Hanoi (UK: ha-, hə-NOY or US: hah-NOY; Vietnamese: Hà Nội [hàː nôjˀ] (
listen)) is the capital and one of the five municipalities of Vietnam. It covers an area of 3,328.9 square kilometres (1,285 sq mi). With an estimated population of 7.7 million as of 2018, it is the second largest city in Vietnam. The metropolitan area, encompassing nine additional neighbouring provinces, has an estimated population of 16 million. Located in the central area of the Red River Delta, Hanoi is the commercial, cultural, and educational centre of Northern Vietnam. Having an estimated nominal GDP of US$32.8 billion, it is the second most productive economic centre of Vietnam, following Ho Chi Minh City.
Originally a small settlement along the banks of the Red River, the city was founded as Thăng Long, the capital of Imperial Vietnam, in 1010 by monarch Lý Thái Tổ. Thăng Long would remain the most important political and cultural centre of Vietnam until 1802, when the Nguyễn dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam, moved the capital to Huế. Thăng Long renamed to its current name Hanoi in 1831. In 1873, Hanoi was conquered by the French, and from 1883 to 1945, the city was the administrative centre of French Indochina. The French colonisation left a lasting impact on the city's architecture that is visible today, as showcased through the juxtaposition of French-styled avenues, bridges, buildings, and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Hanoi city tour
Your first stop of the
Hanoi city tour day trip –
(Hanoi Tours ) will be the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam –
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed every afternoon & on Monday & Friday and Oct to Nov for annual maintenance), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969.
The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens.
In the same complex you will see the
One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi and is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.
Continue your Hanoi city tour day trip with
Temple of Literature was built in 1070 to worship Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. This is the biggest temple in the system of Literature temples in Vietnam which has 14 temples in different provinces of the country.
In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam (Royal’s sons school) – Vietnam’s first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within the temple to educate Vietnam Royalty, mandarins, and members of the elite.
Hanoi Old Quarter
The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascination glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Having
lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to visit the
Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda built since the sixth century, which located in a small island on the lake on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam) . Your next stop will be the
Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday) where you observe Vietnam’s diverse culture through the Museum’s unique presentation of artifacts and dress used in daily life. There are many other options for the museum if you are interested in history, art, wars, etc.
Late in the afternoon visit
Ha Noi’s Old Quarter also known as the “36 streets of Thang Long”. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake.
This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s great place to discover with plenty of photo opportunities all around.
You will complete a day with a
Water puppet show that is unique performance with the puppets and the water. Here you will finish Hanoi city tour day trip with sweet memories.
Back to the hotel and O/N in Hanoi
