HANOI

Ha Noi is the capital of Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Ha Noi lies in Red River Delta and is situated in a tropical area having a strong monsoon influence. The name of Ha Noi (Interior side of a river) has been derived from an ancient language which is literally known as a land area located in the inner side of Red River. It does not mean that the city is inside the river, but it is embraced by about 100 km of the Red River dykes. Ha Noi has seven inner precincts (Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, Dong Da, Cau Giay, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan) and five suburban districts (Tu Liem, Thanh Tri, Gia Lam,Dong Anh and Soc Son).

From the time when the first State of ancient Vietnam was established , Ha Noi (formerly Thang Long) has been considered a sacred and typical part of Vietnam. It was in the autumn of 1010 that Lý Cong Uan (also known as Lý Thai To) - the founder of Nha Hau Lý (Post-Ly Dynasty) - removed the court from Hoa Loa (present-day Ninh Binh province) to Dai La Citadel which was later renamed as Thang Long . As soon as the royal fleet with King Lý Thai To aboard cast anchors at the landing wharf in the Nhue River (present-day Red River) , there ascended a golden dragon. Thinking that it was a good omen for his trip, King Lý Thai To had Dai La Citadel renamed Thang Long (Ascending Dragon) .

He also had Hoa Lu - his former capital - renamed Truong Yen. 1397 was the year marking an end to the decline of Nha Hau Le (Post-Le Dynasty). It was the time when the king indulged himself in entertainments. Ho Quý Ly, a high-ranking court official, overthrew the king and proclaimed himself the king of a new dynasty - Ho Dynasty. This dynasty removed the court to Tay Do(Western Capital) in Thanh Ho¸ province. Th¨ng Long was then renamed Dong Do(Eastern Capital). In 1407, the Ming aggressors defeated the army of Ho Dynasty. They rushed to Dong Do Citadel and renamed it Dong Quan Citadel. In 1418, a farmer whose name was Le Loi (future Le Thai To) grouped an insurrection army in Lam Son district in Thanh Hoa province. He proclaimed himself as BinhDinh Vuong (King of Pacification) and led the resistance against the aggressors for 10 years and regained national independence. He entered the then Dong Quan Citadel and the next year, he renamed the citadel as Dong Kinh (Eastern Imperial City). In 1527, when a new dynasty - Nha Mac (Mac Dynasty) - was in the control of the country, the citadel resumed its former name (Thang Long). In 1802, King Gia Long established the first court of Nha Nguyen (Nguyen Dynasty) in Phu Xuan in the central coastal city of Hue. Thang Long was then used as the regional capital exercising influence on 11 northern citadels. But the word LONG which literally meant RONG (Dragon) was changed to LONG which was understood as THINH (Prosperity). In 1831, King Minh Mang established the province of Ha Noi which includes the ancient Thang Long Citadel and the districts of Tu Liem, Ung Hoa, Thuong Tin and Lý Nhan .In 1888, after the tragic defeat of Nha Nguyen (Nguyen Dynasty), Ha Noi became a colonial city until 1954. On September 2, 1954, President HoChi Minh read the Declaration of Independence and formally established the first government of the young republic - Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ha Noi was then formally declared the capital of Vietnam. Ha Noi capital was liberated from French colonialists on October 10, 1954. After the complete victory on April 30, 1975 and the reunification of the country the next year, Ha Noi was officially recognized as the capital of Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In the old days, each of 36 guild streets in Ha Noi had its name closely associated with the trade and occupation of the inhabitants. Now, Ha Noi has 381 streets representing a tenfold increase as compared with the ancient Ha Noi with 36 guild streets only.

These are some tourist attractions of Ha Noi :

One- Pillar Pagoda (Dien Huu Pagoda)                   Top

Chua mot cot (One-pillar Pagoda) : Its original name was Dien Huu (long-lasting happiness and good luck). Legend has it that King Lý Thai Tong was very old and had no son of his own. Therefore, he often went to pagodas to pray for Buddha's blessing so that he might have a son. One night, he had a dream that he was granted a private audience with Buddha with a male baby in his hands. Buddha, sitting on a lotus flower in a square-shaped lotus pond in the western side of Thang Long Citadel, gave the king the baby. Months later, the queen got pregnant and gave birth to a male child*. To repay gift from Buddha, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda which was supported by only one pillar resembling a lotus seat on which Buddha had been seated. The pagoda was dedicated to Buddha.

Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) was built in 1070 as a dedication to the founder of Confucianism. Six years later, Quoc Tu Giam - the first university of Vietnam - was built in the premises of Van Mieu. Quoc Tu Giam was the first school for princes and children of royal family members. In 1482, King Le Thanh Tong ordered the erection of steles with inscription of all the names, birth dates and birth places of doctors and other excellent graduates who took part in examinations since 1442. Each stela is placed on the back of a turtle representing the nation's longevity. During Nha Nguyen (Nguyen Dynasty), Temple of Literature was moved to Phu Xuan (Hue Royal City).

Golden Lotus Pagoda (Kim Lien Pagoga).

