Hanoi (Day 2)

Old Quarter, Hanoi

It was almost 7 a. m. of the second day of Tet (February 4, 2011) and we strolled around the empty streets of the Old Quarter. I love this...walking around in foreign places in the small hours when most of the people are still sleeping. It's tranquil and another hazy morning which gives this place an aura of mystery. No doubt, visiting Hanoi during Tet was the best decision we made by accident.

One of the few shops in the Old Quarter which was open during Tet

We actually booked an excursion to the Perfume Pagoda on our second day in Hanoi while we already visited most of the city attractions the day before. But when we came back from our morning walk we were told by the hotel owner that something went wrong with the booking system so that our trip got canceled. Kevin and I were obviously disappointed because the Perfume Pagoda which is located ca. 60km south-west of Hanoi was recommended as one of the "must seen" attractions nearby. Fortunately we haven't paid up front for the trip and the owner himself offered us to be our tour guide for a free Hanoi city tour. A tour to places we haven't visited yesterday like the Temple of Literature and the Water Puppet Theatre. We agreed to take the opportunity having a free and private city tour with a local.

Exploring Hanoi Day 2

1. Temple of Literature

2. Streets in the evening

We went first to Temple of Literature which was also on my list of "places to see" after visiting the Perfume Pagoda. The Temple of Literature or Van Mieu is located in the heart of Hanoi and preserves the oldest and foremost monument of education: the first University of Vietnam (Quoc Tu Giam).

Kevin is crossing the first courtyard of the temple to reach the gate of Van Mieu.

In front of the Khue Van Pavillion

The "Heavenly Light Well" (Thien Quang Tinh)

These famous stone tortoises of Hanoi

These stone tortoises were recognized as one of UNESCO world heritages in Vietnam. They are carrying 82 stales with the names (also places of birth and achievements) of successful exam takers at the imperial university. The tortoises are symbolising the patience to obtain the education and the longevity of the Vietnamese nation.

Rubbing stone tortoise's head for luck and success

This will be a successful year for me after I rub 10 stone tortoise's head! :)

The Temple of Literature

Vietnamese women wearing Áo Dài (Vietnamese traditional dress)

They are singing Vietnamese folk songs

Behind the Temple of Literature is Thai Hoc Sinh (area of the former university) they arranged a Chinese chess game

The Grand Master

Chinese chess players

Chinese chess board

Inside the Ceremony House

Young students praying for success in their studies

We spent the complete morning in the Temple of Literature. Even though it was crowded by all those families who came with their children from all over Vietnam just to pray for their success in their studies or exams inside this sacred place, I still felt the calmness of this wonderful paradise of trees, cherished lawns and flowers to escape the chaotic urge outside these ancient walls.

The Water Puppet Show we wanted to see after visiting the Temple of Literature was already fully booked for the next show in the evening. Kevin and I decided to dismissed thankfully our private tour guide for introducing us Vietnam's sacred place of education to have a free afternoon for our self to hangout. We just wanted to relax at the lake, read our books, drink a Vietnamese coffee with sweet milk and just being lazy for the rest of the afternoon. :)

Later in the evening we strolled through Hanoi's streets for the last time. Tomorrow we will leave for Halong Bay. Good night Hanoi!