Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and is described by almost all who visit Hanoi as “ old – fashioned city”. Old –fashioned in style, it is a city of lakes, green parks, tree – lined motorbike – filled boulevards , elegant colonial French mansions and an area called the Old Quarter where crumbling houses are crammed in to narrow alleyways that are still named after the goods  were traded there such as Silk street, Tin street, paper street and more….
Old – fashioned in atmosphere, Hanoi has sidewalk cafes, pavement barbers, dotted with local daily markets where local go for purchasing goods .
Hanoi has its one thousand year of history with a rich cultural value. There are many highlight  sightseeing places such as the Temple of Literature, The Lake of Restored sword, etc… It is all here in Hanoi, a microcosm of the Vietnamese culture.

  

Hanoi has its one thousand year of history with a rich cultural value. There are many highlight  sightseeing places such as the Temple of Literature, The Lake of Restored sword, etc… It is all here in Hanoi, a microcosm of the Vietnamese culture.

Transportation, English or Japanese speaking tour guide, entrance fees, Cyclo ride, a bottle of water / pax & traveler insurance.

     Your cyclo ( pedi – cab) awaits you for a first hand introduction in to the maze of Hanoi street life.
     In this morning you take 01 hour cyclo ride to enjoy an orientation of the tree- lined street of Hanoi, resplendent with French colonial architecture , including recently restored Opera House . Pass the Hoan Kiem Lake then cruise through the Old Quarter on this traditional  mode of transportation for an overview of the local life way before you are dropped off at the Ho Chi Minh Square where the marble & granite  Mausoleum of Uncle Ho is centrally located ( Subject to opening times the interior of the Mausoleum can be visited).French architecture is a feature of Hanoi , and the nearby former Governor’s Residence is a fine example . You also visit the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked for the rest of his life then see the One Pillar Pagoda ,and hear the legend of its construction which dated back in 1049.
     Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 to dedicated to Confucius then later became the first Vietnam National University .It is a nice retreat  from the busy street outside.
In the afternoon, you visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology which is regarded as the most colorful and interesting museum where the 54 ethnic minority groups’s culture, costume & customary are well displayed. 
     Then take to the streets on foot for a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter.( also known as the 36 Streets District). This densely populated corner of the city was once a centre of commerce where goods were sold under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of sellers today, you will see street names such as Paper street, Sugar street, etc…all are dotted with ancient houses, temples and stores where is popularly known as souvenir  hunter ‘s paradise .
The balance of your afternoon is at leisure. Some may wish to continue to spend more time to explore the Old Town can stay or your car will transfer you back to hotel for relaxation.

NTD Travel can arrange tickets for the Water Puppet Performance. The show allows you to experience the unique ancient art form derived from rural Vietnam over 9 centuries.( The performance time is subject to availability and extra charge is payable)