* Chua Kim Lien (Kim Lien Pagoda) : Legend has it that in the 12th century, Princess Tu Hoa, daughter of King Lý Than Ton , led her ladies-in-waiting to this area. They cultivated mulberry and silkworms to make silk. Later, a pagoda was built right on the site and by 1771, it was named Kim Lien (Golden Lotus).

Quan SuPagoda

*Chua Quan Su (Quan Su Pagoda) was built in the 17th century. It is located in the street of the same name. Since 1958, Vietnam Buddhism Association has used this pagoda as its head office.

Quan Thanh Temple

* Den Quan Thanh (Quan Thanh Temple) : The three ancient Chinese characters which are still seen today on the top of the entrance to the temple mean Tran Vu Quan. Literally, the temple is dedicated to Saint Tran Vu. Temples are places for worshipping saints while pagodas are dedicated to Buddha and faithful disciplines. Saint Tran Vu was a legendary figure which was a combination between a legendary character in Vietnam's legend and a mystic character derived from China's legend. In Vietnam's legend, he was a saint who had earned the merits of assisting Thuc Phan (future King An Duong Vuong) in getting rid of ghost spirit during the construction of CoLoa Citadel. An Duong Vuong Temple in CoLoa Citadel (Dong Anh district) is also named Thuong Temple. Inside it, there are An Duong Vuong's bronze statue (cast in 1897) and a big arbalest symbolizing the magic arbalest in the old days. In China's legend, Saint Tran Vu was a saint who had made many contributions in safeguarding the northern border. Quan Th¸nh Temple was built during the reign of King LýThai To (1010-1028). Special attention should be paid to the black bronze statue of Saint Tran Vu. Another object of no less significance is a smaller black bronze statue of Old Trong, a chief artisan of the bronze casting team who had made the giant statue of Saint Tran Vu and the great bell on top of the entrance.

Ngoc Son Temple

* Den Ngoc Son (Ngoc Son Temple) : Initially, the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda. Later, it was renamed as Ngoc Son Temple, because it was dedicated to the saints. Saint Van Xuong was a person considered the brightest star in Vietnam's literature and intellectual circles. Tran Hung Dao was worshipped because he was the national hero who led the Vietnamese people to a resounding victory over the Mongol aggression. The temple as it is seen today was attributable to the restoration efforts of Nguyen Van Sieu, a great Hanoian writer. He had a large pen-shaped tower (Thap But) built at the entrance to the temple

On the upper section of Thap But, there are three Chinese characters Ta Thanh Thien which mean literally that to write on the blue sky is to imply the height of a genuine and righteous person's determination and will. Behind Thap But is Dai Nghien (Ink Stand). The Ink Stand is carved from stone resembling a peach, which is placed on the back of three frogs on top of the gate to the temple. Passing through Dai Nghien, visitors will tread on the wooden bridge called The Huc. The Huc is literally understood as the place where beams of morning sunshine are touching.

Besides, Ha Noi has such attractions as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, History Museum, Revolution Museum, Army Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Palace of Friendship....

Festival Hai Ba Trung

Den Hai Ba Trung (Hai Ba Trung Temple) is also called Dong Nhan Temple, because it is located in Dong Nhan village, Hai Ba Trung precinct. Built in 1142 under the reign of King Lý Anh Ton, it is dedicated to the two Vietnamese heroines Trung Trac and Trung Nhi. On the 5th and 6th days of the lunar second month , there is a grand festival at this temple to commemorate the two national heroines.

West Lake                                              Top

HoTay (West Lake) &Duong Thanh Nien (Youth Road) : Youth Road can be compared to a beautiful bridge spanning across the two large bodies of water - West Lake to the northwest and Truc Bach Lake to the southeast. Covering an area of nearly 500 hectares, Ho Tay was also called Dam Dam (Misty Pond), Lang Bac (White Waves)...

.Oral tradition has it that HoTay derived from a low-lying area upturned by a golden buffalo, so the stream derived from Ho Tay was named Song Kim Nguu (Golden Buffalo River). As for Truc Bach Lake, legend has it that in the old days, Truc Bach Lake was where lived the abandoned ladies-in-waiting who were forced to weave silk. Therefore, beautiful silk was called Truc Bach (Silk of the Truc village). As the biggest lake in the city, HoTay is surrounded by many areas reputed for their traditional occupations :Yen Phu and Nghi Tam (silkworm-breeding and silk-weaving villages in the past), Quang Ba, Nhat Tan (peach-growing village), Buoi (paper-making village). In Tay Son times, Nguyen Huy Luong wrote Tông Tay Ho Phó (Eulogy for West Lake) so as to highlight the landscapes of the West Lake and Nguyen Hue (future Quang Trung)'s glorious merits. Now, Ho Tay has been earmarked for the city's major tourism development center.

