The iconic places of interest of Hanoi such as Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Hoa Lo Prison, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, among others are allowed to welcome visitors from February 15, according to the municipal Department of Culture and Sports.

The first ever visitor to Hoa Lo Prision in Hanoi on February 15. Photo: Ngoc Tu

“The reopening of relic sites must be based on current risk assessment following the city authorities’ guidance, and carried out in line with health regulations of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and relevant agencies,” the department’s recent dispatch stressed.

Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports has also urged relevant agencies and people's committees of districts and towns, where historical-cultural sites are located to build plans and prepare equipment for Covid-19 prevention and control.

The most important task of a relic when it reopens is to adhere to the disease prevention guidelines. All relic sites must have QR codes displayed to register people’s visits and help them make medical declarations according to regulations. The relic sites should also arrange manpower to guide visitors, avoiding crowded gatherings as well as provide hand sanitizers to visitors.

Visitors are encouraged to receive at least two shots of the Covid-19 vaccine or test negative for the disease using the RT-PCR method 72 hours before going to the sites.  

Regarding festivals, only basic rituals will be held and activities that attract crowds will be limited.

Visitors to Temple of Literature, Hanoi in the morning of February 15. Photo: Ngoc Tu

Hoa Lo Prison resumed operation with a display to praise the noble sacrifice and loyalty of Vietnamese women during war times and their contribution in peacetime.

The thematic display is divided into two sections called “Flowers in the Prison’s Fire”, introducing the examples of nine typical patriotic and revolutionary female combatants who endured brutality in French and American prisons throughout Vietnam during the wars, and “Long vang- Gan sat” (Golden Heart -Faithful Spirit), recounting stories about ordinary Vietnamese women who devoted themselves to the cause of national struggles for liberation and independence.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology announced that it will resume welcoming visitors every Saturday and Sunday (8:30am - 5:30pm) from February 19. Visitors to the museum will have the chance to stimulate the senses at the modern Discovery room, enjoy traditional music in the Multimedia room and discover the culture of Southeast Asia and some countries. Visitors in groups of 20 people or more can book tours on weekdays, except Mondays.

At the museum, they will be asked to make the medical declaration by scanning the Museum’s QR code, following the 5K protocol, and the instruction of the museum’s staff during their visits.