10 Places in Hanoi, Vietnam for the Artsy Traveler
From mural hotspots to artist-run spaces.
(SPOT.ph) The old city and capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, proves to be full of charm in its own simple yet easing ways. There are different art spaces and heritage sites that reflect the long history of its people, such as museums, temples, pagodas, and street art. The best thing about these venues is that some are within walking distance from one another, which saves you time and expenses in transportation. The challenging but fun part is learning and getting used to crossing the streets to get to your destination.
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Check out these cool Hanoi tourist spots if you're the artsy kind
Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
The collection of the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts includes artifacts, such as stone and metal works with some dating back to as early as 300 B.C. The museum also features a room full of ancient buddha statues of various forms and sizes. Another must-see is the exquisite collection of lacquer paintings, which Vietnamese artists developed throughout the years to respond to modern and contemporary times.
Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts is at 66 P. Nguyen Thai Hoc, Dien Bien, Ba Dihn, Hanoi. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 40.000 VND (approximately P100).
Mo Art Space
Mo Art Space, found in the basement of a hotel in the old quarter area of Hanoi, organizes solo presentations for local artists and more contemporary works in its space. Interestingly, some galleries in Vietnam—like Mo Art Space—are located in the lobby of a hotel or in a long hallway where the artworks are visible through the long hallway of glass doors and windows. Other commercial galleries found within the city are Apricot Gallery, Thang Long Gallery, Green Palm Gallery, Empty Wall Gallery, and Cyril Kongo, to name a few.
Mo Art Space is at 136 P. Hang Trong, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
It is no secret that different bodies of water are part of the everyday life of the Vietnamese people, from the Red River to the numerous lakes that surround the cities. Immerse yourself in folk customary and the art of puppetry in Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, which is a showcase of the rich culture and tradition and how the villagers in the rural areas live in harmony with nature.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is at 57B P. Dihn Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Schedule and tickets, which start at 200.000 VND (approximately P495), are available through Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre's website.
Vietnam Military History Museum
The Vietnam Military History of Museum, through dioramas and a display of historical weapons, outlines the uprising and resistance of the Vietnamese people against foreign invasions. Military vehicles, such as a jet plane and a tank, are also installed outdoors.
Art and history enthusiasts may also opt to visit the Vietnam National Museum of History, which displays important offerings by allied countries to its former president Ho Chi Minh. There's also the Hanoi Museum, which is known for its unique architecture resembling an inverted pyramid.
Vietnam Military History Museum is at 28A Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien, Ba Dihn, Hanoi. Open from Saturday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission fee is 30.000 VND (approximately P75).
Hoang Thanh Thang Long
Found within the same vicinity as the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts and the Military History Museum, Hoang Thanh Thang Long—a UNESCO Heritage Site—stands as a historic and well-preserved structure that was once the political center of the city. Its name is roughly translated as "Ascending Dragon," but is also more popularly known as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Hoang Thanh Thang Long houses some archeological and cultural objects that were excavated between 2002 to 2009, which include valuable ceramics. It is a popular destination among tourists and locals, especially the youth who make the built structures the backdrop of their photoshoots.
Hoang Thanh Thang Long is at 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien, Ba Dihn, Hanoi. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 30.000 VND (approximately P75).
Temple of Literature
Wonder and wander at the old-aged pavilions, temples, and ponds found in the courtyards of the Temple of Literature You can light incense in a temple dedicated to Confucious, or witness a printmaker produce memorabilia during a workshop.
Temple of Literature is at 58 P. Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 30.000 VND (approximately P75).
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Vietnam has dedicated an entire museum to show striking, fierce, and powerful portrayals of Vietnamese women in their society and throughout history. The exhibitions portray women as merchants and providers, mothers and farmers, revolutionaries, and successful individuals. One whole section of the exhibition features personal objects and possessions by women guerillas, revolutionaries, and activists who have undeniable contributions to Vietnam's progress. Vietnamese Women’s Museum was built in 1987 and is currently being run by The Women’s Union of Vietnam.
Vietnamese Women's Museum is at 36 P. Ly Thurong Kiet Street, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 40.000 VND (approximately P100).
Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
Stretching four kilometers long, Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is a collaborative work among local artists. Lined up along the Red River, the colorful murals illustrate historic events, lifestyles, and popular spots in the country which are made more picturesque by the quaint and elevated houses that run through the whole stretch of the road.
Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is at 11 P. Hang Voi, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. It is open 24 hours.
ba-bau AIR
This collective-run space in Hanoi serves multiple functions. It's simultaneously a kitchen, an artist's residence, an exhibition space, a screening venue, and a workshop space, among others. ba-bau AIR has also accommodated experimental and independent initiatives by local and foreign artists and creatives. Its space speaks of the spirit of the collective which aims to be more flexible and adaptive to the ever-changing conditions of the user or inhabitant of the space.
ba-bau AIR is at 82A Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It is open by appointment. Admission is free.
Vincom Center for Contemporary Art
Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA), located in the Royal City and inside a commercial building, exhibits installation and media-based works. The Royal City alone is a destination on its own which takes inspiration from classical architecture and monuments. Most recently, VCCA featured the works of Filipino artist Cian Dayrit through an exhibition titled Toa IV: Foliage.
Vincom Center for Contemporary Art is at B1-R3 Floor, Royal City, 72A D. Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.