Hoan Kiem Lake

* Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of Restored Sword) : The name of this lake is derived from a legend having it that a fisherman named LeThan caught a sword blade when drawing the fish-net. Than decided to offer it to his commanding general Le Loi (future Le Thai To). Afterwards, LeLoi found a hilt fitting that blade very well. This sword had always been on his side during 10 years of resistance against Ming aggressors. After winning over the foreign aggression, King Le Thai To returned to Thang Long Citadel .One day, aboard a royal boat, he took a cruise in the Luc Thuy lake. Suddenly, a giant turtle emerged and came towards him. The king withdrew his sword, and pinpointed with the sword the direction of the coming turtle for his soldiers' attention.

All of a sudden, the turtle caught the sword between its teeth from the king's hand and submerged. The king thought that during the resistance against Ming aggressors, the genius had offered him this sword to help him defeat the enemy. At that time, the peace was returning, and the genius appeared to take back the sword. Consequently, King Le Thai To decided to name the Luc Thuy lake Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of Restored Sword). In the middle of the lake is Thap Rua (Turtle Tower). The lake abounds in big turtles aged five or six hundred. When there are the changes in weather, they often emerge or expose themselves at the foot of the Turtle Temple.

Are Hoan Kiem Tortoises an unknown species ?

The legendary tortoises in Hoan Kiem lake have turned out to be an unknown species, following recent research. The existence of tortoises in the lake was only known after the appearance of Kim Qui (the Golden Tortoise) God in the fifteenth century, when he took back the magical sword that brought victory to Emperor Le Thai To.

Kim Qui has appeared twice throughout national history, according to legend. Before the appearance in Hoan Kiem lake, the first appearance was in the 3rd century BC when a golden tortoise helped King An Duong Vuong (Thuc Phan) to construct the spiral shaped defences of the ancient capital of Co Loa. But the actual place of the appearance is still unknown. When Co Loa was attacked by Trieu Da, the king of a neighbouring country, Kim Qui gave An Duong Vuong his claw to make a magical cross-bow which created a rain of arrows upon the foreign invaders. The arrogance of victory eclipsed the King's mind, however, and he lost the next war, after losing the magical cross-bow. The remains of the city can be seen in Dong Anh district, 25 kilometres from Ha Noi . It is believed that Kim Qui is one of the tortoises currently living in the lake. However, many different species of tortoise apart from the giant tortoise (Pelochelys bibroni) have been identified in a study of the lake's habitat in 1993.

This was affirmed by Dr. Peter C.H. Pritchard, Director of the US Chelonian Institute during a visit early this year. "Hoan Kiem tortoises may be a division of Chinese soft-shell tortoises (Rafetus swinhoei) or an unknown species. It is perhaps an unknown species, and if so, may be named after the lake as Hoankiemensis or Hoguomensis.

To prove this conclusion, a sample of skin or bone from the Hoan Kiem tortoises will be sent to foreign genetics laboratories for DNA analysis. (VNS)

Nghi Tam- a village of flowers.                             Top

Once upon a time, the King of Nha Hau Lý decided to build a palace for Princess Tu Hoa in a village neaThang Long so that she could spend her time farming silk cocoons on the large mulberry fields. The village was Nghi Tam, a name now famous throughout the country for the flowers grown here. Nghi Tam flowers in fact add to the beauty of Ho Tay or the West Lake area in present-day Ha Noi. It is said that Nha Hau Lý in Vietnam was not only famous for its glorious victories in defence of the country against foreign invaders. It paid much attention to the development of agriculture and handicrafts.

For long, the village of Tam (or the village of silk cocoons) had been known for its handlooms. The story of this village goes as follows : Initially, there were only three basic kinds of trees grown here, i.e. the peach, kumquat and chrysanthemum Peach trees and their spring blossom have brought fame to this village. Originally, the cultivation of peach started in the village of Tam, then spread to Nhat Tan. Young peach trees are carefully tended and allowed to blossom only on the Lunar New Year's Eve. Hanoians take the utmost care in the selection of their New Year branch of peach. From the size to the form of the branch and the design of the pot, every tiny detail must be in harmony with the sentiment or philosophy that one wishes to express, in addition to matching with the interior decoration of the house. Kumquat is another species that spread from Tam village to Tay Ho. During Tet, most families in Ha Noi, and now throughout the country, have their kumquat trees inside the home. Kumquat is used by Vietnamese to symbolise "talents" and "wealth" for the family.

White apricot blossoms called "Bach mai" in Vietnamese are yet another scene-stealer in Nghi Tam. The villagers of Nghi Tam consider an apricot blossom as beautiful only when it has six white soft petals on a green calyx. They must resemble the swallow's wings in the spring days. There is also a kind of green apricot which is rare and valuable. Then there is "Song mai" or "Double apricot" since each flower gives two fruits. The apricot branch should be able to incorporate the spirit. After the flowering season, the branch starts to give fruit which are washed and put in a ceramic cask to prepare apricot wine for the following New Year's festival. Narcissus of various kinds are also cultivated in Nghi Tam. The people here know the secret of making these flowers bloom at the required time as on New Year's Eve or on the wedding day etc. Each narcissus pot should have about 20-30 flowers blooming to the right degree to express the virginity of the bride. Along with these species of flowers, Nghi Tam is also known for the chrysanthemum and camelia species it grows. But the concern now is that with the rapid urbanisation of the locality, will it continue to preserve this beautiful tradition? (VNS)

