Viet Nam: Hanoi Part 3

Introduction

This is Part 3 of my Viet Nam, Hanoi series.
If you haven't checked out Part 1 and 2, these are the links. They are as exciting as Part 3.

Viet Nam: Hanoi Part 1
http://hg2me.blogspot.sg/2016/06/viet-nam-hanoi-part-1.html

Viet Nam: Hanoi Part 2
http://hg2me.blogspot.sg/2016/07/viet-nam-hanoi-part-2.html

If you have checked them out, then let's proceed with the walking tour.
If you recall, we last visited the Presidential Palace.

One Pillar Pagoda

There is definitely more than one temple in Hanoi. In fact, when I asked the tour guide, he said it is impossible to visit them all. One of the famous ones is called the One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot).

This Buddhist temple is just an one pagoda over a pond.

The temple was built in the early 10th century, which makes it over 1000 years old. The One Pillar Pagoda was built by the emperor after getting a son. The significant part was temple design came to him in a dream.

There isn't much else, so enjoy the pictures.

Temple of Literature


This temple was a little further away from the One Pillar Pagoda and Ba Dien Square. The tour guide took us in a cab to this location.

I think it is possible to walk or use a two wheeler to get here. The distance according to Google Map is over 1.1 - 1.4 km (about 15 minutes walk).

This temple is originally referred to as The Temple of Confucius.

It was also built during the 10th century and was Viet Nam's first national university.

The temple has very a Chinese architecture. It has 5 main courtyards.

I didn't realize much of the courtyard significance until I had time to review the photos later on.

Second Courtyard Gate

Bronze bell to signal VIP entering the temple grounds

Some in the second and third courtyard, it houses the Stelae of Doctors. The only time I seen such huge stelae when I visited China. These steles indicate the name of persons who passed examinations.

Notice the turtle heads under the steles. Turtles represent longevity.

It is the fifth courtyard, which will attract most visitors. The beautiful wooden hall houses the statue of Chu Van An, the rector of the imperial academy.

Statue of Chu Van An

Beautiful upper deck of the wooden hall

Other exhibits with English explanations of antiques is also kept in the upper deck.

The temple opens at 8AM to 5PM (and 7.30AM to 6PM on different parts of the year). I think it is good enough reference on the timing. You may spend 30 to 45 minutes as there isn't a lot to see.
Note it is closed on Mondays. Entrance is 10,000 VND.


Hoa Lo Prison

There was not much daylight and the tour guide suggested to visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum.
Hoa Lo was 15 minutes away on foot (approximately 1.2 km)

The significance of its name is different according to the era, which it was used.

The prison was originally built by French colonist to hold Vietnamese revolutionist, just before the turn of 19th century.

Although the front gate says Maison Centrale (French for Central Prison), it was often regarded as Fiery Furnace (Hoa Lo in Vietnamese)

Later, communist of the North Viet Nam used it to hold American POW (prisoner of war) during the Viet Nam era war. It was nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton".

In the 1990's the prison was demolished to make way for modern real-estate development. However, the locals wanted to preserve the significance of the prison's history. So, a small part of the prison was kept as a museum.






The museum-prison today holds numerous exhibits. This includes in no specific order.

Almond Tree

Prisoner used it for medicinal purpose and discussion revolutionary ideology.

Life of incarcerated prisoners.

There are other exhibits include prison uniform, communist propaganda during Viet Nam war and records of revolutionary prisoners, who were held here.

Ho Loa costs 30,000 VND  to enter per person and opens between 8AM to 5PM.
You may want to spend about 1 hour here.


... to be continued in Part 4