Hanoi (Hà Nội) is an interesting mix of the East and the West with noticeable traces of the communist influence as well as the French invasion. This tour is designed to immerse you in the historical monuments, the lively life of the residents, and the excellent street cuisine, cafés, and restaurants in one of the most charming cities in the world.
A suggested itinerary begins with Ha Noi egg coffee – a Hanoi speciality. A creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee. Next, we make the journey to Ho Chi Minh (Uncle Ho’s) Mausoleum complex, Uncle Ho is the symbol of Vietnamese liberation and the father of many motto’s, and his most famous one is the first thing you meet inside: “Nothing is more important than freedom and independence.”
With difficulty, we must leave the Mausoleum and its intriguing history to our next visit, the First University In Vietnam “Quốc Tử Giám”. From the onset, you can’t help feeling a sense of awe that 1,000 years ago, before some countries were even discovered, Vietnam was building its first university. The Temple of Literature in Hanoi was constructed in 1070 and is one of Vietnam’s most significant historic sites with stone steles relics recognised by UNESCO.
You have the opportunity to enjoy delicious northern Vietnamese food at one of Ha Noi’s many local eateries
Any visit to Hanoi will inevitably discuss the effects of almost 100 years of French Colonialism and the later Vietnam War, so the next visit is the sobering Hoa Lo Prison Museum (The ‘Hanoi Hilton’). Thankfully, much of the prison built by the French has been demolished, and what you see now is the original gatehouse transformed into an informative museum. I will be interested to hear your views on the portrayal of the Vietnam War period.
Entering Hanoi’s Old Quarter with the sense of time standing still for centuries, we start our walking tour visiting Hoang Kiem lake – the “Lake of the Returned Sword”; this scenic beauty offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. We walk over the red bridge to visit the 17th century Ngoc Son Temple.
And at the end of your memorable day, you will be returned safely to your hotel.
What’s included:
- a full 8 hour private guided tour in English
- all entry fees
- cold, bottled mineral water
- moist towelettes
- use of a modern air
- conditioned vehicle & my professional driver.
What’s excluded:
- meals & drinks etc taken during the tour (bottled water is free of charge)