26th March 2010
| Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam located on the Red River, is a vibrant mix of century-old history, French colonial architecture, and bustling modern life. Famous for its chaotic Old Quarter, incredible street food , and serene lakes, the city is a cultural hub and, with a population of over 8.3 million, it serves as a gateway to Northern Vietnam. |
Busy street in Hanoi
French architecture in Hanoi
One-pillar Pagoda, Hanoi
| The One Pillar Pagoda formally belongs to an architecture complex called Diên Hựu tự which means 'pagoda of extended blessings'. The pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple in the central Ba Đình district (near the Thăng Long Citadel) The most famous part of this architecture complex is Liên Hoa Đài means 'the lotus pedestal' which is a temple with special structure: a building laid on one pillar. The original pagoda was built in 1049, had some additions and was perfected in 1105. It is regarded alongside the Hương Temple, as one of Vietnam's two most iconic temples. |
Temple of Literature, Hanoi
Văn Miếu, literally translated as Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius . The temple was founded and first built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university, from 1076 to 1779. In 1803, The academy was moved to the new capital of Nguyen dynasty in Hue.
The Văn Miếu is one of several temples in Vietnam which are dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars. The temple is located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. The various pavilions, halls, statues, and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions, and the strict exams of the Đại Việt took place. The temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese đồng banknote. Just before the Tết Vietnamese New Year celebration, calligraphists will assemble outside the temple and write wishes in Chữ Hán. The art works are given away as gifts or are used as home decorations for special occasions. |
Temple of Literature, Hanoi
Water puppets
Hats, Hanoi
Street Seller, making use of a bit
of land between road and rail!
Basket Seller, Hanoi
Street Seller
The pots and pans man!
Intaflora?
Cool method of transport!
The Opera House, Hanoi
Cosmetic Dentistry Hanoi Style!
Pigs on route to market
|
