You will be picked up at your hotel by our professional guide and driver to begin a full-day journey exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Hanoi.
This morning, our first destination will be the Ho Chi Minh Complex, one of the most important political and spiritual landmarks in Vietnam. Here, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of the national leader lies in state. Then, take a short walk to see the Presidential Palace and the humble house-on-stilts, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the final years of his life, reflecting his simple lifestyle and dedication to the country. Just a few steps away, you will find the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique architectural gem built in the shape of a lotus flower—a symbol of purity in Vietnamese Buddhism. We will also stop by the Quan Thanh Temple, a serene Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vu, the God of the North, which showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture and ancient worship rituals.
After a relaxing lunch break at a local restaurant, our afternoon continues with an exploration of Hanoi’s vibrant eastern quarter. We will visit the Vietnam Museum of History, where a rich collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibitions provide deep insight into the country's past, from ancient dynasties to the struggles for independence. From there, we’ll head to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, where locals come to relax and practice Tai Chi. You will cross the charming red wooden ‘The Huc’ Bridge to reach the tranquil Ngoc Son Temple, nestled on a small island, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao—a national hero of the 13th century.
To conclude your day, you will enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppet Show, a truly unique Vietnamese art form that dates back hundreds of years. Originally performed in rice paddies by village farmers, this fascinating theatrical display brings to life nearly twenty traditional stories, folktales, and scenes from everyday rural life, accompanied by traditional music and instruments.
After the show, our driver will take you back to your hotel, ending a memorable day filled with history, culture, and local charm.
