Where is the Temple of Literature, and can I visit it

Asks alicevida

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A. The Temple of Literature is in Hanoi, Vietnam. It constitutes one of the most revered temple complexes in Vietnam. It was Vietnam's first university (built in 1070) and continues to be a centre of learning today. It is also the country's principal Confucian sanctuary. Five courtyards represent the essential elements of nature according to Confucian belief, with a central path (representing the Confucian Middle Path) running down the middle of it. It is open from 9am-5pm daily, the entrance fee is US$1.

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Q. What other sights can you recommend in Hanoi

A. Hanoi is a great city to visit as it is brimming over with history, and people. The sheer amount of people on the streets can be overwhelming when you first arrive, and it is nearly impossible to cross the road for the number of bicycles and scooters driving past. It is best to follow a local if you do want to cross the road - and literally avoid waiting for hours.

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The city combines traditional Buddhist temples and statues with French colonial houses and modern skyscrapers. Some of the main places to visit include:

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Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum�- despite his wish to be cremated after his death, you can see Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body in the mausoleum. He is still regarded as a hero in Vietnam, despite much disillusionment with Communism, and seen as the liberator of the Vietnamese people. You can also visit Ho's house on the same site, which is very impressive because it is a testament to his belief in equality for all - it is small, simple and ordinary - just like those of his comrade neighbours.

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One thing that is not equal however, is that sometimes when foreign visitors queue to get into the mausoleum, the armed guards accompany you to the front of the queue and allow you to view the body without waiting with the rest of the crowds. Although this may save you some time, it is very embarrasing but impossible to insist that you don't want to queue jump.

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The Fine Arts Museum is a great place to visit; it has sculptures that date back to the 9th century and lots of Buddhist statues including the Bodhisattva with 1000 arms and eyes.

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The Vietnamese Women's Museum opened in 1995 and is a favourite with tourists, make sure you get a guided tour in English (which is included in the entrance fee) as it tells a great tale focusing on social equality, liberation, female soldiers and now, peace.

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The Old Quarter is a must for any visitor to the city as it forms the commercial heartland of Hanoi. In the 13th Century, artisans set themselves up here, each taking a different street for their trade - which more or less remain today�- with specialised streets names for the products sold there e.g. Fish Street. It is also home to the Bach Ma Temple (White Horse Temple) a pagoda which commemorates the appearance of a divine white horse that appeared to show Ly King where to build the city walls.

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Hoan Kiem Lake - a visit here is a welcome break away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but only if you visit in the early morning or evening, when it is a tranquil experience. Don't visit at lunch time (the busiest time of day here), as you will be squashed along the paths.

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The lake itself is not spectacular, but is considered by locals to be the "soul of the city" and is a good vantage point from which to see some local landmarks e.g. the Tortoise Tower, Indira Gandhi Park and the Hanoi People’s Committee Building. You can also visit St Joseph's Cathedral, with its fantastic French stained glass windows, and the Ly Quoc Su Pagoda from here.

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Q. Is it easy to get around the city

A. As mentioned above, it is difficult to cross the road but once you get the hang of just walking out into the middle of the traffic and the vehicles going around you, it is straightforward. The city sprawls along the Song Hong (Red River) and is spanned by three bridges - Long Bien Bridge, Chuong Duong Bridge and Thang Long Bridge. The best way to get around town is either by taxi or mini bus, that are easy to flag down in the street. The buses are a lot cheaper, but more difficult to understand as there are over 15 lines and the timetables are very confusing. A cyclo (rickshaw) is another popular mode of transport, but make sure you agree a fee for the entire trip (not per person) before you set off, otherwise rows can ensue.

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Q. When is the best time to visit Hanoi

A. The best weather is in September-November when the sunny and bright days are neither too hot nor too humid. The most popular time to visit however, is in the hotter summer months from June-October, but the heat can sometimes be overbearing at this time of the year and typhoons are not uncommon.

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By Karen Anderson