Upon Arrival in Hanoi

As you step into the vibrant capital of Vietnam, you’re greeted by the blend of modern life and ancient traditions that make Hanoi so unique. Your personal driver and guide will welcome you at the airport, providing a smooth transfer to your hotel, where your adventure begins.

Afternoon Exploration

After settling in at the luxurious Apricot Hotel—a perfect blend of French colonial charm and Vietnamese culture—you’ll begin your exploration of Hanoi’s intriguing past and present.

+ Museum of Ethnology: Dive into the heart of Vietnam’s diverse culture at the Museum of Ethnology. Here, the stories of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups come alive through an array of artifacts, textiles, and traditional crafts. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll learn about the unique traditions, costumes, and lifestyles of communities ranging from the Hmong to the Tay, all of whom contribute to Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry. Outside, you can explore life-size traditional houses, providing a hands-on experience of ethnic village life.

+ Hoa Lo Prison: Next, you’ll visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs during the Vietnam War. Walking through the grim, narrow corridors, you’ll feel the weight of history as your guide recounts stories of resilience, struggle, and survival from both the French colonial era and the Vietnam War. The museum’s exhibits provide a somber reflection on the country’s complex journey towards independence.

+ Water Puppet Performance: Your day culminates with a visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a vibrant and mesmerizing water puppet show. Rooted in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta, this ancient art form uses intricately carved wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life, folklore, and historical events. As the puppets glide gracefully across the water’s surface, accompanied by live traditional music, you’ll be transported to a different time and place, immersed in the rich traditions of Northern Vietnam.

Overnight Stay

After a day of discovery, return to the Apricot Hotel and unwind in your Canvas Lake View/Junior Studio Room, where you can gaze over the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake, reflecting on the city’s timeless charm.

+ Hotel: Apricot Hotel Hanoi 5* – Canvas Lake View / Junior Studio Room

8:30 AM: Begin Your Journey

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a full-day journey through Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks, each revealing a layer of the city’s rich history, culture, and spirit.

+ Ho Chi Minh Complex: Your tour begins at the revered Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll pay your respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum, a solemn, marble structure, holds the embalmed body of “Uncle Ho.” As you stand in the cool, hushed atmosphere, you’ll feel the deep respect the Vietnamese people have for their leader who led them to independence.

+ Ho Chi Minh’s Stilts House: Just behind the mausoleum, you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh’s simple Stilts House, where he lived and worked. The modest wooden house, surrounded by lush gardens and a peaceful carp-filled pond, offers a glimpse into the humble lifestyle of a man who preferred simplicity over grandeur.

+ Presidential Palace: Nearby, the grand Presidential Palace, with its yellow colonial façade, contrasts sharply with the stilts house, symbolizing the country’s complex history. Originally built for the French Governor, it now serves as an important governmental building.

+ One Pillar Pagoda: Before moving on, you’ll stop at the One Pillar Pagoda, a small yet iconic temple, perched on a single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond. Built in 1049, it stands as a symbol of purity and peace. Your guide will explain the fascinating history and legends behind this unique structure, bringing the ancient temple to life.

Exploring the Old Quarter

Your journey continues into the vibrant heart of Hanoi—the Old Quarter. Known as the “36 Streets,” this maze-like district is filled with narrow alleyways, bustling with vendors, shops, and local life. Each street was historically dedicated to a specific craft or trade, and as you wander, you’ll feel the energy of Hanoi’s thriving local culture.

+ Cyclo Tour: To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere, hop on a cyclo—a traditional Vietnamese rickshaw. As you’re pedaled through the busy streets, past colorful stalls selling everything from silk to street food, you’ll feel a sense of connection to the city’s past. The tour also takes you around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, where legend has it that a mystical golden turtle returned a magical sword to the gods, earning the lake its name—”Lake of the Restored Sword.”

+ Ngoc Son Temple: On an island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll visit Ngoc Son Temple, a tranquil spot dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao. The temple’s red bridge and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect retreat from the bustle of the Old Quarter.

Temple of Literature

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit one of Hanoi’s most cherished landmarks—the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070, this ancient temple is dedicated to Confucius and was home to Vietnam’s first university. As you wander through its five courtyards, passing beautiful stone stelae and ancient trees, you’ll feel the spirit of scholarship that has filled this sacred place for centuries. It’s a true symbol of Vietnam’s deep respect for education and culture.

Museum Visit

Your next stop is one of Hanoi’s famous museums, such as the Vietnamese Women’s Museum or the Vietnam National History Museum, offering further insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Afternoon Coffee Stop

No trip to Hanoi is complete without experiencing its legendary coffee culture. Your guide will take you to a vintage coffee shop tucked away in a quiet alley, where you’ll sip on egg coffee, a rich and creamy local delicacy. Sitting on the small stools typical of Hanoi’s street cafes, you’ll watch the world go by, soaking in the city’s relaxed yet vibrant rhythm.

5:00 PM: Conclusion of Tour

Your full-day tour concludes as you’re dropped off at your hotel or another location of your choice. With a day packed full of history, culture, and authentic experiences, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s captivating soul—a city that wears its history with pride and looks to the future with resilience.