Explore Hanoi with The Insider

Explore Hanoi With The Insider Day Tour (L)

Depart the hotel at 8:30 am for the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 will be visited next. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov; possibility to visit without supplement before 11.00. Order of the visit may be changed to realize this cost saving) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Visit his former home, which illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda.

Lunch will be had in one of the city’s finest restaurants. In the afternoon visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum. The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women. Displays highlight Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role Vietnamese women play in Vietnamese society. Learn historic and modern-day traditions centered around births, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more.

At the end of the afternoon visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around.

Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Note: Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) are subject to supplementary charges.