Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Years Old HANOI

In October 2009, Hanoi would be celebrating her auspicious birthday numbering nine hundred and ninety-nine years old.

Nine hundred and ninety nine years of establishment has not been an easy feat. After undergoing a renaming process from being Tong Binh, Long Do (the Dragon’s Belly), Dai La, Thang Long (Ascending Dragon) and many other names, Vietnam finally settled with the name Hanoi in year 1831.

Crazy traffic in Hanoi

Hanoi had witnessed several dynasties reigning over her. Besides the Chinese, Japan had also left Hanoi its mark from the year 1940-1945. But it is the French who came and went and left behind Hanoi city its stylistic architectural design.

In such an ancient capital city, Hanoi is no doubt the country’s cultural centre and guarantees any traveler a rich cultural and historical exploration. There is no better place to untangle the paradox of Hanoi’s ancient history and colonial legacy in detail at the museums in Hanoi.

Indochina architectural design during the French colonial period

As you escape the non-stop bustling city swamped with honking motorbikes and scooters, the earthly terra cotta Indochina architectural style of National Museum of Vietnamese History brings you a sense of peace and serenity. Opened in 1910, this museum was once a French research institute for Far-East history during the French colonial rule. Now as you step into its interior, it brings you through a sequential journey through the ruling period of every dynasty and foreign rulers in Vietnam. The only way to truly understand a nation’s heartbeat is through its people and history.

After a history lesson on the kings and rulers of Vietnam, learn about the 54 colourful official ethnic groups in Vietnam. This is definitely a museum to visit if you want to check out the diversified group of people in Vietnam. Though all Vietnamese may look the same to us, each ethnic tribe actually has their own language, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. You will see unique funny carvings of little men and women, beautiful handicrafts with distinct patterns of different ethnic groups, and the types of music they play.

Traditional Ao Dai clothing of the Kinh ethnic

Next is the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts. Though it is not as grand like how some Western museums are; this museum of fine arts showcase a fine display of Vietnamese art of the 20th century until the 1970s. It is eccentric in its own manner with arrangement of colourful detailed lacquer and silk painting gracing a number of walls in the old colonial building. You can seek to understand the various techniques of how the woodblocks and statuaries are done. Just in case you want to try it at home. The folk arts are simply delightful in a simplicity that you can only find a silent peace by looking at them. With Buddhism strongly rooted in Vietnam, you’ll find the fourth floor of the museum dedicated to prehistoric artifacts and Buddhist sculptures. Remember to see the infamous 11th century Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) too while you are there.

Vietnamese Silk Painting

Visiting these museums is like finding the quiet heartbeat of Vietnam. The museums seat quietly as they wait for travelers to withdraw from the chaotic city pacing to have a moment of silence, finding out all the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of the this ancient city.

As you book your trip to indulge in a cultural walk through these museums, let’s remember to make a toast to Hanoi, Happy 999th Birthday!