HANOI CITY TOUR (HALF DAY – FULL DAY)

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace Area

An iconic site where travelers can pay respects to Vietnam’s most revered leader. Stroll through Ba Dinh Square, see the French-colonial Presidential Palace from outside, and visit Ho Chi Minh’s modest stilt house where he lived and worked.

One Pillar Pagoda

Built in the 11th century, this tiny but iconic temple is shaped like a lotus blossom emerging from the water, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. It is one of Hanoi’s most photographed landmarks.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

The oldest pagoda in Hanoi (dating back to the 6th century), located on a small island in West Lake. With its tall red stupa and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a spiritual highlight and perfect for photos.

Temple of Literature

Originally built in 1070 as Vietnam’s first national university, it’s dedicated to Confucius and generations of scholars. The temple’s courtyards, stone steles, and ancient architecture showcase Vietnam’s long scholarly tradition.

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

At the heart of Hanoi lies the “Lake of the Returned Sword,” wrapped in legend and local life. Cross the iconic red bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, and watch locals practice tai chi or play chess by the lakeside.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Known as the “36 Streets,” this bustling district is where each street is named after the traditional trade once practiced there. It’s a maze of lively alleys filled with shops, street food, cafés, and French colonial architecture.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology / History Museum (Full Day)

Choose between two excellent museums: the Ethnology Museum with its exhibits of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups and life-size traditional houses, or the History Museum with its artifacts from Vietnam’s dynastic past.

Cyclo Ride or Water Puppet Show (Full Day)

Experience Hanoi like a local with a relaxing cyclo ride around the Old Quarter, or opt for a traditional water puppet show – a uniquely Vietnamese art form performed on water accompanied by live folk music.