view of the iconic Vietnamese flag proudly swaying in the wind before heading off to your next stop.

Military History Museum

Opening Hours: 0800h – 1130h, 1300h – 1600h (Tue – Thu, Sat – Sun)

Entrance Fee: VND 40,000 (an additional fee of VND 30,000 per camera)

An impressive North Vietnamese tank representing their decisive victory over the South

For history buffs, the Military History Museum is definitely an attraction to be visited. It proudly displays the military relics and weaponry wielded by the Vietnamese soldiers during their armed resistance against the invading French and American troops. One of the most prized exhibits is the tank which rammed its way into the Presidential Palace in Saigon, ending the entire Vietnam War with a smashing victory.

The wreckage of the American planes which were shot down by the North during the war

Apart from static displays like photographs taken back in the day, you will be wowed by the gargantuan exhibits. It not only boasts its own triumphant military aircraft which brought the local troops to a soaring victory but also brings to your attention the destroyed weapons captured from the enemies during the conflicts. You can choose to pose in front of the impressive armaments or just visualise the epic scene of how the fighter jets used to survey the battleground and protect their homeland against the aggressors.

Lenin Park

Many visitors would never even bother to visit Lenin Park because it is nothing fancy or touristy. Since it was on the way, I decided to stop by and see what I could find here. Initially, I was disappointed as I realised it was probably a neighbourhood park where elderly men were enjoying a puff and playing card games on stone tables. However, the longer I lingered around and took in the views, the more I liked this place.

Vladimir Lenin standing on a pedestal watching over the people of Hanoi

The centre of this park is home to a commanding statue of Vladimir Lenin standing on a pedestal (yes, it’s very typical of communist nations to do so – just like the Mansu Hill Grand Monument in North Korea). The statue faces numerous monumental landmarks like the Flag Tower of Hanoi and is in the vicinity of prominent government buildings, which reflects how important the Marxist-Leninist school of communism is in Vietnamese politics and governance.

Children climbing up the pedestal and playing around in Lenin Park

In the park, you will see some children climbing onto the pedestal and some locals ingeniously putting up nets along the pavements to play badminton. I found this scene quite awe-inspiring, as it seemed to display how the fundamental beliefs in this country manifesting in the communist ideas of Leninism seem to be watching over the locals as they go through their daily activities and entertain themselves through their leisure activities just like how a parent looks over his/her child.

Having learnt more about Vietnam's ancient past from the Citadel and its recent joyous victory from the Military History Museum, we will be exploring one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire of Vietnam - where the natural beauty and scenic landscapes can certainly rival those of Milford Sound in New Zealand. Halong Bay, here we come!

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