Cultural Hanoi: 3 Must-See Attractions

The best way to get to know the rhythm of Hanoi is wandering through the streets of the Old Quarter. We’ve spent most of our time walking for miles, sitting in restaurants, and relaxing by the lake. However, there are also a few specific sights to see that are well worth a visit, and we’ve picked three that are must-sees.

1. Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)

Hoa Lo Prison was created during French colonial rule in Vietnam to punish political dissidents. Following Vietnamese independence, the prison was later used to hold US prisoners of war (POWs), with the two most famous being Everett Alvarez Jr., the first US pilot to be shot down during the Vietnam War, and John McCain. It was during this time that Hoa Lo became known to American soldiers as the "Hanoi Hilton." The museum primarily focuses on French injustices perpetrated against the Vietnamese, including exhibits that showed where prisoners were held before execution, the possessions of former dissidents, and a French-style guillotine. The portion of the museum that focuses on the Vietnam War – or as it is known here, the American War – is brief, and conveniently illustrates how American POWs were treated well, and were eventually reformed by their Vietnamese counterparts. Obviously, the museum is highly propagandist, but taken with a grain (or ton) of salt, was an interesting historical excursion.  

 

Former Vietnamese Prisoners

John McCain's Gear

2. Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Water Puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese form of art/entertainment, and is performed by puppeteer’s waist deep in water behind a partition controlling dancing marionettes. Because this art form was developed near the Red River Delta in the 11^th century, Hanoi is often thought to be the best venue to watch this show. We bought our tickets for the Thang Long Theatre for just under $3 each, and watched the show for just over an hour. A band on the side plays traditional music throughout the performance, and on the "stage," puppets dance above the water telling a story that is largely incoherent to those of us that aren’t fluent in Vietnamese. It was entertaining, unique, and hilarious at times (think 6 hats performing a dance number, or two water buffalo puppets fighting). Definitely a must-see for a night out in Hanoi – we couldn’t take pictures but the there are videos of the show on YouTube that can be accessed here.

3. The Temple of Literature

Other than Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, this was probably the highlight of our time in Hanoi. The Temple of Literature is known best as the first national university (developed in 1070), and as an academic institution dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. The temple is an oasis in a walled compound with well-manicured gardens, interesting architecture, and multiple shrines. The best way to appreciate the Temple is through photos, since words don’t really do it justice.