Get ready for an unforgettable tour right through the heart of Hanoi! Our tour begins at the remarkable Ly Thai To Bronze Statue, an indispensable landmark and a perfect beginning for any Hanoi central walking tour. It celebrates Emperor Ly Thai To, the founder of Thang Long- hence its current name, Hanoi- more than a thousand years ago. Take this tour, which will disclose to you the many layers making up the complex history of Hanoi: take you through bustling streets and show you some of the most favorite landmarks the city has to offer. Whether you come for the history or the culture, rest assured that our Hanoi tours will enfold you into this busy capital.

A Deep Dive into the Ly Thai To Bronze Statue

History of Ly Thai To and Thang Long

Ly Thai To Bronze Statue

Allow me to take you on a journey back in time into the realms of interesting history and a great, glittering legacy written about Ly Thai To. Born in 974, Ly Thai To was an emperor with vision who founded the Ly Dynasty and ruled for the fateful decision that sealed the future of Vietnam once and for all. In 1010, he promulgated the now-illustrious ordinance, the “Chieu Doi Do", transforming the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long which would later turn out to be Hanoi. This became a daring adventure because Thang Long burst with political and cultural undertakings, forming the foundation on which Vietnam’s most important city, Hanoi, was built. Without that prescient initiative from Ly Thai To, Hanoi today may be a little different from the lively city we see.

Creation of the Ly Thai To Statue

Fast forward to 2003; the Hanoi Department of Culture and Information organized a competition for a statue that would be worthy of such a monumental figure. Out of 29 entries submitted for consideration in the competition, the winner was the talented sculptor Vi Thi Hoa. In 2004, the stunning Ly Thai To Bronze Statue was erected. Standing at an impressive 10.10 meters tall and weighing a robust 34 tons, this statue is rich in symbolism. His right hand is holding Chieu Doi Do or the decree to relocate the capital, while his left-hand points to the very spot where Thang Long began.

Location and Importance of the Statue

The statue is located in Ly Thai To Garden, just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. For many of our Hanoi central walking tours, it would be a great starting point. While standing here, notice how this statue is an “attached terrace" on the rich history of Hanoi at the grand entry point that poses ancient and modern in combination. The strategic placement near the lake makes it a serene spot to either begin or end your Hanoi tours for views of historical and natural beauty.

Cultural Symbolism of the Statue

People from this city give flowers and incense in acknowledgment to the emperor who designed their city. It isn’t a simple landmark but rather a point of contact between contemporary Hanoi and its legendary beginning. To most, the Ly Thai To Bronze Statue is something more than just a monument to the past place of meditation, respect, and pride. It is a major stop for any Hanoi Tours itinerary, whereby you are supposed to feel the deep interconnection of Hanoi’s history with its enthusiastic culture today.

Sample Itinerary: Ly Thai To Statue as Part of a Hanoi Central Walking Tour

Morning: Exploring the Foundations of Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

8:00 AM – Meet at Ly Thai To Garden

We will begin quite early in the morning at the beautiful Ly Thai To Garden, where you will find the bronze statue of Emperor Ly Thai To, who founded Thang Long, later known as Hanoi. I’m going to tell you about the amazing story of Ly Thai To, the visionary who moved the capital here and set the base for what Hanoi is today. This statue stands at a height of 10.10 meters and is proof of the power and wisdom of a leader who changed the course of history forever in Vietnam. What better place to start an incursion into the past of the city?

8:30 AM – Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

From the Ly Thai To Statue, we take a leisurely walk along Hoan Kiem Lake one of the most prized landmarks in Hanoi. As we make our way along the lake’s perimeter, I will narrate with details regarding the lake’s deep cultural significance while pointing out the stunning French colonial structures surrounding it the remnants of Hanoi’s colonial past, and interesting juxtaposition to the Vietnamese heritage we will be pursuing throughout the day.

9:00 AM – Visit Ngoc Son Temple

We cross the Huc Bridge, which is painted in bright red, to visit the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple, which is on a small island midway over Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple represents a fantastic blend of Vietnamese and Chinese architecture. I introduce you to the giant turtle legend, the mystical sword deeply connected with it, deeply merged into Hanoi’s folklore. This is always a favorite stop on the Hanoi central walking tours because of its quiet serenity and colorful history.

Mid-morning: Delving Deeper into Hanoi’s Cultural Treasures

10:00 AM – Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral

From Hoan Kiem Lake’s serene environment, we head to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, which happens to be one of the oldest churches in Hanoi. The French colonial edifice is an architectural splendor overlooking the center of the bustling city. You shall have all the time to marvel at its Gothic architecture and find out how it relates to Hanoi’s religious and colonial heritage. It will be a real contrast to the traditional Vietnamese temples that we will see when we look at the stained-glass windows and towering spires of the cathedral.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

10:30 AM – Explore the Old Quarter

It is now time for a random walk into the colorful streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The bustling area is considered the heart of the city, housing up to 36 streets named after traditional goods and crafts that have been sold for centuries from silk to silver. We are going to visit here, where I will guide you through the narrow alleys full of life: from delicious street food down to handmade souvenirs being sold by vendors. This part of the Hanoi central walking tour shall plunge one into the rhythm of life in the city these days: how history blends with everyday life.

