08:00 - 08:30: Pick-up of guests from hotels in the Old Quarter or the Hanoi Opera House to begin the Hanoi City Tour. The morning includes visits to:
Tran Quoc Pagoda - West Lake: Located on a small island on the eastern side of West Lake (Tay Ho District), Tran Quoc Pagoda boasts a history of nearly 1,500 years. It features a centuries-old Bodhi tree originating from India and is considered the oldest pagoda in Thang Long - Hanoi. The pagoda’s architecture harmoniously blends solemnity and antiquity with the serene beauty of the expansive lake, creating an elegant and tranquil setting. It served as a Buddhist center of the Thang Long capital during the Ly and Tran dynasties.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (including the Mausoleum and Stilt House): This is where Vietnam’s revered leader lived and worked from 1954 until his final days. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about President Ho Chi Minh’s simple lifestyle. Additionally, visitors can explore the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s four symbolic landmarks.
Note: On Mondays and Fridays, the Mausoleum is closed for maintenance. During these days, guests will visit the exterior of the Mausoleum, followed by the Stilt House, Fish Pond, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: This museum preserves and displays cultural artifacts from all 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. It is one of the newest yet most fascinating museums not only in Hanoi but across Vietnam. The museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The indoor displays provide rich information, while the outdoor exhibits, including activities and replicas of traditional houses from ethnic minorities (particularly from Northern Vietnam and the Central Highlands), make the museum stand out.
Note: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays. On these days, the tour will visit the Vietnam Women’s Museum instead.
Noon: The group will enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Old Quarter and take a short break. Guests can take a few minutes after lunch to stroll through the streets, exploring and learning about the names and history of Hanoi’s 36 Old Quarter streets.
Afternoon: The tour continues with visits to:
Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature): Recognized as Vietnam’s first university, this ancient architectural complex was built on a grand scale starting in October 1073 and remains preserved today. The Temple of Literature was constructed to honor Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, and Chu Van An, the principal of Quoc Tu Giam, representing the high moral philosophy of Vietnamese education.
Hoa Lo Prison: Formerly a prison in Hanoi, also known as the Central Prison or, ironically, the “Hanoi Hilton.” Built when Indochina was part of the French Empire, it was partially demolished in the 1990s and now serves as a museum.
16:00: The Hanoi City Tour concludes, and the bus will return guests to their hotels. Alternatively, based on guests’ preferences, the bus can drop off guests at the “Ham Ca Map” (Shark’s Jaw) area for independent exploration (all additional costs are at guests’ expense). Guests will then arrange their own transportation back to their hotels. Options include:
- Walking around Ho Guom (Hoan Kiem Lake): Explore the blend of Vietnamese and French architecture around the lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple (dedicated to Saint Van Xuong and General Tran Hung Dao, a renowned figure in Vietnamese and world history), and see the iconic Huc Bridge.
- Renting a cyclo or electric cart for a tour around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Purchasing tickets to watch a water puppet show.
We look forward to welcoming you back!
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned bus transportation as per the itinerary.
- One lunch meal according to the tour’s standard.
- Drinking water: One bottle per person per day.
- Entrance fees for one-time visits to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
- Enthusiastic and experienced tour guide.
Exclusions
- VAT invoice (no additional charge if an invoice is not required).
- Drinks during meals and other personal expenses.
- Costs for activities or visits outside the program.
- Any services or expenses not mentioned in the program.
Dress Code Notes
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
- When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, shorts or skirts above the knee are not permitted.
Children Policy
- Ages 1-4: Free of charge (parents cover any related expenses; no seat on the bus). Two adults can bring one free child; additional children are charged at 50% of the tour price.
- Ages 5-9: 75% of the tour price (includes a separate meal and bus seat).
- Ages 10 and above: Charged as adults.
General Notes
- Guests must bring valid identification (ID card/passport). Children under 14 must carry a birth certificate at minimum. Children 14 and older must have an ID card or passport.
- It is recommended to bring common medications for diarrhea or fever.
- Vegetarian guests should bring their own vegetarian food to suit their preferences.
- Any services in the tour not used, unless due to the tour operator’s fault, will not be refunded.
- The tour guide reserves the right to rearrange the order of visits to suit the specific conditions of each departure day, provided all listed attractions are covered.
- For tours with 10 or fewer guests, or when using 4-, 7-, or 16-seat vehicles, the driver may also serve as the guide. These drivers are experienced in leading tours.
Guest Responsibilities
- Guests are responsible for their own health in all circumstances. They must inform the tour operator of any personal medical conditions to receive additional health-related advice for each tour.
- Guests must safeguard their personal belongings at all times and locations during the trip. The tour operator is not responsible for losses of money, valuables, flight tickets, or personal property during the tour.
- Tel: (+84-24) 3736 8933 - ext 12 / E- mail: info@a25hotel.com
- Hotline: 0789 252525 - 1900 6925