One Pillar Pagoda or Lotus Pagoda in Vietnamese is often called Chua Mot Cot, located in the center of the capital. This is one of the most common symbols and the most important historical site of present-day Hanoi. Not only having a long history, the pagoda is also impressive with its distinctive style of architecture which resembles a lotus flower in bloom. For visitors to Hanoi, this is a must-see site.

One Pillar Pagoda History

One Pillar Pagoda was started building for the first time by King Ly Thai Tong in October of year 1049. According to history records, the king who at that time hadn’t had a son to succeed his throne once came to many pagodas to pray for his wish to come true. He returned and dreamt of Guan Yin sitting on a blooming lotus on a square pond. In the dream, the Guan Yin invited him to a specific pagoda in Nhat Tru village and gave him a fairy newborn. After the dream a while, the queen gave birth to a boy. The king then knew that the gods had helped him, came to Nhat Tru village and built a pagoda that has one pillar and a roof looked like a blooming lotus, named first as Dien Huu pagoda (meaning Long Happiness).

Annually, the king visited the pagoda on the 8^th of lunar April to attend the Buddha Washing ritual with all monks of the capital. After the ritual, the king would stand on a pedestal before the pagoda and release a bird in the cheering of people. One pillar pagoda was restored many times by many emperors before being completely ruined in the 20^th century.

In 1954, the French troops, before withdrawing from Hanoi, destroyed the pagoda by mine. After Ho Chi Minh’s government taking over Hanoi, the department of culture began to rebuild and restore the pagoda, sticking to the original state.

Architecture of One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda is placed in a complex with the pagoda itself, another pagoda nearby and a Tam Quan gate. The main pagoda is made of wood, with a  statue of Guan Yin inside. This style of architecture already existed before the pagoda as an example of another one pillar pagoda in Ninh Binh with an 8 sided stone pillar resembling a lotus flower. Linh Chieu lake was added later in 1105 by king Ly Nhan Tong. One Pillar pagoda as you see of today is 4m high with each curved roof side is 3m wide and a single pillar 1.25m in diameter. The pillar is actually made of 2 blocks of rock. In the whole work, the roof is the most important part, especially to religious buildings. One Pillar pagoda’s roof is curved in all 4 sides and decorated with traditional patterns of two dragons facing the moon. This pattern, to Vietnamese people, symbolizes the holy power bringing the wish for wisdom and vitality of human beings. The image that the pagoda is designed of expresses perfectly a Buddhist idea of equality for all people through a lotus flower. Above all, One Pillar Pagoda, despite going through many damages and changes and destruction, still stands like a lotus flower in the city of peace which is proudly represent Vietnam country and people.

Source: asianwaytravel

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5 must-dos while you are in Hanoi Old Quarter

One Pillar Pagoda – the most important historical site of present-day Hanoi
Nguyen Thanh Van

Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Wandering these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial facades will transport you back in time. However, today’s Hanoi is about much more than the past. The ancient city is being invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and cool art galleries. When the sun goes down, you have your pick of watering holes, from sophisticated rooftop bars to buzzing bia hoi.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN HANOI:

Sample the street food

A wander around a morning market provides a tantalising hint of what you can expect to hit your table in Hanoi. For an authentic taste of Hanoi, look no further than the street kitchens of the Old Quarter. Phở noodle soup is king of cuisines here, with steaming pots of its star anise-infused broth simmering on every corner; while every day, the irresistible scent of bún chả fills the air as barbecued pork sizzles over hot coals. In recent years a growing band of superb international dining rooms have emerged, serving everything from contemporary tapas to fusion fare.

Stroll the Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter serves up a sensory overload for the eyes, ears and nose. Wisps of incense drift out onto streets from ancient temples painted a riot of reds and oranges, while in a far-flung corner the clang of a blacksmith’s hammer mingles with a mobile fruit seller’s call. To fully immerse yourself, grab a map to explore. Or jump in a cyclo and take a tour of this intoxicating maze of markets, street kitchens, shop houses, and more.

Explore Hanoi’s cafe culture

It is by taking a seat and waiting as your coffee slowly filters that the Vietnamese capital can best be understood. Fast-paced on the surface, the true rhythm of city life is far from hurried. Alongside the thousands of coffee houses selling traditional Vietnamese coffee, an ever-growing band of unique coffee shops serve espressos and macchiatos in surroundings rivaling the world’s coolest caffeine dens.

Check out the art scene

Hanoi has long had a reputation as Vietnam’s art capital, with the elegant Fine Arts Museum housing the country’s foremost collection, including ancient Cham artifacts and impressionist pieces. For something more contemporary, head for Manzi–an art space-cum-cafe–or the Vietnam Art Gallery. Both are top places to take the pulse of the city’s art scene. Smaller gallery spaces include Nha San Collective at the up-and-coming Hanoi Creative City urban project.

