Hanoi Day Tour: City Highlights (full day)

It can be difficult to squeeze all of Hanoi's stunning highlights into one day, but we've conquered that task on this jam-packed day tour! Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the towering Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake. Explore the colourful ceramic village and learn of Vietnam's culture at the Ethnology Museum or visit the Literature Temple and the very first Vietnam university - Quoc Tu Giam. Wrap up the day at the mesmerizing Hoan Kiem Lake, home of Ngoc Son Temple, and stroll through the Old Quarter's alleyway shops.

Day 1 Hanoi
Duration: 8 hours

Meeting Point: 8:00am Your Hotel in the Old Quarter

Finish Point: Hotel drop-off

Itinerary:
After meeting your guide, transfer to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho's final resting place. Venture inside his peaceful stilt house sitting next to a carp-filled pond. Admire the One Pillar Pagoda which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049! This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Next visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam - the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake. If you're taking this tour on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, explore the exciting Bat Trang ceramic village and admire all the handmade pottery. After an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Ethnology Museum (only applicable on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) or the Literature Temple and Vietnam's first university, Quoc Tu Giam. Next experience the serenity of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Wrap up the tour with a stroll through the busy alley streets of the Old Quarter for some shopping. You'll be transported back to your hotel around 4:00pm.

Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers.

Packing essentials: Long pants or skirt/dress are required to visit the mausoleum.