Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before preparing for a full day of discovery in the historic heart of Vietnam. At 8:00 AM, your friendly local guide and bus will pick you up from your hotel in the vibrant Old Quarter to begin your immersive Hanoi city tour.
Your first stop is the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, perched gracefully on an island in the shimmering waters of West Lake. Dating back over 1,500 years, this is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, once the Buddhist centre of the mighty Thang Long citadel during the Ly and Tran dynasties. Admire its elegant architecture, tranquil gardens, and sacred atmosphere, a haven that continues to draw devotees and visitors from across Vietnam.
Next, delve into the nation's modern history at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved revolutionary leader. Explore the elegant Presidential Palace and the humble Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, reflecting his modest lifestyle and profound influence on the country's independence movement.
Continue your journey at the prestigious Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university founded in 1070. Wander through its peaceful courtyards, ancient stone steles, and pavilions dedicated to Confucius, where scholars once studied centuries ago. The Temple remains a proud symbol of Hanoi’s rich scholarly tradition and its enduring reverence for education and learning.
Your exploration deepens with a visit to the somber Hoa Lo Prison, known internationally as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Originally built by the French to imprison Vietnamese political activists, and later used during the Vietnam War, the museum offers a powerful insight into the resilience and spirit of those who struggled for freedom.
Conclude your unforgettable day with a performance of traditional Vietnamese water puppetry — a truly magical art form that dates back over a thousand years. Watch the lively puppets dance across shimmering water, telling ancient tales of village life, folklore, and mythology in a spectacle that will captivate your imagination.
After a day rich with history, culture, and artistry, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on the remarkable spirit of Hanoi, a city where the past and present dance together in perfect harmony.
Meal: Breakfast at hotel