Join the locals at Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem lake rests at the heart of Hanoi and embodies the soul of the city. Every morning it comes alive with walkers, aerobics classes, badminton, ballroom dancers, and even a laughing yoga group. It bursts back into life at sunset, and after dark, is again thronged with locals out to take the evening air. A little further north the lesser-visited Truc Bach and West Lake shouldn’t be missed–their calm temples and lakeside cafes provide peaceful enclaves away from the buzz of downtown.

HA NOI ITINERARIES

24 hours 

Begin your day early with a wander around Hoan Kiem and soak up the invigorating rhythm of life, with everything from open air aerobics to laughing yoga ringing across the waters. After a breakfast phở, wander the streets of theOld Quarter before sampling the capital’s staple lunch dish, bún chả. Visit the Women’s Museum in the afternoon, then head to Summit Lounge for the best sunset views in town before crowning the day with dinner at Chim Sao.

48 hours

Plan an early morning visit to Cong Vien Thong Nhat, then head to the Museum of Fine Arts before refreshing with a drink at Manzi, for a rewarding morning of artistic exploration. In the afternoon go temple-hopping around West Lake, stopping at some of the many coffee and juice bars that surround it. For a Vietnamese dinner, dine at Quan An Ngon. Round out your 48 hours with a nightcap at Hanoi’s coolest bar, Tadioto.

HA NOI WEATHER

The climate is inviting from April to June, but Hanoi is particularly beautiful in May when its many trees come into bloom – orange, white, purple and red flowers elevate the already beguiling street scenes to another level. October and November are also excellent months to visit when temperatures are cooler.

TRANSPORT TO HA NOI

HANOI
quản trị viên

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is an intriguing neighbourhood, home to a mix of Vietnamese architecture, green spaces, ancient shops and fresh-as-it-gets street food — all of it easily explored on foot.

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At first look, these 36 streets can feel frenetic. Don’t worry: Constant motion is part of the Old Quarter’s charm. Grab a seat at a cafe and enjoy the action from a safe distance. You’ll notice bicycle vendors selling fresh flowers and ripe fruit, old friends gathering for games of checkers, and cooks doing a roaring trade in steaming phở and bún chả. The longer you wander, the more you’ll be rewarded with moments in hidden alleyways, secluded pagodas, and cosy coffee shops.

Here are some of the best ways to appreciate the Old Quarter’s lively atmosphere and secret spots.

Discover ancient streets

Shops pouring into sidewalks, motorcycles navigating narrow streets, the smell of noodles and flowers —the Old Quarter can be a hectic place. Begin your foray by hopping on a cyclo for a guided tour through the chaos. Once the main form of transport in Hanoi, cyclos move at the perfect pace for you to take in interesting street scenes without having to worry about traffic and navigation. After this gentle introduction, pick a few streets to tackle on foot.

The 36 guild streets of the Old Quarter were named for 36 trades or craft that set up in this area north of the lake, and created high-quality goods to supply the royals in the Thang Long Citadel, just steps away. Today only a few streets sell the same products they once did. Some streets, however, have kept the traditions of the past; and these can be great fun to explore on foot, and with your camera in hand.

Hàng Bạc (Silver Street), where silversmiths once made money and jewellery for the palace, still houses jewellery stores and money changers. Hàng Mã is where Hanoians go to buy religious goods and festival decorations. Hàng Gai, now known as Silk Street, was named for the pinkish dye this street famously sold and used in clothing. Shops here now trade in fabrics and custom-made suits and dresses. Lãn Ông is a fragrant street filled with traditional medicines and herbs.

Encounter multiple civilizations

Ô Quan Chưởng Gate is the only gate left of the wall that once protected the area surrounding Thang Long Citadel, not far away. The gate as you see it was re-constructed in 1817, although originally it was built in 1749. The gate is named for the rank of a Vietnamese soldier who showed great courage in defending the gate and citadel against a French attack in 1873. Today, it’s an important marker and symbol of Vietnamese spirit.

While you explore the historic centre, keep a lookout for the many pagodas built by ancient traders. The Old Quarter was partially settled by Chinese immigrants who also chose it as a location to do business. To get a glimpse into the lives of these Chinese merchant families in the past, visit Mã Mây House, a UNESCO protected heritage home.

For a little moment of peace amid the noise, duck down the alley off Nhà Thờ for a breather in the quiet courtyard of Bà Đá Pagoda. Here you’ll find an elaborate Phật Phật statue, regarded as one of Hanoi’s four treasures.

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Standing proudly since 1886, St. Joseph Cathedral is a reminder of French colonial presence in Vietnam. From street level, the cathedral’s bold, neo-gothic motifs create a powerful impression above surrounding the houses and streets.

