No matter how many times you have visited Vietnam, exploring the capital city of Hanoi is something you will always enjoy doing. Joining our half-day tour gives you an opportunity to learn more about the country's history and culture, while admiring the beautiful landmarks and monuments.
At 8:30am, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Independence Declaration of Vietnam on the 2nd of September, 1945. The square is a shrine to Ho Chi Minh, and here you can go and visit the national hero's residence (a simple house on stilts), as well as the museum and mausoleum dedicated to him. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum are remaining examples of Soviet-era architecture in Ba Dinh Square. The popular One Pillar Pagoda, also found in the square, attracts visitors who admire the colorful lotus pond surrounding it.
Your next stop is the Temple of Literature, the site of the first university in Vietnam. The temple was originally built to honor Confucius, and today the place celebrates the doctorates and high-rank scholars of Vietnam.
You will have lunch at a local restaurant for a taste of authentic Hanoi dishes.
In the afternoon you can choose to visit one of the city's museums: Hoa Lo Prison, which was once known as the “Hanoi Hilton”; the Museum of History; or Ethnology Museum. Then you go to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple to admire these symbolic images of the city. The lake is considered the center of Hanoi, not only physically but also symbolically. It's a popular gathering place for city residents.
Then you join the 1-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, which is also known as the "36 Streets". This busy area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. This area is also a stunning spot to discover with plenty of photo opportunities.
Finally, you will go back to your hotel when the tour ends around 4pm.
