Hanoi – A City of Culture, History, and Culinary Delights

Hanoi is the convergence of thousands of years of culture—the heart of the nation, filled with faith and hope. The capital of Vietnam first appeared in history in 1010 under the name Thang Long, meaning "Rising Dragon." This name symbolizes the spirit of a nation on the rise, marking the beginning of a new era of development.

With nearly 1,000 years of history, Hanoi is home to numerous ancient pagodas and sacred landscapes. It is also a land of resilience, having endured two long and arduous resistance wars against the French and the Americans. This is why Hanoi today reflects a unique blend of classical French architecture and modern American influences.

Join us on a journey to listen, admire, and experience the beauty of Hanoi through a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks.

Highlights:

✔️ Presidential Mausoleum
✔️ President Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House
✔️ One Pillar Pagoda
✔️ Tran Quoc Pagoda
✔️ Museum of Ethnology
✔️ Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam
✔️ Hoa Lo Prison
✔️ Hanoi Old Quarter

MORNING

🕗 08:00 - 08:30: Pick-up from hotels in the Old Quarter or the Opera House for the Hanoi city tour.

1️⃣ Tran Quoc Pagoda – West Lake

Located on an island in the eastern part of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is nearly 1,500 years old, making it the oldest pagoda in Thang Long – Hanoi. With its tranquil setting, ancient Bodhi tree (a gift from India), and harmonious architecture, the pagoda was once the Buddhist center of the Thang Long Citadel during the Ly and Tran dynasties.

2️⃣ Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

This includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Stilt House, where the great leader lived and worked from 1954 until his final years. Visitors will gain insight into Uncle Ho’s simple yet inspiring life. You will also visit One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s four most iconic symbols.

📌 Note:

• The Mausoleum is closed for maintenance on Mondays and Fridays; during this time, visitors can still explore the Stilt House, fish pond, and One Pillar Pagoda.
• From June 15 to August 15, the Mausoleum undergoes periodic renovations, and visits inside will be suspended. However, you can still explore the Presidential Palace relic site, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and surrounding areas.

3️⃣ Museum of Ethnology

This museum preserves and showcases artifacts from all 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. It is one of the most fascinating museums in the country, offering both indoor exhibits and an outdoor section featuring traditional ethnic minority houses, particularly those from the North and Central Highlands.

📌 Note: On Mondays, the Museum of Ethnology is closed. Instead, we will visit the Vietnam Women's Museum.

🍽 Noon: Lunch & Free Time in the Old Quarter

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant in the Hanoi Old Quarter. After lunch, take a short walk to admire the vibrant streets and discover the stories behind Hanoi’s 36 ancient streets.

AFTERNOON

4️⃣ Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam

Founded in 1073, this was Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius and Chu Van An, a symbol of the nation’s rich educational heritage. With its well-preserved architecture and historical significance, it remains one of Hanoi’s must-visit landmarks.

5️⃣ Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)

Originally built during French colonial rule, Hoa Lo Prison was used to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries. Later, during the Vietnam War, it was ironically nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by American POWs. Today, it stands as a museum, offering a glimpse into the past with exhibits on its history and the resilience of Vietnamese prisoners.

🕓 16:00 – End of the Hanoi city tour. Viet Fun Travel bids you farewell and hopes to see you again soon!

📌 Important Notes:

• 🚸 Children under 3 years old are not allowed inside the Mausoleum.
• 🎭 Water Puppet Show tickets (Type 2) are available after the tour, which ends around 17:00 - 17:30 PM.
• 🎒 What to bring: Hat, umbrella, raincoat, and comfortable shoes.
• 🚫 Dress code: No short skirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing.

Goodbye and see you again! 🇻🇳✨