Planning a vacation to Hanoi and want to maximize your time there? An ideal approach to see Vietnam’s capital’s magnificent architecture, lively culture, and rich history is to take a one-day city trip. This thorough book will walk you through a full-day schedule that makes sure you don’t miss any of Hanoi’s must-see sights, including a trip to the famous Vietnam Ethnology Museum.

Morning: Discover the Historical Heart of Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

 See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum first thing in the morning; it pays a somber and dignified homage to the man who founded modern-day Vietnam. Here at Ba Dinh Square, this famous location is where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence back in 1945. With its insights into Vietnamese history, the mausoleum is a major cultural and political monument.

• Opening hour:

Summer and Fall hours are Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (April 1–October 31).

Winter and Spring (November 1–March 31): Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday, 8:00–11:00 a.m.

Visitor hours are extended by thirty minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

• Entrance fee:

Entering the tomb costs VND25,000 (US$1,07) per person at the moment. For a tour to discover Vietnamese history, this is a fair and deserving fee.

• Rules:

Appropriately and officially dress

Check your stuff at the security gate.

Follow the cops’ directions and walk in line; do not jog or cause disturbance.

Off off your cap and place it in your right hand

Never scream or touch the walls.

Leave your hands out of your pockets.

If you would want to film or take pictures in the area, follow the directions of the guards.

Do not film, take pictures or make drawings of the room where President Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is placed in the Mausoleum.

Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House

After that, tour the magnificent colonial Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a straightforward home that reflects his lowly way of living. These websites offer an opposing picture of Vietnam’s revolutionary leadership and colonial heritage.

• Opening hours:

Every year hundreds Vietnamese people from both home and abroad visit Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. All days save Monday and Friday, it is open from 7.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Entrance fee:

Free entrance is available to Vietnamese visitors. Foreign visitors pay 25,000 VND for their tickets, though.

One Pillar Pagoda 

One Pillar Pagoda

You can locate the unusual Buddhist shrine known as the One Pillar Pagoda close by, constructed in 1049. Rising from a solitary stone pillar in the centre of a lotus pond, this famous building represents enlightenment and purity.Vietnamese capital Hanoi is represented spiritually and culturally by the One Pillar Pagoda. A true eye-opener for visitors, the temple boasts unique structural elements and historical significance.

• Opening hours:

In Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City, on the grounds of the park behind Ong Ich Khiem Street, is the One Pillar Pagoda. The hours of operation for One Pillar Pagoda are dependent on other areas of the complex housing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Visitors can so access this unusual shrine between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• Entrance fees: 

Visits to the One Pillar Pagoda by Vietnamese nationals are free. But each foreigner will pay 25,000 VND.

The pagoda is next to Ba Dinh Square. This is easy for guests to find and locate several transportation options.

Driving a car or motorbike, you park it at one of two spots near the Ho Chi Minh Museum:

Next to Ho Chi Minh Museum on Ngoc Ha Street is Ong Ich Khiem Street.

Mid-Morning: Dive into Vietnamese Culture

Temple of Literature 

Temple of Literature

Proceed to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Culture vultures must see this Confucian temple complex, which was established in 1070 and features exquisite traditional architecture, verdant grounds, and historical relevance.

• Address

No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Emperor Ly Thanh Tong built the Temple of Literature in 1070 to honour the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Then, under the name Imperial Academy, it became Vietnam’s first university. It had taught hundreds of well-known academics and mandarins during its more than 700-year existence until the colonial era. The temple is still architecturally and culturally beautiful despite the effects of conflict. 

• Opening hours: 

8 am – 5 pm daily

• Entrance fee:

• • Adults: 70,000 VND
  • Students: 35,000 VND (student cards required)

• Directions to the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature lies close to four main streets: Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Ton Duc Thang, and Nguyen Thai Hoc. You may easily go to the temple from any area of Hanoi. Either you can reserve a ride using the local hailing app, like Grab or Gojek, or you can use Google Maps to find the directions and drive here. The temple is close to the stops of busses numbers 2, 23, 38, and 25, 4.

Lunch: Savor Hanoi’s Culinary Delights

Bun cha

Stop for a delectable Vietnamese lunch at one of the many neighborhood eateries in Hanoi city. Savour classic fare like Pho, Bun Cha, or Banh Mi and become fully immersed in the regional cuisine.

