In Depth Hanoi: The Paris of the East
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Hassle-free
Cancellation
8 hours (approx.)
Private Tour
Overview
This in-depth exploration will introduce you to a city often referred to as the "Paris of the East" - Hanoi. With its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and scenic lakes, Hanoi is a city that will leave you speechless.
Our day begins with a discovery of Hi Chi Minh - perhaps the most highly respected figure in the history of Vietnam. Our first stop is a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved Vietminh leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”.
Continuing on we will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049. The structure was constructed using wood and is in the shape of a lotus blossom, set upon a single stone pillar. Nearby is Ho Chi Minh's House, a simple wooden house in a tranquil setting where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Some of his belongings are on display and visitors can walk up the steps to see his bedroom.
Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is extremely well-preserved and provides an example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
After a morning full of touring, we will visit a local restaurant for lunch, which is included in the tour cost.
In the afternoon, we will visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology, which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artifacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Next up is a one-hour cycle tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’, named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century.
Get lost in this fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street. This is a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life.
Before returning to your hotel we will witness an entertaining water puppet performance. This entertainment is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form, said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. The show uses colorful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and details episodes of national history set to music. Your visit to Hanoi would not be complete without witnessing this expression of history.
What's Included
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Round trip transportation from city center hotel
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English speaking guide
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All entrance fees
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Lunch
Considerations
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Beverages
Special Instructions
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There may be a surcharge if you are staying outside of the city center, contact Venture Ashore if your hotel is located outside of the city.
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Contact Venture Ashore if you would like to be picked up or dropped off at the airport.
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This price of lunch is included in this tour. Beverages are available at an additional cost.
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The cycle tour is approximately one hour.
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You may be required to remove your shoes in temples. If you have an aversion to this, we suggest surgical booties.
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You will have to dress respectfully in temples.
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The Ho Chi Minh is closed on Mondays, Fridays and all afternoons. The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays.
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There is surcharge pricing for all National and New Year holidays as well as peak season. You will be notified of any increased costs prior to confirmation. Contact Venture Ashore with any questions.
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The Museum of Ethnology is closed from Jan 24-27 for the Tet holiday.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup at Your Hotel/AirBnb Included.
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