In the morning, start the tour with a visit Ho Chi Minh complex. First visit the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation's independence in 1945. Walk through the gardens of the Presidential Palace before seeing Ho Chi Minh's house, the modest dwelling he built based on a rural Vietnamese stilt house and where "Uncle Ho" lived for the last years of his life.
Next we head to Hoan Kiem lake, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny tortoise pagoda. Walk across the painted red wood bridge to explore this center of peace and harmony. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House and Saint Joseph Cathedral. From the lake, it’s time for a leisurely tour of the city’s Old Quarter on board a traditional cyclo – a bicycle rickshaw combo. 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 you.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant with delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Then we will visit the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ – Hanoi’s former central prison made famous first for the incarceration of the leaders of Vietnam’s National Liberation movement and later US Air force pilots shot down over North Vietnam.
Carry on to the Temple of Literature, an ancient complex made up of five courtyards with pavilions, halls and statues. This fascinating site is a wonderful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, and was home to the country’s first national university. Considered as “an escape” from the bustling city, this temple and its beautiful garden provide an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.
The tour concludes with the Water Puppet performance, a northern Vietnamese folk tradition. Hear the Vietnamese traditional instruments and singing from the live musicians who play throughout the show
Our shuttle will transfer you back to the hotel around 18h30.