Port
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$290
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 11 Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Welcome to Hanoi, a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern progress. As the capital of Vietnam, it is home to a rich cultural tapestry of ancient Asian and French influences, making it a vibrant and dynamic cultural destination.
To start the day, leave the pier and drive 2 ½ hours to Hanoi. Here you will visit Ba Dinh Square – also known as the Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Nearby you will find the One Pillar Pagoda, before stepping inside the Temple of Literature, which was built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. This serene retreat was Vietnam’s first university and a serene retreat from the city.
After a sumptuous lunch of delicacies at a local restaurant, make your way to Hoa Lo prison. Here Vietnamese patriots were imprisoned by the French. When the American army began to drop bombs into Hanoi, many American pilots were arrested and imprisoned here. These included Former Senator John McCain and Mr. Pete Peterson, the first American ambassador to Vietnam after the war.
Next stop is the ancient house at 87 Ma May Street, which was built at the late of the 20th century in Hanoi Old Quarter. This house is quite intact, in keeping with the typical architecture of other ancient houses.
Continue on and drive to the Sword Lake area. Take photos of the tiny island in the middle of the central lake perched the Ngoc Son pagoda, reached by an arched footbridge. Hoan Kiem Lake is also home to a huge turtle species and you will hear the legend that is the origin of this name.
Nearby is the quarter of 36 street district. You have some time to walk around this booming quarter of Hanoi. Pass the myriad of streets that were traditionally named after the trades that were worked on them – such as Tin Street, Paper Street and Silk Street. Drive back to the port.
Please note:
Travel time to Hanoi is approximately 2 ½ hours each way. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered (women) and shoes may be removed to enter temple(s), pagoda(s) and the mausoleum. Shorts and/or tight clothing are not allowed. Long pants or a long skirt and a shirt are required—a wrap is not sufficient