Hanoi

The One-pillared Pagoda

Visit the 11th century Temple of Literature, Vietnam's most important Confucian sanctuary consisting of 5 walled courtyards modelled on that of Confucius's birthplace in Qufu, China (below).  Continue to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake ("Lake of the Restored Sword") in the centre of Hanoi and also visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays and usually for maintenance in October and November).  Close to the mausolem is the tiny One-pillared Pagoda, which has become a symbol of Hanoi; founded in the 11th century (and restored in 1954) it is supported on a single column rising from the middle of a lake and is designed to resemble a lotus blossom.