• Old Quarter - Guests will be picked up from hotels around Hanoi City. Please be ready in the hotel lobby, as the guide will check in with the receptionist for the city tour.
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum - Begin the day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a significant pilgrimage site. This traffic-free area features botanical gardens, monuments, memorials, and pagodas, often bustling with visitors of all ages from across the nation, who come to pay their respects.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of Vietnam’s most important structures. Visiting this site will enrich your understanding of Vietnamese history and provide a meaningful experience during your vacation. It is often the first stop for newcomers to Hanoi due to its rich cultural and historical significance. This article will explore every aspect of this remarkable site in detail.

• One Pillar Pagoda - The One Pillar Pagoda is recognized for having the most unique architecture in Asia. Built in 1049 during King Ly Thai Tong’s reign, it features a wooden square pagoda supported by a single concrete pillar, designed to resemble a lotus flower.
• Chua Tran Quoc - Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the city, originally built in the sixth century during Emperor Ly Nam De’s reign, making it 1,400 years old.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest of its kind in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during Emperor Ly Nam De’s Dynasty (544 – 548).

Standing at 15 meters, the main pagoda consists of eleven levels, surrounded by buildings including an incense burning house and a museum with historic relics. Intricately carved statues from 1639, each with unique facial features, can also be seen.

After visiting the pagoda, we will stop at a local restaurant for a lunch meal featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes.

• Temple of Literature & National University - After lunch, the tour continues to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 to honor Confucius, his followers, and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education.

Located south of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a temple to worship Confucius. In 1076, his son established the Imperial Academy as a royal school for the elite, including princes, nobles, and bureaucrats. The Imperial Academy, considered Vietnam’s first university, operated for about 700 years, educating many renowned scholars and mandarins. Despite wars and disasters, the Temple of Literature has preserved its valuable architectural and cultural heritage.

• Hoa Lo Prison - The tour continues to the Hilton Jail or Hoa Lo Prison, used by French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, when it was ironically called the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs. Hoa Lo Prison, also known as “Hanoi Hilton” and “Maison Centrale,” is a historical site in Hanoi’s French Quarter. Originally built by French colonists in 1896 to detain and torture revolutionary Vietnamese rebels, it became one of Indochina’s largest and most brutal prison complexes. Later, Hoa Lo housed US POWs, who referred to it as the “Hanoi Hilton.” In the 1990s, most of the prison was demolished, but a section has been preserved and turned into a museum, making it one of Hanoi’s top attractions.
• Bếp Vua Chả Cá cơ sở 4 - Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Hanoi Train Street, where visitors can sit at a café along the railway, observing the lives of local residents. Although potentially dangerous, this experience attracts many curious visitors.

The unique aspect that draws tourists is the residential area along both sides of Hanoi Train Street, right next to the railway. The streets are so narrow that residents must ensure the safety of their pets, vehicles, and belongings whenever a train passes, while maintaining their daily routines. Exploring this distinctive train street in Hanoi, visitors will be amazed by the peaceful, normal demeanor of locals living next to the railways, and can immerse themselves in the local side of bustling and vibrant Hanoi. The most popular activity here is taking photos of the people and the living spaces along the train street.

• A bottle of water per person, Coffee at Train Street
• See highlights of Hanoi Capital City
• Experienced English Speaking Guide
• Private Car Transfer Pick up/drop off at your place in Hanoi City
• All entrance fees for sightseeing as program
• Lunch meal with Vietnamese traditional dishes

• Other beverages and Personal expenses
• Tips for guide/driver is appreciated

Hanoi serves as the capital and the hub of culture, economy, education, and politics in Vietnam. With its rich history spanning thousands of years, Hanoi boasts a blend of ancient and modern landmarks, unique sidewalk cultural experiences, and significant historical sites. These attributes make Hanoi a highly appealing destination for tourists worldwide. Discover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Vietnam’s capital on this comprehensive day tour. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and travel by private vehicle to key attractions such as Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and the infamous prison where U.S. Senator John McCain was detained. Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle between stops and witness the intriguing Hanoi Train Street, a highlight of the trip.

• We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements, please indicate them when booking

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.