Hanoi Airline Offices:

Air France                                                              Top

1 Ba Trieu

Tel : 84.4.825 3484 / Fax : 84.4.826 6694

Aeroflot

4 Trang Thi

Tel : 84.4.825 6742

Cathay Pacific Airways

49 Hai Ba Trung

Tel : 84.4.826 7298 / Fax : 84.4.826 7298

China Airlines

18 Tran Hung Dao

Tel : 84.4.824 2688 / Fax : 84.4.824 2588

Japan Airlines

1 Ba Trieu

Tel : 84.4.826 6693 / Fax : 84.4.826 6698

Malaysia Airlines

15 Ngo Quyen

Tel : 84.4.826 8820 / 84.4.826 8821

Fax : 84.4.824 2388

Pacific Airlines

100 Le Duan

Tel : 84.4.518 1503 / Fax : 84.4.733 2162

Sigapore Airlines

17 Ngo Quyen

Tel : 84.4.826 8888 / Fax : 84.4.826 8666

Thai Airways

44B Ly Thuong Kiet

Tel : 84.4.826 6893 / Fax : 84.4.826 7394

Vietnam Airlines

94 Tran Quoc Toan

Sale Group - Tel : 84.4.9420848 -8320320

Promotion Tel : 9420843  Fax : 84.4.9420846

Hanoi Art Gallery  

                                                Top

Dinh Chau Minh Art Gallery

Add: 15 Hang Khay St, Hanoi,. Vietnam

Tel: (84. 4) 9 342 331 - Mobil Phone: (84) 913516062

Email: chauminh69@yahoo.com

 

