Day 1 – Hanoi: Historic and Cultural Exploration
Morning: Start your day with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to Vietnam’s founding father. Explore the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, delving into the country’s past. Next, visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a key symbol of Hanoi.
Afternoon: Proceed to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Admire the beautiful courtyards and temples within. Follow this with a lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try classic Vietnamese dishes.
Evening: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple situated in the center of the lake. Cap off the day with a traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Puppet Theatre.
Day 2 – Hanoi: Artistic and Culinary Exploration
Morning: Begin your day at the Hanoi Opera House, a striking example of French colonial architecture. Then, visit the Fine Arts Museum to appreciate Vietnamese art from different periods.
Afternoon: After lunch, discover the bustling Old Quarter. Explore its 36 streets, each named for the trades historically practiced there. It’s a great place to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Evening: Take a Hanoi street food tour to sample local delicacies like Pho, Banh Mi, and Bun Cha. The vibrant flavors and textures are sure to delight your palate. Finish your day at a Bia Hoi (draft beer) corner for a refreshing local brew.