Understand and experience the spiritual heart of Hanoi as we visit one of its most cherished landmarks: the Ngoc Son Temple. Set in the serene atmosphere of Hoan Kiem Lake, this historical relic certainly will form an important part of any Hanoi Religious Tour. Being one of the most sacred sites, rich in historical and cultural significance, it is still influential upon the spiritual life of the city to this day. Whether you are here to explore the deep-rooted traditions or to simply enjoy a serene atmosphere, this highlight of your Hanoi tours promises to be an event to remember and always cherish.
Ngoc Son Temple
Welcome to Ngoc Son Temple the real catch of any Hanoi Religious Tour! Situated on the northeast shore of the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, this temple leads the scorecard of cultural pride and a haven for spiritual depths. Whether for stunning views or appealing history, this stop will surely capture your attention.
The Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 19th century to honor the memory of General Tran Hung Dao, a legendary figure in Vietnamese history. His heroic acts of defense against Mongol invasions have lived on in this beautiful temple. But the temple is not just about remembering a military hero; instead, it represents the harmony of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism shaped across centuries that have formed the spiritual landscape of Vietnam.
On your way across, striking The Huc Bridge simply avails its bright red color to invite you to move away from the busy city to this place of peace. The meaning of the name, “Morning Sunlight," signifies a very symbolic and very beautiful bridge, relating to earthly and divine. Once across, you will see the Pen Tower greeted by this tall stone monument containing an inscription in the form of words “Tả Thanh Thiên" or “Writing on the Blue Sky." It signifies how important knowledge and education are to the Vietnamese.
Inside the Ngoc Son Temple, the spiritual atmosphere bursts with altars for General Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong De Quan, the god of literature and education. Both of these figures represent a balance between military strength and intellectual wisdom, two strong pillars that make up Vietnamese identity. The temple still functions as an active place of worship, with many students coming to pray in front of the temple for success in exams. It is the spiritual energy inside the temple that can be felt and makes this a major stop for any tourist desiring to understand the aspects of Hanoi Religious Tour.
Hoan Kiem Lake
8:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel
Join our day with a convenient hotel pick-up in the atmospheric Hanoi Old Quarter. The minute one steps out into the morning light, the energy of Hanoi will be palpable as the city wakes up.
8:30 AM: Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
We will go directly to Hoan Kiem’s serene lake-one of the best places to get introduced to start your morning. Your stroll around the lake will present the relaxing morning scenery, and you will hear about the fascinating legend of the Golden Turtle and the magical sword of King Le Loi. For centuries, this story has been taken into the hearts of the locals, and now it’s your turn!
9:00 AM: Cross The Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple
Next, we will cross the famous The Huc Bridge, whose red-painted arches form a picturesque icon burdened with symbolic meanings of interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual worlds. As soon as we step into the serene environment of Ngoc Son Temple you will be able to join in a spiritual ceremony: offering incense and learning of the importance of the temple in Vietnamese religious life. Whether looking for wisdom or a serene atmosphere, Ngoc Son really should be part of the Hanoi Religious Tour.
10:00 AM: Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Coming from this spiritual oasis, it would be quite pertinent to delve a little into one of the most salient features in Vietnamese history Hoa Lo Prison Museum. This museum was infamously known as “Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War and has much to talk about in terms of the struggle for independence. You’ll take a guided tour through the museum and hear about the struggles and resilience of Vietnamese political prisoners; it could be quite an emotional, as well as contemplative, visit.
11:30 AM: Visit the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám)
This tour now takes us to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a cornerstone for Confucian education in the country. This has got to be one of the most beautiful and serene places to reflect on just how much the country values education and scholarship. Take a leisurely walk through peaceful courtyards, and ancient stone tablets, and discover just how this temple played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s intellectual heritage-yet another highlight in our Hanoi Religious Tours.
Temple of Literature
12:30 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant in the Old Quarter
By this time, you will have built up an appetite. Let’s have a scrumptious lunch at one of the authentic local restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. You can try some of the traditional dishes such as Bun Cha, which consists of grilled pork with noodles, or try the world-famous Pho. This is a great refueling point for further adventure!
2:00 PM: Explore Dong Xuan Market
Next, after lunch, we will be taken to Dong Xuan Market. This is one of the biggest markets in Hanoi and is a treasure trove of local goodies, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Whether it is the search for something unique to bring home or just a general urge to be enveloped by the vibrancy of Hanoi’s markets, Dong Xuan can accommodate just about anyone.