Hanoi hotels

Anh Dao Hotel                                               Top

26 Hoa Mai

Tel : 84.4.826 6559 / Fax : 84.4.826 1497

A Dong Hotel

5 Cua Dong

Tel : 84.4.826 9007 / Fax : 84.4.824 5184

ASEAN Hotel

41 Chua Bac

Tel : 84.4.852 9108 / Fax : 84.4.852 9122

Bach Mai

59 Truong Chinh

Tel : 84.4.852 1925 / Fax : 84.4.825 1925

Binh Minh Hotel

27 Ly Thai To

Tel : 84.4.826 6441 / Fax : 84.4.825 7725

Blue Hotel

6 Dinh Ngang

Tel : 84.4.823 3541 / Fax : 84.4.823 6393

Capital Garden

48 A Lang Ha

Tel : 84.4.835 0383 / Fax : 84.4.835 0363

Chains First Eden

2 Phung Hung

Tel : 84.4.828 3896 / Fax : 84.4.828 4066

Dai Dong Hotel

5 Nguyen Du

Tel : 84.4.825 9642 / Fax : 84.4.822 7296

Do Thanh Hotel

98 Nguyen Khuyen

Tel : 84.4.825 5518 / Fax : 84.4.824 6093

Daewoo Hotel

- 360 Kim Ma

Tel : 84.4.831 5000 / Fax : 84.4.831 5500

Ngoc Khanh Hotel

Lieu Giai St,

Tel : 84.4.831 5000 / Fax : 84.4.831 5010

De Syloia Hotel

17A Tran Hung Dao

Tel : 84.4.824 5346 / Fax : 84.4.824 1083

Dong Loi II Hotel

70 Nguyen Khuyen

Tel : 84.4.825 9173 / Fax : 84.4.826 7999

Dragon Hotel

9 Tay Ho Road

Tel : 84.4.829 2954 / Fax : 84.4.829 4745

Eden Hotel

78 Tho Nhuom

Tel : 84.4.824 5273 / Fax : 84.4.824 5619

Fortuna Hotel

68 Hang Bo

Tel : 84.4.828 1324 / Fax : 84.4.828 1323

Freedom Hotel

57 Hang Trong

Tel : 84.4.826 7119 / Fax : 84.4.824 3918

Galaxy Hotel

1 Phan Dinh Phung

Tel : 84.4.828 2888 / Fax : 84.4.828 2466

Grand Hotel

71 Trieu Viet Vuong

Tel : 84.4.822 7764 / Fax : 84.4.822 9567

Green Park Hotel

48 Tran Nhan Tong

Tel : 84.4.822 7725

Fax : 84.4.822 5977

Golden Key Hotel

65 Quan Su

Tel : 84.4.822 2428 / Fax : 84.4.822 0892

Guoman Hotel

83A Ly Thuong Kiet

Tel : 84.4.822 2800 / Fax : 84.4.822 2822

Ha Long Hotel

77 Hang Luoc

Tel : 84.4.828 3525 / Fax : 84.4.828 3526

Hanoi Hotel

D8 Giang Vo

Tel : 84.4.845 2270 / Fax : 84.4.845 9209

Heritage Hotel

80 Giang Vo

Tel : 84.4.834 4727 / Fax : 84.4.834 3882

Hotel du Nord

58 Tran Xuan Soan

Tel : 84.4.824 3410 / Fax : 84.4.822 8405

Ho Guom Hotel

76 Hang Trong

Tel : 84.4.825 2225 / Fax : 84.4.24 3564

Hoang Minh Hotel

12 Yet Kieu

Tel : 84.4.826 8693 / Fax : 84.4.825 8889

Huong Giang Hotel

147 Ton Duc Thang

Tel : 84.4.823 1291 / Fax : 84.4.851 4625

Horison Hotel

40 Cat Linh

Tel : 84.4.733 0808 / Fax : 84.4.733 0888

Hoa Binh Hotel

27 Ly Thuong Kiet

Tel : 84.4.825 3315 / Fax : 84.4.826 9818

Kim Anh Hotel

132 Ton Duc Thang

Tel : 84.4.823 1291 / Fax : 84.4.845 9122

Kim Tin Hotel

8 Hang Bac

Tel : 84.4.825 3740 / Fax : 84.4.825 3741

Kim Qui Hotel

6 Trinh Hoai Duc

Tel : 84.4.823 4354

King Hotel

42 Lo Su

Tel : 84.4.426 7566 / Fax : 84.4.824 3806

Lake Side Hotel

6A Ngoc Khanh

Tel : 84.4.835 0111 / Fax : 84.4.835 0105

Liberfy Hotel

14 Luong Van Can

Tel : 84.4.826 7566 / Fax : 84.4.824 5362

Liz Hotel

9 Nguyen Du

Tel : 84.4.822 6903

Lucky Hotel

12 Hang Trong

Tel : 84.4.825 1029 / Fax : 84.4.825 1731

Madison Hotel

16 Bui Thi Xuan

Tel : 84.4.822 8164 / Fax : 84.4.822 5533

Sofitel Plaza Hanoi

1 Thanh Nien

Tel : 84.4.823 8888 / Fax : 84.4.829 3888

Melody Hotel

17 Hang Duong

Tel : 84.4.826 3029 / Fax : 84.4.824 3746

New World Hotel

12 Dinh Ngang

Tel : 84.4.824 4163 / Fax : 84.4.824 4409

Ngoc Linh Hotel

140 Trieu Viet Vuong

Tel : 84.4.822 9157 / Fax : 84.4.822 9175