Wherever you go, you’ll have a chance to glimpse the tube houses that are typical of the Old Quarter. These houses have narrow facades, but are built deep and high, with multiple courtyards to allow light inside. Also interesting are the Soviet-influenced apartment blocks, which you can find up and down Hàng Điếu st. If you have time, you can look into the Old Quarter’s most recent attraction: Train Street. Tiny cafes and stationery stores have moved into the buildings facing the tracks, and countless Instagrammers come every day to have their pictures taken with this colorful backdrop.

Take it easy at Hoàn Kiếm lake

People in Hanoi have a favorite invitation that goes, “đi một vòng hồ” (let’s go for a ride around the lake.) The lake is, of course, Hoàn Kiếm. This green body of water is nestled in the core of urban Hanoi, and is an ideal hangout spot throughout the day, but especially in the early morning and late afternoons.

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In the hours just before sunrise, joggers collect around the lake’s leafy banks, men and women move slowly through tai chi routines, and friends gather in circles for games of hacky-sack. In the evenings the scene is much the same. Couples join the crowd and sit on benches around the water’s edge, nibbling on green mango and sipping tea.

Take a stroll around the lake to encounter the famous red Húc Bridge, Ngọc Sơn Temple and iconic Turtle Tower.  On weekends Hoàn Kiếm Lake is closed to vehicles and becomes a prime spot for people-watching as young and old Hanoians come together to enjoy entertainment and exercise in the open air.

Eat like a local

The Old Quarter is chock-full of speciality restaurants and popular stalls that have been around for years. On Hoàn Kiếm street you’ll find nộm bò khô, a dish of beef jerky and papaya topped with crunchy peanuts. There are many versions of chè (Vietnamese dessert), but locals flock to Chè Bốn Mùa restaurant for its version of lotus seed and black jelly sweet soup.

If you’re hungry, grab a bowl of bún chả at Bún Chả Hương Liên where President Obama dined, or go for a less crowded alternative at Hàng Quạt. One thing Hanoians love to do is spend hours at coffee shops, just people-watching and sharing news. Don’t leave without sampling the original egg coffee at Cafe Giang. Apart from egg coffee, another original dish from the Old Quarter dish is chả cá lá vông. The dish originated in Lá Vông restaurant and is a magical blend of fish chunks marinated in turmeric and spices, grilled and served with soft rice noodles, dill and crunchy peanuts.

With so much delicious street food to try on every sidewalk, it helps to have a local guide to show the way. Sensasia’s Street-food A-la-carte tour is a great way to get to know the unique flavors and much-loved dishes of the Old Quarter. The tour can be customized to match your interests, and goes deep into the 36 guild streets for an authentic taste of Hanoian cuisine.

HANOI STREET FOOD PRIVATE TOUR

5 MUST-DOS WHILE YOU ARE IN HANOI OLD QUARTER

Hunt for cool collectible

The Old Quarter may not have many malls, but shopping here happens at the street level. Hàng Dầu, Lý Quốc Sư, Tạ Hiện and Hàng Da streets are lined with stores selling clothing, bags, shoes and sportswear targeted at tourists. For a more curated selection, try Vui Studio, the minimalist boutiques on Chân Cầm street, or the small natural beauty shops on Hội Vũ street.

If you love embroidery and textiles, Tân Mỹ Design gathers fabulous fabrics from Vietnamese designers in their airy boutique on Hàng Gai. For beautiful Vietnamese souvenirs, visit Collective Memory on Nhà Chung. A few doors down, the Craft House Cathedral offers accessories, stationery and candles to take home. For all things lacquer-ware, visit Hanoia at the top of Hoan Kiem lake.

Sample Hanoian nightlife

After dark, the Old Quarter puts work to the side and gets down to the serious business of having fun. There’s something to satisfy everyone within these 36 fascinating streets. Just before sundown, ride the elevator up to Diamond Sky Bar, a breezy spot with panoramic views of the Old Quarter. For a well-mixed cocktail, try the menu at Polite Co., or snag a premium gin and tonic with a view of St. Joseph Cathedral at The Mad Botanist.

Back on the streets, Vietnamese will regularly gather to eat and drink on sidewalk corners, with long meals and countless rounds of beers going late into the night. This ‘bia hoi’ tradition is a fun way to experience local life and make new friends. The most famous beer corner in the Old Quarter is Bia Hoi Junction. The party spills out onto Tạ Hiện Street, where backpackers and locals sit on tiny plastic stools and drink fresh draft beer in the evening air. Be sure to toast your time in the Old Quarter with a cheerful shout of ‘một, hai, ba, dô!”

Source: Vietnamtourismboard

Explore the Old Quarter your way
Nguyen Thanh Van