8 Days in Hanoi: A Journey Through History and Culture

Kotlasravan Reddy

29 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant streets of Hanoi, Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this enchanting city as you explore ancient marvels, tranquil lakes, and fascinating museums. Discover the hidden gems of Hanoi and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Trip to Hanoi

Get Your Guide

Viator

Day 1Icons of Hanoi - Mausoleum, Citadel, and Art

$10

Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh's body is on display in this mausoleum & historic site.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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Free

20 - 29 min

Directions

Historic royal residence & onetime military fort on sprawling grounds with a museum & artifacts.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Imperial citadel complex with 11th-century buildings & sculptures, including a tower & stone dragon.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$10

3 - 4 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Cruising Halong Bay and the Beauty of Hoàn Kiếm Lake

$300

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$250

8 - 12 min

Directions

Lake featuring a temple on a small island reached via a wooden bridge & a tower on another island.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

An iconic tower is the draw to this tiny island located in the middle of an urban lake.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Ornate performing arts hall opened in 1911 & staging classical music, dance & opera performances.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$50

Day 3Art Galleries, Pagodas, and a Glimpse into the Past

$25

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

Quaint, unassuming Buddhist temple pagoda built in 1056 & featuring a serene vibe.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Only the gatehouse, now a museum, remains of this storied prison for POWs during the Vietnam War.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$15

3 - 4 min

Directions

Small, tidy museum chronicling the history of police in Hanoi via gear, uniform & photo displays.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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$10

Day 4Water Puppets, Lakeside Serenity, and Thrilling Adventures

$115

$ 3

Performing-arts venue presenting theatrical water puppetry shows with accompanying music.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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$15

8 - 10 min

Directions

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

15 - 22 min

Directions

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$100

Day 5Celebrating Women, Temples, and Bridges

$10

$ 3

Modern museum with a permanent collection exploring Vietnamese women's history, culture & fashion.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$10

12 - 17 min

Directions

Confucian temple on a lake reached by bridge with tower & pavilions dedicated to the national hero.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Elaborate Ly dynasty temple founded in 1010 and reconstructed in the 18th-19th centuries.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

Taoist 1200s temple featuring a spacious courtyard & a shrine with a revered bronze statue.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Splashing Fun at Ho Tay Water Park and Tranquil Lakes

$25

$ 3

Water park with a lazy river, pools & slides, plus rides such as a Ferris wheel & roller coaster.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$25

11 - 14 min

Directions

Urban freshwater lake with an 11-mile perimeter & a 6th century pagoda in the middle.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Lake in a residential area featuring a monument marking the capture of John McCain in 1967.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Exploring Ancient Fortresses and Spiritual Sites

$10

$ 3

Fortified citadel featuring the ruins of an ancient imperial palace, temple & walls.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

35 - 42 min

Directions

Long-standing Buddhist temple built on a small, charming island with numerous shrines.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

This 1900s French Colonial palace is the office & residence of Vietnam’s president & vice president.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

Ethnological museum offering exhibits on Vietnam's various cultures, with gardens & a restaurant.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

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$10

Day 8Wisdom and Contemporary Art at Temple Of Literature and Vincom Center

$ 2

Confucian temple with landscaped courtyards, numerous altars & shrines & an imposing front gate.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

15 - 18 min

Directions

Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA)

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $511 In total

Activities & Food:$500

Transport:$11