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9 Days in Hanoi: Unveiling the Cultural Treasures

Sandeep Madan

Sandeep Madan

7 Feb 2024

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture as you explore ancient temples, visit fascinating museums, and witness traditional water puppetry. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Day 1Unveiling History at Vietnam National Museum of History, Turtle Tower, and Ba Da Pagoda
+

$3

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

Turtle Tower
An iconic tower is the draw to this tiny island located in the middle of an urban lake.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Ba Da Pagoda
Quaint, unassuming Buddhist temple pagoda built in 1056 & featuring a serene vibe.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 2Tranquil Moments at Thien Quang Lake, Chùa Quán Sứ, and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
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$4

·

$ 1

Thien Quang Lake
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Chùa Quán Sứ
Venerable 15th-century pagoda, temple & headquarters of Vietnam's Buddhist Association.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Performing-arts venue presenting theatrical water puppetry shows with accompanying music.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$4
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Bach Ma Temple
Elaborate Ly dynasty temple founded in 1010 and reconstructed in the 18th-19th centuries.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
Day 3Enchanting Arts at Hanoi Opera House, Ngoc Son Temple, and Thang Long Art Gallery
+

$13

Hanoi Opera House
Ornate performing arts hall opened in 1911 & staging classical music, dance & opera performances.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$13
14 - 21 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.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Thang Long Art Gallery
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 4Celebrating Women's Empowerment at Vietnamese Women's Museum, Hanoi Police Museum, and Kinh Thien
+

$5

·

$ 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
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Hanoi Police Museum
Small, tidy museum chronicling the history of police in Hanoi via gear, uniform & photo displays.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$3
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Kinh Thien
Historic royal residence & onetime military fort on sprawling grounds with a museum & artifacts.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Free
Day 5Paying Tribute to Ho Chi Minh at His Mausoleum and Exploring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
+

$3

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh's body is on display in this mausoleum & historic site.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
15 - 22 min

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Directions

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Imperial citadel complex with 11th-century buildings & sculptures, including a tower & stone dragon.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$3
Day 6Admiring Artistic Masterpieces at Nguyen Art Gallery and Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, and Seeking Serenity at Cua Bac Parish Church and Quan Thanh Temple
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$3

·

$ 1

Nguyen Art Gallery
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
Vietnamese fine art across various time periods plus media displayed in a 3-story colonial building.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$3
5 - 6 min

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Directions

Cua Bac Parish Church
Historic Roman Catholic church featuring a yellow facade & tower, with a simply appointed interior.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Quan Thanh Temple
Taoist 1200s temple featuring a spacious courtyard & a shrine with a revered bronze statue.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Free
Day 7Unearthing Ancient History at Co Loa Citadel, Crossing Long Bien Bridge, and Discovering Tran Quoc Pagoda
+

$0

·

$ 1

Co Loa Citadel
Fortified citadel featuring the ruins of an ancient imperial palace, temple & walls.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
42 - 51 min

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Directions

Long Bien Bridge
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
17 - 21 min

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Directions

Tran Quoc Pagoda
Long-standing Buddhist temple built on a small, charming island with numerous shrines.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 8Diving into Cultural Diversity at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Reflecting on Ho Chi Minh's Legacy at Ho Chi Minh Museum
+

$5

·

$ 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
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Ho Chi Minh Museum
Built in the shape of a lotus flower, the museum explores the life of President Ho Chi Minh.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$3
Day 9Exploring Presidential Palace, Temple Of Literature, and Hanoi Museum: A Grand Finale to Your Hanoi Adventure
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$2

·

$ 1

Presidential Palace
This 1900s French Colonial palace is the office & residence of Vietnam’s president & vice president.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Temple Of Literature
Confucian temple with landscaped courtyards, numerous altars & shrines & an imposing front gate.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$1
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Hanoi Museum
Museum showcasing artefacts from Hanoi & Vietnamese history, in an inverted pyramid building.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $38 In total

Activities & Food:$35
Transport:$3