Planet Hotel

120 Quan Thanh

Tel : 843 5888 / Fax : 84.4.843 5088

Phoenix Hotel

43Trieu Viet Vuong

Tel : 84.4.822 6151 / Fax : 84.4.822 7287

Phuong Mai Hotel

61B Truong Chinh

Tel : 84.4.869 3416 / Fax : 84.4.869 5945

Prince Hotel

51 Luong Ngoc Quyen

Tel : 84.4.828 0155 / Fax :84.4.828 0156

Prince Hotel

78 Hang Ga

Tel : 84.4.828 1332 / Fax : 84.4.828 1636

Regency Hanoi Towers

49 Hai Ba Trung

Tel : 84.4.843 2342 / Fax : 84.4.934 2343

Royal Hotel

20 Hang Tre

Tel : 84.4.824 4233 / Fax : 84.4.824 4234

R & R Hanoi Tavern Hotel

17 Le Ngoc Han

Tel : 84.4.971 0498 / Fax : 84.4.972 0702

Saigon Hotel

80 Ly Thuong Kiet

Tel : 84.4.826 8499 / Fax : 84.4.826 6631

Sofitel Metropole Hotel

15 Ngo Quyen

Tel : 84.4.826 6919 / Fax : 84.4.826 6920

Spring Song Hotel

27 Mai Hac De

Tel : 84.4.822 9169 / Fax : 84.4.822 9162

Sunway Hotel Hanoi

19 Pham Dinh Ho

Tel : 84.4.971 3888 / Fax : 84.4.971 3555

Thanh An Hotel

46 Hang Ga

Tel : 84.4.826 7191 / Fax : 84.4.826 9720

Thuy Nga Hotel

4 Ba Trieu

Tel : 84.4.934 1256 / Fax : 84.4.934 1262

Thuy Tien Hotel

1C Tong Dan

Tel : 84.4.824 4775 / Fax : 84.4.824 4784

Thanh Long Hotel

351 Tay Son

Tel : 84.4.853 3484

Thien Trang Hotel

24 Nha Chung

Tel : 84.4.826 9823 / Fax : 84.4.828 6717

HOSPITALS and DOCTOR  

Dr Rafi Kot                                                    Top

A2 Van Phuc, Room 101 & 102

Tel : 84.4.843 0748 / Mobile : 09090 1919

Dr Stepphan Andius

Swedish Clinic, 2 Nui Truc

Tel : 84.4.845 2464

Hanoi Family Medical Practice

A-1 Van Phuc, Suite 109-112, Ha Noi

Tel : 84.4.843 0748

Fax : 84.4.846 1750

24-hour Emergency, Mobile : 090 401 919

Institute for the Protection of Mothers & Newborns

43 Trang Thi, Tel : 84.4.825 2161/2

Oscat/AEA International Clinic

Dr. Gerard Blance, Dr Mami Nagafusa

Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung

Tel : 84.4.934 0555 / Fax : 84.4.934 0556

Viet Nam Int'I Hospital

Phuong Mai Road

Tel : 84.4.8574 0740 / Fax : 84.4.869 8443

MEDEVAC

AEA International

- 24-hour Alarm Centre

Emergency Teams, Central Building

- 31 Hai Ba Trung

Tel : 84.4.934 0555

International SOS Assistance

24-hour Alarm Centre and Medical

Evacuation, Tel : 84.4.824 2866

MEDEX

A1 Van Phuc, 109-112 Kim Ma

Tel : 84.4.843 0748 / Fax : 84.4.846 1750

24-hour Emergency, Mobile : 09090 191

DENTISTS                    

Institute of Odonto-Stomatology & Maxillo Facial Surgery

40B Trang Thi, Tel : 84.4.834 9723

International Clinic

31 Hai Ba Trung

Tel : 84.4.934 0555

The Dental Clinic

A2 Van Phuc St.,

Tel : 84.4.823 0281

Dr Lorna Mercado

Viet Nam Int'l Hospital, Phuong Mai

Tel : 84.4.8574 0740 / Fax : 84.4.869 8443

Hanoi Goverment offices.             Top

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Address: 2 Ngoc Ha St., HA NOI.

Tel: 84.4.846 8161 / Fax: 84.4.845 4319

Ministry of Culture & Information

Address: 51-53 Ngo quyen St. HA NOI.

Tel: 84.4.826 4827 / Fax: 84.4.826 7101

Ministry of Construction

Address: 37 Le Dai Hanh St. HA NOI.

Tel: 84.4.826 8271 / Fax: 84.4.825 2153

Ministry of Defence

Address : 1A Hoang Dieu St.,

Tel : 84.4.846 8104

Ministry of Finance

Address : 8 Phan Huy Chu St.,

Tel : 84.4.826 4872 / Fax : 84.4.826 2266

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Address : 1 Ton That Dam St.,

