A much-appreciated break from the busy streets of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, is one of the best examples of traditional architecture left in Vietnam.

Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, the temple is a great place to while away a couple of hours strolling through beautiful courtyards and grand halls.

Who knows, you might catch a traditional music recital and get inexplicably involved in a silly hat wearing photo opportunity as I was.

Pho Quoc Tu Giam, about 2km west of Hoan Kiem Lake.

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Otherwise known as the Hoa Lo Prison, this site is absolutely NOT to be confused with the Hanoi Hilton Opera Hotel.

Once a French jail where political prisoners and rebels were held and tortured, it is a grim reminder of the dark side of colonialism.

On the other hand, it is also evidence of the maxim that 'it is the victors who write history'. Infamous as the camp where US PoWs such as John McCain languished, often for years, in terrible conditions during the Vietnam war, today the museum depicts this period as if it had been almost a holiday camp.

1 Hoa Lo Street (get a moto driver to take you if necessary)
Tel: +84 4 824-6358

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