Hanoi Offbeat Tours

What is Vietnam without some culture and history? The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the imposing places to go in Hanoi. This monumental marble edifice takes you through the life history of the founding father of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh fondly nicknamed as Uncle Ho, desired a simple cremation but contrary to his wishes, the Vietnemese people constructed this mausoleum out of admiration for him. They erected this architectural wonder after gathering materials from all across Vietnam. Set in the building’s deep bowels you will find the pale and frail body of Uncle Ho, laid to rest, inside a glass sarcophagus. Location: 2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, VietnamTimings: Weekdays- 7:30 AM – 10: 30 AM, Weekends- 7:30 AM – 11: 00 AMHighlights: Armed guards guard the entrance and during mid-morning guards changing ceremony is performed. Respectful attire and attitude is expected and checked upon by the guards of honor standing next to the sarcophagus within the inner sanctum. This mausoleum stays closed between October to November as Ho Chi Minh’s body is sent to Russia once a year for maintenance and preservation.

Located in Hanoi’s historical center the Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Lake or the Lake of the Restored Sword is one of the scenic places to visit in Hanoi. This lake offers a tranquil escape from the city’s maddening crowds and hectic pace.  Legend has it that when Lê Lợi won the battle against the Ming Chinese, he became the king. While boating, he met a giant tortoise at the lake’s center that said that now that peace was restored in the nation the sword with which he won must be returned to the God of Waters. After surrender the sword was returned but the water surface remained radiant. Since then this lake was called the Restored Sword. You must circle the lake to have a look at the historical monuments and temples that surround the lake. Location: HanoiTimings: 12 AM – 12 PMHighlights: Hundreds of people visit this green water lake to enjoy the beautiful sight and to spot the soft shell turtles that swim here.

One of the most iconic places to visit in Hanoi is the Tháp RùaTower that built for commemorating Lê Lợi. Lê Lợi created an insurgent army and help Vietnam gain freedom from the Ming Chinese in 1400s. It was built in the 19th century on a tiny island in the lake of Hồ Hoàn Kiếm. People lovingly call this island the “Turtle Islet”. Public cannot access this attraction but view it from a distance while walking around the lake. Location: Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, VietnamTimings: Sun-Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PMHighlights: Post sunset the area of the Turtle Tower comes alive when lights are up with the open restaurants and the rooftop bars. It is a great place for photographers and tourists.