Unmissable Highlights of Hanoi in One Day

Hanoi, History, and Tradition: Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnography or Women's Museum, Ba Dinh District, Old Quarters

8:00 am: Begin your day with a museum visit. Choose between the Women's Museum, providing a fascinating introduction to Vietnamese culture with a remarkable display of traditional women's costumes, or the Museum of Ethnography, offering insights into the lifestyles and customs of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.

Explore the Temple of Literature, the first national university built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. This sacred space was where the Nation's Sons (royal blood, sons of mandarins, and aristocrats) pursued their education to become scholars and high-ranking officials. The temple also honors Confucius and the Scholars of the Kingdom. With its original architecture nestled amid courtyards, ponds, and gardens, it's a true haven of peace and greenery in the heart of the capital. Stroll through the gardens towards the symbol of the city and Vietnamese culture, "Khue Van Cac." Continue the tour to the UNESCO-listed "stone stelae" site bearing the names of Kingdom exam doctors. Proceed with the walk to Quoc Tu Giam – Sons of the Nation.

Afternoon: Take a walk through the Ba Dinh district, passing through Ba Dinh Square, the botanical garden, the former Palace of the Governor of Indochina (now the Presidential Palace), and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, and then explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, known as the commercial center of the capital, consisting of "36 streets and corporations," bordered by the charming Hoan Kiem Lake. Discovering the ancient quarters on foot or by cyclo is the best way to awaken your senses and immerse yourself in this captivating city.

Despite the passage of time, the Old Quarter is hailed as an open-air museum of the capital. The unique tube houses, narrow alleys, temples, open-air markets, and the delights of street vendors all blend in perfect harmony.

Evening: Optional: Dedicate your evening to a traditional water puppet show, a typical art form from Northern Vietnam (Red River Delta) that combines traditional music and scenes of rural life.