Lunch: Savoring the Flavors of Hanoi

12:00 PM – Traditional Vietnamese Lunch

All that walking worked up an appetite, so let’s take a break and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch of steaming bowls of pho, plates of bun cha, or freshly baked banh mi delicious and integral parts of Hanoi’s culinary history. I will recommend to you some of the best local places where you need to try these flavors and, while you eat, share with you the tales under each food, to give you insight into why dishes are such an integral part of Vietnamese culture.

Afternoon: Hanoi’s Most Revered Landmarks

1:00 PM – Visit the Temple of Literature

After lunch, we drive to the most important cultural site in Hanoi: the Temple of Literature. This is the ancient temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first national university, having been the center of education almost for a thousand years. I walk through its beautiful courtyards and share stories about how scholars once studied here, updating you on the deep respect for knowledge and learning that Vietnam has. A peaceful and inspiring stop, it will leave you in awe of the country’s rich educational heritage.

Old Quarter

2:00 PM – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

No tour in Hanoi will be complete without a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. One of the most sacred sites in Vietnam, dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the loving leader of the nation. First, we catch a glimpse into the Mausoleum, where Ho Chi Minh’s body was preserved; the next will be his simple stilt house, which symbolizes the humble style of living he had. Within proximity, the One Pillar Pagoda symbolizes the religious depth of Vietnam towards Buddhism. This complex epitomizes the country’s combination of revolutionary history and ancient traditions well, and thus this should be part of any Hanoi Tours.

End of Tour: Reflecting on the Day’s Journey

4:00 PM – Return to Ly Thai To Statue

As evening approaches, we will go back to the starting point of the Ly Thai To Statue. It’s a nice spot to reflect on everything we’ve seen and learned about the history, culture, and architecture of Hanoi. From the story of Emperor Ly Thai To and his decree to move the capital, to the bustling life of the Old Quarter, you have seen the best that Hanoi can show you. Our walking tour is now a complete circle of the center of Hanoi, and I hope it has left unforgettable memories with you.

Important Tips for Joining the Ly Thai To Statue Walking Tours

Ready to plunge into one of the most exciting Hanoi central walking tours? Before exploring, I’d like to give you some information that will be quite necessary for you during this tour.

Best Time to Visit

For a truly enjoyable Ly Thai To statue walking tour, one must visit Hanoi in either the spring (March to April) or the autumn (September to November). At these times, temperatures cool and make your walking tour truly enjoyable. During summer, it gets very hot in Hanoi; the midday temperature rises, so I recommend that if you come along during May to August, you start the tour early in the morning to avoid the hot temperature. Bring your umbrella or raincoat with you in case you fall in the rainy season!

Entry Fees and Hours

Key attractions that form part of this Hanoi central walking tour include the following, with some entry fees applicable, as discussed:

• Ngoc Son Temple: 30,000 VND – $1.30 USD (open daily from 8 am to 5 pm).
• Temple of Literature: 30,000 VND entrance fee, open from 8 am to 5 pm ($1.30 USD).

These are quite affordable entry fees and thus provide an easy way to explore these historical sites in Hanoi. Just make sure you take notice of operating hours, so you will not be left out of seeing any!

What to Wear and Bring

Comfort is key on a Hanoi walking tour! Light, breathable clothes will be of great help, especially when touring during the warmer months. Comfort shoes are a must you want to be able to walk comfortably for several hours and leave the fancy shoes at home. Also, remember to protect yourself from the sun: a hat, sunscreen, and shades to keep you cool under the sun. And of course, one bottle of water for keeping hydrated throughout the day.

Language Tips

Don’t speak Vietnamese? Well, that’s fine. In the tourist areas, most locals will use basic English, but learning a few simple phrases sometimes can provide for even funnier experiences. A couple of them:

• Xin chào (Hello)
• Cảm ơn (Thank you)

And, not to mention, expert guides on these Hanoi Tours will be here to translate and assist you in interacting with natives to make your tour even smoother.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Conclusion

This makes the Ly Thai To Bronze Statue a powerful symbol of Hanoi’s rich history and forms an ideal starting point for any Hanoi central walking tour. From a walk through ancient landmarks to taking in the vivid culture of the Old Quarter, these tours are a unique, immersive way to discover the heart of Hanoi. Ready to venture out to discover the hidden city? Book your Hanoi tours these days for an unforgettable journey with Impress Travel. For more details, please visit our website at www.impresstravel.com or email us at info@impresstravel.com. Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Ha Noi  and to book Ha Noi Tours at the best prices.

Hanoi Head Office

• 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
• Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
• Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com

Saigon Office

• 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, HCM
• Tel: (+84)961675566
• Email: saigon@impresstravel.com