A Day in Hanoi
entry gate to Temple of Literature
Our trip to Ha Long Bay was delayed one day so we got to spend another “tourist day” in Hanoi. We visited The Citadel and the Temple of Literature.
The Citadel is built on the site of an ancient Palace. It was both the residence and workplace of kings and royal families from 1009-1789. Many ruins are presently being dug and restored. When we entered we saw a special bonsai display. Included in the Citadel area were also bunkers and command rooms for the American/Vietnam War.
After a nice Vietnamese buffet lunch we went to the Temple of Literature which is the oldest university in Vietnam dating back to 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius. Much of the ancient architecture is preserved as well as stone stelae with more than 1000 names of graduates of the royal exams. You may notice that dragons and turtles are very important in Vietnamese culture. When we visited the Temple, a ceremony was being held for graduates of a Masters of Business Administration program in Thailand.
On our bus ride back to the house, we saw a wonderful open-air barber shop!
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- Doan Gate
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- bonsai
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- sculptured hedge
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- dragon decorations
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- drum with turtle
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- entry to bunker
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- top military command room
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- fascinating roofline
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- Hanoi Flag Tower
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- buffet lunch
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- entry gate to Temple of Literature
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- floral decorations
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- well and stelae
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- gardens
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- doctors’ stelae
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- “Well of Heavenly Clarity”
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- “Sage sanctuary”
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- Confucius
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- incense
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- 3 Vietnamese kings honored
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- temple roofs
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- graduates
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- hair salon!