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Hanoi

Vietnam

Why Hanoi?

Hanoi is a vibrant capital city that is full of history and life!

Those looking for history, a colonial legacy and a modern outlook can find it all in Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, Hanoi. Stroll along some of the many boulevards stopping off in the social coffee houses and sampling the delicious street food on offer. Bicycle rickshaws are a popular and exciting way to explore the Old French Quarter, with many locals weaving between the rickshaws on their nippy motorbikes. There are numerous iconic sites to visit in Hanoi, including the complex that houses the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s humble home. Elsewhere, you will find many interesting museums including the Vietnam Military History Museum, Ethnology Museum, Women’s Museum and the thought-provoking Hoa Lo Prison. A great way to gain a good insight into Vietnamese arts is by attending a traditional water puppet show. There are plenty of excellent foodie options available in Hanoi, from high-end restaurants to local street-side eateries and everything in between.

Hanoi Sword lake vietnam

Hanoi Highlights

Here we have selected a few of the sights and experiences that you really should see on a visit to Hanoi.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Explore the Old Quarter

The bustling heart of Hanoi for more than 1,000 years, the Old Quarter is situated at the north end of Hoan Kiem lake this square kilometre teeming with life, was closed behind massive ramparts and heavy wooden gates until well into the nineteenth century. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is not only considered the main business hub but also one of the city's must-see sightseeing spots.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

A place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese people who come to pay tribute to the man who led the fight for an independent, unified Vietnam. Queues to view Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed corpse can stretch for hours outside the gigantic mausoleum, and once inside talking, photography and hands in pockets are banned, so unless you are particularly keen to see him, we recommend you pay your respects from outside!

Hanoi, Vietnam

See a Water Puppet Theatre Show

The ancient art form of water puppetry has a long association with Hanoi and there are several theatres where guests can enjoy this uniquely Vietnamese tradition. Puppets elegantly glide over the liquid stage, controlled by a whole troupe of puppet masters hiding behind a screen. Most shows feature the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which tells the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Discover the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, in the centre of Hanoi, was originally built in dedication to the Chinese scholar Confucius. Over the proceeding 1,000 years many more buildings have been added and altered so that now the area is filled with ornate pavilions, mystical shrines, and a verdant garden. It has become a rite of passage for graduating doctors to visit The Temple of Literature and the whole place is steeped in Vietnamese history.

A selection of tours to Hanoi

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    Cambodia Group Tour Culture

    Grand Indochina

    A 19-day tour visiting the sights and attractions of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

    View this package
  • Bayon Siem Reap Cambodia
    Vietnam Group Tour Culture

    Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

    Visit the UNESCO sites and vibrant cities of Vietnam and Cambodia

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  • Water lily season Mekong Vietnam
    Vietnam Group Tour Culture

    Classic Vietnam

    A 12-day tour exploring the best of Classic Vietnam.

    View this package
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    Vietnam Tailor Made City

    Vietnam Explorer

    Explore Vietnam at your own pace, with transport and accommodation included

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    Vietnam Tailor Made Beach

    Vietnam Highlights

    Combine tour and beach on the ideal Romantic Escape

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  • Mui Ne beach vietnam
    Vietnam Tailor Made Beach

    A Taste of Vietnam

    A combination of Vietnams main sights, with a relaxing beach stay

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  • Hanoi Puppet theatre Vietnam
    Vietnam Tailor Made Family

    Vietnam Family Tour

    The fascinating country of Vietnam has much to offer as a destination for families

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  • Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda Phnom Penh
    Vietnam Tailor Made Culture

    Luxury Vietnam and Cambodia

    Explore two unique countries, staying in luxury 5* accommodation

    View this package
  • meditation Pilgrimmage Village Boutique Resort Spa hue vietnam
    Vietnam Tailor Made Sport

    Vietnam Wellness

    The perfect itinerary for those who love yoga and meditation

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  • bangkok temple dawn thailand
    Thailand Tailor Made City

    Vietnam and Thailand

    A fascinating 17-day itinerary of Vietnam and Thailand

    View this package
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