 Tourists are introduced to French architecture at the Vietnam National Museum of History. (Photo: VNA) |
The “French architecture in the heart of Hanoi” walking tour, which involves a recorded audio guide, is the first “safe tour” in Hanoi in the “new normal” period following the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It connects 3 destinations - the Vietnam National Museum of History, the Hanoi Opera House, and the Tonkin Palace.
Through vivid explanations full of fascinating information, visitors learn about the architectural styles that characterized Vietnamese-French acculturation in the early 20th century.
Nguyen Thu Hoan, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History, said, “The tour explores both architectural and historical values. The Vietnam National Museum of History, Tonkin Palace, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel, and the State Bank of Vietnam are outstanding French architectural works in Hanoi.”
The tour starts from the museum, where visitors learn about Vietnamese history through precious documents and objects.
They are then taken to the Hanoi Opera House and Tonkin Palace to explore the architectural, artistic and historical values of these two buildings, which are associated with an important historical event - the General Uprising to seize power in Hanoi during the August Revolution of 1945.
After the August Revolution, President Ho Chi Minh and the provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam worked at Tonkin Palace until late 1946. The Palace now serves as the Government’s guest house.
Located on the famous August Revolution Square, the Hanoi Opera House is just a few steps from the History Museum. The Opera house was under construction for ten years, from 1901 to 1911 and was modeled on Palais Garnier in Paris.
The “French architecture in the heart of Hanoi” walking tour has already attracted a lot of Hanoians. A woman named Thai Ngoc Tuyet said, “My children are so excited to join a tour after the long social distancing period. It’s is a good choice of weekend activity.”
 Children join a fun quiz at the Opera House. (Photo: VNA) |
Tran Bao Lam, a pupil in Hanoi, said, “The tour guide pointed out banyan and bombax ceiba trees as well as historical and architectural sites. I like this tour.”
The organizers have launched a smartphone audio guide app that introduces the displays of the Vietnam National Museum of History in Vietnamese, English, and Korean.
Mr. Phung Quang Thang, director of the Hanoitourist Company, said, “This tour attracts families, pupils, and children. To assure safety and abide by current regulations to prevent COVID-19, we divide the tourists into small groups. Each group will keep their distance and avoid contact with other groups. This tour introduces tourists to the architecture, culture, and history of the capital city.”