Sightseeing Tours in Hanoi

On this Hanoi sightseeing tour you will dive into the sights, sounds and smells of Hanoi on this full-day adventure through Vietnam's modern capital.

From the legendary Ho Chi Minh complex to the opulence of the Temple of Literature, discover the city's vivid, turbulent history and learn about Uncle Ho's legacy, which lives on in this enchanting city.

Wander ancient pagodas and French colonial buildings. Have lunch at a local restaurant and gain insight into cultural diversity at the Museum of Ethnology. You'll experience traditional street life in Hanoi's old quarter.

Note: when visiting local Bia Hoi the beer is not included in the price.

Dive in to the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling city on your Hanoi sightseeing tour. With your local guide we start our trip with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex on the site where he declared Vietnam's independence in 1945, and see the reverence with which Vietnamese people treat their "Uncle Ho". Other sites that you will visit with your local guide include:

• House 54 - Ho Chi Minh lived and worked here between 1954 and 1958
• Stilt House - Ho Chi Minh moved from House 54 to the Stilt House in 1958, and worked and lived there until his death in 1969.
• Presidential Palace - originally built by the French at the start of the 20th Century to house the French Governor-General of Indochina. Following his "Declaration of Independence" Ho Chi Minh refused to move into the building due to it's connection with the countries colonial past.
• One Pillar Pagoda - a unique wooden structure originally built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Thong of the Ly Dynasty. The current structure is a replica of the original.

Continuing on your Hanoi tour through the city you'll drive to the Temple of Literature. Originally built in honor of Confucius by Emperor Ly Thanh Thong in 1070, a university was added to the grounds six years later. The university provided educations to the royal family and children of the aristocracy or "mandarins".

The University remained here until Emperor Gia Long moved the countries administrative capital from Hanoi to Hue around the end of the 18th century and start of the 19th century.

After your visit to the Temple of Literature, you'll head to a local restaurant for a local lunch - "Pho" or Noodle Soup is a popular choice amongst locals.

After lunch visit the Museum of Ethnology, to learn more about the cultural diversity of Vietnams ethnic minorities. Established by the Vietnamese government in 1997, the museum provides you with a fascinating insight into the diverse cultures, customs and lifestyles of the 54 ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam.

You finish your ultimate Hanoi travel experience with a walking tour of Hanoi's hectic old quarter. See how Hanoians live out their lives on the streets, sitting & eating together on the sidewalks and bartering for wares. Visit the local Hang Be or Dong Xuan local markets, before finishing with refreshments at a bia hoi where you have the opportunity to swap stories with local people eager to practice their language skills.

At the end of our Hanoi sightseeing tour, you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.

Inclusions

• English speaking guide
• Transport & Entrance fees as indicated
• Lunch

Exclusions

• Items of a personal nature
• Tips or gratuities for drivers or guides

Dress Standards

• Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate.

48 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour includes hotel pick up. Rates are per person in US Dollars. Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusive. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-816-4909.