Day 1 – Hanoi: Historic Exploration
Morning: Start your day at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honoring Vietnam’s revered leader. Explore the nearby stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived, followed by the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Literature, the country’s first university. Wander through its beautiful courtyards and altars. Have lunch at a nearby local eatery, sampling Vietnam’s culinary delights.
Evening: Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. Cross the red bridge to visit the Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake. Complete your day with a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre.
Day 2 – Hanoi: Cultural and Artistic Immersion
Morning: Visit the Hanoi Opera House, a colonial architectural gem. Then head to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, showcasing Vietnamese art from various periods.
Afternoon: Explore Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. Wander through its vibrant streets, each named after a specific trade from the past. Shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Evening: Embark on a street food tour. Savor local dishes such as Pho and Bun Cha, followed by sweet treats like Che. Finish the day with a refreshing Bia Hoi (local draft beer) at Ta Hien Street.
Day 3 – Hanoi: Natural Beauty and Spiritual Insight
Morning: Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on an island within West Lake. Explore the elegant pagoda and its peaceful surroundings.
Afternoon: Venture to Hoa Lo Prison Museum, learning about its history during French colonial times and the Vietnam War. Follow this with lunch at a café near St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Evening: Walk through the French Quarter, marked by its colonial architecture and upscale shops. Enjoy dinner at a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant. End your tour with a visit to the Lotte Tower Observation Deck for panoramic city views.