Hanoi Full Day City Tour – Culture, History & Local Life | Vietnam

1 Day

• 08:00

  Convenient pickup from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or at the Hanoi Opera House for a hassle-free start to your journey.
• Begin your day at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, nestled on a serene isle in West Lake. With over 1,500 years of history, this sacred site was once the Buddhist center of Thang Long during the Ly and Tran dynasties. Admire its majestic architecture and soak in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding lake.
  
• Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum and the iconic Stilt House, where Vietnam’s beloved leader lived and worked in his final years. Discover the simplicity and humility that defined his life. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s four most iconic symbols, renowned for its unique lotus-shaped architecture. Note: On Mondays and Fridays, the mausoleum is closed for maintenance, and visits will be limited to the exterior, the stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda.
  
• Discover the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – one of the most fascinating and comprehensive museums in the country. Explore its rich indoor exhibitions showcasing the history and culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, then step outside to wander through life-sized traditional houses from the Northern and Central highlands. Note: On Mondays, the museum is closed and will be replaced with a visit to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.
  
• 12:00

  Return to the Old Quarter for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing drive through Hanoi’s famous 36 Streets while your guide shares fascinating stories about the city’s ancient marketplace and vibrant trade history.
  
• 14:00

  In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s very first university. This iconic site, once the ancient school of Thang Long, offers a deeper insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions. Wander through its peaceful courtyards, admire the traditional architecture, and feel the timeless scholarly atmosphere that has inspired generations.
  
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum – The “Hanoi Hilton” Built in 1899 during the French colonial period, Hoa Lo Prison once held political prisoners and those awaiting trial at the nearby Court of Justice. During the Vietnam War, it became infamous for detaining captured American pilots, who wryly nicknamed it the “Hanoi Hilton.” Notably, Senator John McCain was imprisoned here for part of his five and a half years as a POW. Today, the museum offers a sobering glimpse into Vietnam’s turbulent history through preserved prison cells, artifacts, and thought-provoking exhibits.
  
• 16:00

  At the end of the Hanoi City Tour, our car will return you to your hotel. Thank you for joining us — we look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!