Highlights
Ever dreamed of diving into Vietnamese history and culture? Our Hanoi Highlights Tour does it all in one afternoon! We'll whisk you away from your hotel for a delectable lunch (included!), then it's on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's ancient university. Next, journey to the Hoa Lo Prison, a haunting reminder of the past. By 4:30 PM, you'll be back at your hotel, buzzing with unforgettable experiences. Want to add some spice? Upgrade with a traditional cyclo ride or a captivating water puppet show – all for a few extra bucks! Don't miss out – book your Hanoi Highlights Tour today!
Half-day Morning Hanoi City Tour (with lunch)
Our Hanoi half-day tour will start at 8 am. Our shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel. An experienced English-speaking tour guide will accompany you on the day of the exploration.
At 8:45 am, we'll reach Tran Quoc Pagoda charmingly nestled on Golden Fish Island of West Lake. With a long history since the 6th century, it is the most ancient pagoda and one of the most famous symbols of Hanoi, both in the past and now. Tran Quoc Pagoda is where many traditional festivals are held, such as Tet holidays or full moon days.
At 8:45 am, we'll reach Tran Quoc Pagoda charmingly nestled on Golden Fish Island of West Lake. With a long history since the 6th century, it is the most ancient pagoda and one of the most famous symbols of Hanoi, both in the past and now. Tran Quoc Pagoda is where many traditional festivals are held, such as Tet holidays or full moon days.
After 45 minutes of visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, we'll move to Ho Chi Minh Complex. It's the place where the embalmed body of the National Liberation Hero, Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho, is kept.
Lenin's Tomb inspired the design of the granite mausoleum in Moscow. However, the architecture showcases the nation's culture and lifestyle.
There's also a peaceful garden inside the complex. Two houses where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked are kept for travelers to admire.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum welcomes visitors 5 days per week (except Mondays and Fridays). But if you come on these days, you can stay outside and take pictures of the place and the wide surrounding area.
Plus, due to annual maintenance, the Mausoleum does not open for 2 months (from 15th June to 15th August).
The next destination of the Hanoi half-day tour is One Pillar Pagoda. It was constructed by Emperor Ly Thai Tong from 1028 to 1054. This symbol of innocence and purity is shaped like a lotus blossom emerging from grief. The pagoda was built of wood and supported by a single stone pillar, making it the most unique pagoda in the world.
Then, at around 11 am, we'll visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to discover the unique culture and lifestyle of 54 ethnic groups residing in the country. The first exhibition building was designed in the shape of a Đông Sơn drum, and the second one has a kite-shaped design. Entering inside, you will have a chance to witness exhibits and artifacts showing the unique life of these ethnic groups.
Besides, the outdoor areas display various traditional homes of different groups, showing multi-cultural civilizations across the country. The full-scale replicas of these homes will surely draw your attention.
The Museum is closed on Mondays, so we will visit the Vietnamese Women's Museum instead if you take our tour. Vietnamese women are known to be skillful, hard-working, and contribute great values to the country. Coming to the Museum, you will understand this compliment is true through the beautiful artwork, diverse information, and attractive stories.
After visiting the Museum, you will end your trip by having lunch at our restaurant around 1 pm. We will serve Vietnamese cuisine for a wonderful gastronomic excursion.
At 2 pm, our bus will take you back to the hotel. We hope you have a great trip, and see you next time!
*Note: Respect the solemnity of these places by dressing modestly. Opening the shoulder part and wearing clothes shorter than the knees are not allowed.
Half-day Afternoon Hanoi City Tour (with lunch)
Our half-day Hanoi city tour will start at 12:30 pm. Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to a Vietnamese restaurant to enjoy the country's cuisine. If you decide not to have lunch with us, we will pick you up at the hotel at around 1:45 pm.
After having lunch, you'll visit the first attraction on our itinerary. It's the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) – the first university in Vietnam.
After having lunch, you'll visit the first attraction on our itinerary. It's the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) – the first university in Vietnam.
In 1070, Emperor Ly Thanh Tong ordered the construction of this place, according to the concept of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Many well-known scholars and mandarins of the country "graduated" from there. The temple survived wars and retains its architectural design and cultural beauty to this day.
The next destination is Hoa Lo Prison. This historical site was built from 1886 to 1901 for the French colonists in Indochina to keep political prisoners. Its name literally means "fiery furnace," indicating it was a hard place to live for patriots during the resistance war against the French.
During the Vietnam War, from 1964 to 1973, Hoa Lo prison became a place for the Vietnamese government to house prisoners of war. Despite being called "Hell on Earth," this prison has witnessed multiple successful jailbreaks of Vietnamese soldiers, demonstrating their revolutionary spirit and unwavering patriotism.
Here, you'll explore part of the country's glorious history. By visiting many sections, including stockades for different types of prisoners, you'll understand how hard the Vietnamese revolutionary and brave fighters had been through to fight for the nation's liberty.
After exploring Hoa Lo Prison and learning about Vietnam's patriotism and national pride, your Half-day Hanoi city tour will end. At 4:30 pm, our bus will transfer you back to the hotel.
We wish you a wonderful trip!
Additional services (on request): Cyclo ride ($5), WPS($5)
INCLUSIONS:
Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
English speaking guide
Entry fees according to the program mentioned
Drinking water
EXCLUSIONS:
High-season surcharge
Tip
Personal expenses
CHILD POLICY (05-10 YEARS OLD):
1-4 (sharing seat): FOC
1st child 5-8: 75% adult
2nd child 5-8: 100% adult
9 & above = adult
REMARKS:
Visa into Vietnam available upon arrival at the airport with prior arrangement for authorization letter.
In general most places are closed in Vietnam throughout the period of the Lunar New Year.
WHAT TO BRING:
Passport, change of clothes, sun-glasses & hat, toiletries, sun-block, insect repellent, flashlights, personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks. If you feel the need then cable lock for your bags is recommended
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancel for free 3 days in advance!
Cancellation within 48 hours will incur a 50% fee
Cancellation within 24 hours and No show will be charge 100%
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