Tel : 84.4.845 3973 / Fax : 84.4.843 5824

Ministry of Industry

Address : 54 Hai Ba Trung St.,

Tel : 84.4.825 3832 / Fax : 84.4.825 8210

Ministry of Justice

Address : 25A Cat Linh St.,

Tel : 84.4.823 1138 / Fax : 84.4.843 1431

Ministry of Labour, Invalids & Social Affairs

Address : 12 Ngo Quyen St.,

Tel : 84.4.824 6137 / Fax : 84.4.824 8036

Ministry of Marine Products

Address : 10 Nguyen Cong Hoan St.,

Tel : 84.4.834 6269 / Fax : 84.4.832 6702

Ministry of Planning and Investment

Address : 2 Hoang Van Thu St.,

Tel : 84.4.845 5298 / Fax : 84.4.823 2494

Ministry of Police

Address : 44 Yet Kieu St.,

Tel : 84.4.826 8131 / Fax : 84.4.825 9261

Ministry of Public Health

Address : 138A Giang Vo St.,

Tel : 84.4.846 4051 / Fax : 84.4.846 0701

Ministry of Science, Technology & Environment

Address : 39 Tran Hung Dao St.,

Tel : 84.4.825 2731 / Fax : 84.4.825 2733

Ministry of Trade

Address : 31 Trang Tien St.,

Tel : 84.4.826 4693 / Fax : 84.4.826 4696

Ministry of Transport & Communication

Address : 80 Tran Hung Dao st.,

Tel : 84.4.825 4012 / Fax : 84.4.826 7291

Electricity Vietnam

Address : 18 Tran Nguyen Han St.,

Tel : 84.4.825 4865 / Fax : 84.4.824 9462

Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority

Gia Lam Airport

Tel : 84.4.827 1843 / Fax : 84.4.827 1933

Vietnam Airlines Corporation

Gia Lam Airport

Tel : 84.4.827 1513 / Fax : 84.4.827 2291

General Post Office

Address : 18 Nguyen Du St.,

Tel : 84.4.822 9372 / Fax : 84.4.826 3477

Immigration Office                          Top    

Address : 40A Hang Bai St.,

Tel : 84.4.826 6200 / Fax : 84.4.826 0919

The State Bank of Vietnam

Address : 49 Ly Thai To St.,

Tel : 84.4.825 2831 / Fax : 84.4.824 0132

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Address : 80 Quan Su St.,

Tel : 84.4.825 3760 / Fax : 84.4.826 1115

Shows - CINEMA                               Top

Alliance Francaise

42 Yet Kieu, Tel : 84.4.826 6970

French films daily at 7.30pm except Mondays and Fridays

August Cinema

45 Hang Bai

Tel : 84.4.825 3911

Films daily at 8pm

Dan Chu Cinema

211 Kham Thien

Tel : 84.4.851 6702

Fansland Cinema

84 Ly Thuong Kiet, Tel : 84.4.825 7484

New Age Cinema

45 Hang Bai, Tel : 84.4.825 3911

Ngoc Khanh Cinema

115 Ngoc Khanh

Tel : 84.4.834 3454

Films daily at 8pm

CIRCUS                

Central Circus

Lenin Park, Tel : 84.4.822 9277

Shows at 7.45pm daily except Mondays

LIBRARIES

Library for General Sciences

31 Trang Thi

Tel : 84.4.824 4365

FITNESS CENTRES                                          Top

Daewoo Hotel

360 Kim Ma

Tel : 84.4.831 5000

Khuc Hao Sport Club

1B Le Hong Phong

Tel : 84.4.823 2287

Sofitel Metropole Hotel

15 Ngo Quyen

Tel : 84.4.826 6919

OPERA / THEATRE                                         Top

Hanoi National Opera

15 Nguyen Dinh Chieu

Tel : 84.4.826 7361

Shows on Mon, Wed & Fri at 8pm

Tuoi Tre Theatre

11 Ngo Thi Nhiem

Tel : 84.4.825 4673

WATER PUPPETS

Central Puppet Theatre

32 Truong Chinh

Tel : 84.4.563 0242

Show every Thu & Sat at 7.45pm

Thang Long Water Puttet

57B Dinh Tien Hoang

Tel : 84.4.824 9494 - 824 5117

Nightly performances at 8pm

SPORT                                                        Top

Basketball : Practice Thu at 8pm and Sun at
Quan Ngua stadium. For details, call David De Vos 84.4.869 4215

Go Karting

Super Karting

Thanh Nhan Youth Park

Tel : 84.4.971 2873

GOLF

King's Island

35B Nguyen Binh Khiem Street

Tel : 84.4.826 0342

Lang Ha Gold Driving Range

16A Lang Ha

Tel : 84.4.835 0831 - 823 0908

Hash House Harries: Pick up maps midweek at the
Metropole Hotel, Lan Anh Restaurantor
L's Place in the UN Compound. Practice at Saturdays 4pm.

Roller Skating

Lenin Park, Tel : 84.4.756 0864

Rugby: Practice Sundays, 4.30pm at the Army stadium on
Truong Chinh St. For details call Tony Holmes 84.4.824 6888

Soccer: Contract Andy Solomon at 84.4.825 9623
or Daniel Shepherd at 84.4.825 2510 for more information.

SWIMMING POOLS                                       Top

Army Hotel

33A Pham Ngu Lao

Tel : 84.4.826 1698

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

360 Kim Ma

Tel : 84.4.831 5000

Sofitel Metropole Hotel

15 Ngo Quyen

Tel : 84.4.826 6919

Thai Ha Swimming Pool

Thai Ha, Tel : 84.4.857 2726

Youth Swimming Pool

1 Tang Bat Ho, Tel : 84.4.971 6544

TENNIS COURTS                

Khuc Hao Court

1B Le Hong Phong

Tel : 84.4.823 2287

Tien Bo Printing House

175 Nguyen Thai Hoc

Tel : 84.4.823 2581

Van Phuc Court

Van Phuc Compound

Tel : 84.4.823 7530

ULTIMATE FRISBEE : Saturdays, 3pm. For directions
contact Philip at 84.4.822 1101 or philip@ vnol.net

WOMEN'S RUGBY : Contact Sarah Pfeiffer at 09042 9849

Tourist Sites        
Museums
(Open daily except Modays)         Top

Army Museum

30 Dien Bien Phu Street

Tel : 84.4.823 4264

Scale model of Dien Bien Phu battle

Ho Chi Minh Museum

3 Ngoc Ha Street

Tel : 84.4.823 0896 - 845 5435

Displays explain Ho Chi Minh's life

History Museum

1 Pham Ngu Lao Street

Tel : 84.4.825 2853

Artifacts from Neolithic Age up

Revolutionary Museum

25 Ton Dan Street

Tel : 84.4.825 4151

Vietnam's history since 1858

Vietnam Civilization Museum

Dich Vong, Cau Giay

Tel : 84.4.756 2193

Vietnam Ethnology Museum

Nguyen Van Huyen, Tel : 84.4.836 0352

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street

Tel : 84.4.823 3084

Paintings, statues and handicrafts

Vietnam Museum of ethnology

Nguyen Van Huyen Street

Tel : 84.4.756 2193

Displays 54 ethnic groups

Vietnam History Museum

1 Trang Tien, Tel : 84.4.825 3618

PALACE OF CULTURE                 

Cung van hoa Huu nghi Viet - Xo

91 Tran Hung Dao

Tel : 84.4.825 6467

Cung Van hoa The Thao Thanh Nien

1 Tang Bat Ho

Tel : 84.4.971 6544

PAGODAS                                

One Pillar

1 Chua Mot Cot, Tel : 84.4.843 6299

One of Vietnam's most famous pagodas.

