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7 Days in Hanoi: Unveiling the Rich History and Cultural Wonders

m i n e

m i n e

2 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating journey through Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history at the Vietnam National Museum of History and be enchanted by the traditional Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Discover the serene beauty of Hoàn Kiếm Lake and explore the ancient temples and palaces that dot the city. Uncover the secrets of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and pay homage to Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Delve into the diverse cultural heritage at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and be moved by the stories within the Hanoi Police Museum and Hoa Lo Prison Relic. Finally, gain insight into the lives of Vietnamese women at the Vietnamese Women's Museum and find tranquility at the Temple of Literature.

Day 1Unveiling History at Vietnam National Museum of History and Water Puppet Theatre
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$7

Vietnam National Museum of History
This 2-building history museum displays ancient artifacts & Buddhist art, plus statues & war relics.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$3
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Performing-arts venue presenting theatrical water puppetry shows with accompanying music.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$4
Day 2Serenity and Splendor at Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Bach Ma Temple, and Presidential Palace
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$0

·

$ 1

Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Lake featuring a temple on a small island reached via a wooden bridge & a tower on another island.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Ngoc Son Temple
Confucian temple on a lake reached by bridge with tower & pavilions dedicated to the national hero.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Bach Ma Temple
Elaborate Ly dynasty temple founded in 1010 and reconstructed in the 18th-19th centuries.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
11 - 14 min

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Directions

Presidential Palace
This 1900s French Colonial palace is the office & residence of Vietnam’s president & vice president.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 3Spiritual Exploration at Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and Cua Bac Parish Church
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$0

Tran Quoc Pagoda
Long-standing Buddhist temple built on a small, charming island with numerous shrines.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Quan Thanh Temple
Taoist 1200s temple featuring a spacious courtyard & a shrine with a revered bronze statue.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Cua Bac Parish Church
Historic Roman Catholic church featuring a yellow facade & tower, with a simply appointed interior.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Day 4Journey through Time at Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
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$3

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Imperial citadel complex with 11th-century buildings & sculptures, including a tower & stone dragon.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$3
16 - 23 min

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Directions

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh's body is on display in this mausoleum & historic site.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Day 5Cultural Immersion at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Hanoi Museum
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$3

·

$ 1

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Ethnological museum offering exhibits on Vietnam's various cultures, with gardens & a restaurant.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$3
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Hanoi Museum
Museum showcasing artefacts from Hanoi & Vietnamese history, in an inverted pyramid building.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 6Unraveling Stories at Hanoi Police Museum and Hoa Lo Prison Relic
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$7

Hanoi Police Museum
Small, tidy museum chronicling the history of police in Hanoi via gear, uniform & photo displays.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$3
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Only the gatehouse, now a museum, remains of this storied prison for POWs during the Vietnam War.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$4
Day 7Celebrating Women and Wisdom at Vietnamese Women's Museum and Temple of Literature
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$4

·

$ 1

Vietnamese Women's Museum
Modern museum with a permanent collection exploring Vietnamese women's history, culture & fashion.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$3
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Temple Of Literature
Confucian temple with landscaped courtyards, numerous altars & shrines & an imposing front gate.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$1

Budget breakdown: $23 In total

Activities & Food:$22
Transport:$1