Afternoon: Explore the Vietnam Ethnology Museum

Vietnam Ethnology Museum

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Ethnology Museum is the tour’s high point; see it after lunch. By use of exhibits, photos, and artifacts, this museum provides a thorough overview of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The outdoor part of the museum offers a wonderful look into the many cultures that make up Vietnam through traditional homes from many ethnic groups.

• Opening hours

Hours of Operation: 8.30 – 17.30 everyday

Except Mondays and New Year’s Holiday

• Ticket and Fees

40,000 VND/pax

• Address

Nguyen Van Huyen str., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi

Late Afternoon: Stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple 

The Huc Bridge

Go back into the city center and take in Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm haven right in the middle of Hanoi. Take in the tranquilly of the lake and the Ngoc Son Temple, which is reached by a quaint red bridge from a little island. Renowned in Hanoi city, Ngoc Son Temple showcases Vietnamese spirituality and traditional architecture. People gather to this holy place to pray for prosperity and mental tranquilly.

Ngoc Son Temple 

• Opening hours 

7 am – 6 pm on weekdays and 7 am – 9 pm on weekends

• Entrance fee: 

Children under 15 years old: Free

Students: 15,000 VND/ticket

Adults: VND 30,000/ticket

Besides looking up the entrance fee and opening hours, you should also pay attention to Ngoc Son Temple dress code, as the temple is a place of solemn and sacredness:

• Walk gently, refrain from laughing and making noise.
• Choose formal, non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts, or tank-top).
• Take shoes and sandals off when entering the temple building to light incense.

Hanoi Old Quarter 

Historic streets

Walk slowly throughout Hanoi’s Old Quarter to round up the day. Famous for its lively markets, old structures, and little streets is this busy neighborhood. Discover the many stores, have a taste of the street cuisine, and take in the energetic vibe. Situated north and west of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Hanoi Old Quarter. 36 streets make up this area. Hang Dau Street lies on the ancient quarter’s northernmost side, and Phung Hung Street on its westernmost. Hang Bong Street, Hang Gai Street, Cau Go Street and Hang Thung Street are located in the southern area; Tran Quang Khai Street and Tran Nhat Duat Street are located in the eastern section.

There are several ways to go to Hanoi Old Quarter, including bus, taxi, motorbike taxi, and so on. To go to Hoan Kiem Lake, take bus numbers 09, 14, 36; to get to O Quan Chuong Gate, take buses numbers 03, 11, 14, 18, 22, 34, 40.

Tran Quoc Pagoda 

Tran Quoc Pagoda

On a little islet of West Lake (Tay Ho District, Hanoi City) is the Tran Quoc Pagoda. Entering the pagoda is possible via the main gate located at 46 Thanh Nien Street. Tran Quoc Pagoda honors Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha. An altar honors Guan Yu, Guan Ping, Zhou Shang, and Anathapindika as well.

• Tran Quoc Pagoda opening hours: 

Regular days: 8 AM – 4 PM

Lunar New Year’s Eve: all night

The 1st and 15th days of every lunar month: 6 AM – 6 PM

• Tran Quoc Pagoda entrance fee: 

Free

• Tran Quoc Pagoda dress code: 

Formal non-revealing clothing (No shorts, mini skirts or tank-tops)

Evening: Experience Hanoi’s Nightlife

Water Puppet Show 

Water Puppet Show

An old Vietnamese art form, the water puppet show, is a wonderful way to end the day. One well-liked place to see this cultural show is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which is close to Hoan Kiem lake.

Dinner and Night Market

Night Street Food

Dine at a neighborhood restaurant after the performance and then peruse the Old Quarter’s night market. Shopping for mementos and taking in Hanoi city’s lively nightlife are both excellent here.

Conclusion

Historical sites, cultural insights, and local encounters are all expertly combined in a full-day Hanoi city trip. Including a trip to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum can help you to better appreciate the country’s varied ethnic past. Regardless of your interests—history, culture, or just wanting to see a new place—this one-day tour of Hanoi city looks to be an amazing experience.

Don’t forget to regularly follow our Facebook page and Website for more interesting information about traveling to Hanoi and to book Hanoi city tours at the best prices.

All the latest breaking news & travel information on Hanoi travel. Browse The Independent’s complete collection of articles and commentary on Hanoi travel: Hanoi attractions, travel news, gallery, culture, history and tips.