Perched on a stone pillar

Quan Su

73 Quan Su, Tel : 84.4.824 4633

A favourite place devout Hanoians

Tran Quoc

Thanh Nien, Tel : 84.4.829 3869

The oldest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam

Ba Da

The official name of Ba Da pagoda is Linh Quang (Holy Light) but
everyone calls the pagoda Ba Da (Stone Woman). According to legend,a peasant in Bao Thien village found thestatue of a woman in his rice field.The villagers decided that the image represented a Bodhisattva,in whose honour they built a Buddhist shrine.

Built in the 15th century under the Le dynasty, the pagoda is dedicated toBuddha. Unlike most pagodas, which have tam quan, or wide gateswith three doors, Ba Da is fronted by a long, narrow lane. Unfortunately, the original stone statue has long since disappeared, but the pagoda houses other artifacts, including two bronze bells cast in 1823 and 1881.Ba Da pagoda is located at 3 Nha Tho Street, where the vilage ofBao Thien once stood. An old superstition states that photographs taken inside the pagoda will never turn out.

PARKS                                                       Top
Lenin Park
Tran Nhan Tong, Tel : 84.4.572 5720
Sega Amusement Centre is open daily inside the park

Thu Le Zoo
Ngoc Khanh, Tel : 84.4.843 7395

Clothing-Fashion Silk-Cloth-Lingerie in HANOI
Adidas                                                           Top

83 Hang Gai, Tel : 84.4.828 7190

Sposts wear and shoes

Brother's Bag

26 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tel : 84.4.733 3991

Top quality bags

Jade Lingerie

219 Hang Bong, Tel: 84.4.828 8335

Lingerie, pret-a-porter and tailoring

Ipa-Nima

30B Nguyen Huu Huan, Tel : 84.4.934 0876

Funky handbags and other fashion accessories

Kenly Silk

102 Hang Gai, Tel : 84.4.826 7236

Fabric, pajamas and dresses

Khai Silk

121 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tel : 84.4.823 3508

Top quality silk, clothes and linens

Kid's Fashion

45 QuangTrung, Tel : 84.4.822 9226

Baby and foddler supplies

Nadzia

8 Pho Hue, Tel : 84.4.825 2247

Women's wear and tailoring

Song

7 Nha Tho, Tel : 84.4.828 9650

Casual wear and accessories. Home linen Cosmetics

 

COSMETICS                                                   Top

Debon

8A Chua Boc, Tel : 84.4.852 5719

Revlon

25 Tho Nhuom, Tel : 84.4.825 0272

Rogala

80 Chua Boc, Tel : 84.4.853 4643

EMBROIDERY                          

Duc Long

12 Hang Bong, Tel : 84.4.825 9421

Wonder shop

11 Nha Chung, Tel : 84.4.828 8544

FLORISTS/CARDS                                            Top

Hoasua Hallmark

Shop 24, Hanoi Towers (entrance on Cosmetics Florists/cards Tho Nhuom)

Tel : 84.4.934 2852

The Flowers World

62 Ngo Quyen, Tel : 84.4.825 9501

The Shop

81 Hai Ba Trung, Tel : 84.4.822 0729

HOUSEWARE                                                    Top
Dome

10 Yen The

Tel : 84.4.843 0636

Fax : 84.4.843 0670

O La La !

4 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tel : 84.4.828 4971

Serendipity

9C Da Tuong, Tel : 84.4.826 6500

T.C.T. Construction and Furniture

15A Hang Cot, Tel : 84.4.927 2777

Quang's Ceramics

5 Nghi Tam, Tel : 84.4.829 2562

LACQUERWARE HANDICRAFTS, SOUVENIRS

Craft Link                                                         Top

43 Van Mieu, Tel : 84.4.843 7710

Culture of Vietnam Ethnic Groups

44 Hang Ga, Tel : 84.4.828 0509

Hoa Sen

- 1 Nha Tho, Tel : 84.4.826 9073

- 51 Van Mieu, Tel : 84.4.826 0121

Specialising in old and new water puppets

Lan Viet Handicraft

28 Au Trieu, Tel : 84.4.828 9278

Pan Flute

42 Hang Bac, Tel : 84.4.826 0493

Serendipity

9C Da Tuong, Tel : 84.4.826 500

The Museum Shop

Museum of Ethnology, Dich Vong

Tel : 84.4.756 1754

LEATHER GOODS / SHOES                              Top

Hanh Giay

123 Hang Bong, Tel : 84.4.824 7519

Thanh Hang

7-8 Pho Hue, Tel : 84.4.822 5055

The Leather Boutique

23 Hai Ba Trung, Tel : 84.4.825 2141

MARKETS                                                        Top

Dong Xuan market

Dong Xuan and Hang Khoai

The largest market in town- Dong Xuan is the biggest market in Hanoi and Ben Thanh is the
biggest market in Ho Chi Minh City. Which of the two was built first ?- Ben Thanh market. The market was built before the French invaded Saigon in 1859, while Dong Xuan market was built in 1889.

Hang Da market

Hang Da

Bat Trang potteries and second-hand items

SPORTING GOODS                      

Cong Sport Shop

157 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tel : 84.4.823 7952

SUPPERMARKETS