3:30 PM: Free time in the Old Quarter
Now, it’s time for free exploration! Narrowly jammed streets, cute shops, and charming cafes fill the Old Quarter. Maybe stop for a traditional Vietnamese coffee or even try the famous egg coffee? You can also take this opportunity to wander through the historic streets and take some unforgettable photos of Hanoi’s rich heritage.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum
4:30 PM: End of Tour, Drop-off at Your Hotel
Later in the day, we’ll get you back to the hotel. By then, you would have seen some of the most spiritual and historical sites that Hanoi Religious Tours have to offer. We hope this journey will bring in a greater understanding of Hanoi’s cultural soul and leave you with lifetime memories.
What you need to do not miss every bit of beauty and significance of Ngoc Son Temple is now presented as we undertake this spiritual journey with Hanoi Religious Tours. These practical tips will ensure that everything falls into place, whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, and make the most out of this experience at this sacred site. Let’s dive deep into all that you should know before visiting!
Of course, the best time to visit Ngoc Son Temple would be during its ideal seasons of Spring March to April, or Autumn September to November. The weather is mild. It also remains a good time, to be comfortable around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy the serene ambiance of the place. Also, these months are not usually so hot, so you can easily visit and roam around this temple without much worry about the scorching summer.
The most important thing is, of course, to plan the visit according to the Ngoc Son Temple opening hours: from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. If you want to see it in the evening light, then it would be open till 9:00 PM during weekends. There lies a magic in the visit made during sunset time as the beautifully lit The Huc Bridge adds serenity to the atmosphere.
Good news for travelers! Entrance compares to be very cheap; this makes Hanoi Religious Tours affordability for every ticket only 30,000 VND per adult, and children under 15 years go free. Whether one is traveling solo or taking his family along, it is a great cultural experience on a budget.
Paying a visit to Ngoc Son Temple requires remembering that it is not just a sightseeing place but also a working temple. You should dress accordingly. It is not desirable to show yourself in overly exposing clothes, like shorts, sleeveless tops, or too casual attire. It’s better to come in long pants or skirts and with your shoulders covered. That way, you will feel comfortable and respectful to the locals.
As with every place considered sacred, good manners at the Ngoc Son Temple are very important. Here are a few that you should pay attention to:
These small gestures go a long way in making your Hanoi Religious Tour culturally rewarding.
In the end, Ngoc Son is even more in providing a different spiritual and cultural experience that could make this place a highlight on any Hanoi Religious Tour. From the peaceful setting in Hoan Kiem Lake to its rich history and spiritual importance, this is one journey that will always be remembered. Prepared to take in Hanoi’s spiritual heart? Book your Hanoi Religious Tour today with Impress Travel for an unforgettable adventure! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Ha Noi and to book Ha Noi Tours at the best prices.
Hanoi Head Office
Saigon Office
Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)
Day 2: HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)
Day 3: HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)
Day 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)
Day 5: HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day Inclusions: Transfer, breakfast, lunch, tour guide, rowing boat, entrance fee, bicycles, hotel in Hanoi.
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
What’s included in this trip :
4 STAR HOTEL TO BE USED
| City | Hotel | Room |
| Hanoi | Silk Path/ La Siesta Premium | Deluxe with windows |
| Halong Bay | Paradise Sail/Bhaya cruise | Deluxe with windows |
5 STAR HOTEL TO BE USED
| City | Hotel | Room |
| Hanoi | Peridot Hotel/Apricot | Deluxe with windows |
| Halong Bay | Paradise Elegance/Au Co | Deluxe with windows |
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Impress Travel offers daily tours to attractive destinations in the capital of Hanoi as well as package tours to explore the most popular destinations in North Vietnam, such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa, or adventure tours to explore the Northeast & Northwest regions such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Mu Cang Chai. Our products focus on providing travel services for private tours, small groups, family groups, and couples who need to make special requests for the trip. For the trip to Hanoi & North Vietnam, your submission to Impress Travel & Destination Management Company (DMC), which will bring the greatest value to your trip.
To explore Hanoi Capital's hidden charm for the first day, visit the most iconic attractions such as historical President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Ancient Temple of Literature, tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi elderly quarter. Then, the upcoming of Hanoi – Halong Tour, we will have an amazing 2 day and 1 night stay on an outstanding cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world.
We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. We will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city. Then, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. The unforgettable time is on Halong bay cruise that bring you to explore the seven natural wonder of the world.
To bring travelers to discover the most iconic of treasures in the Northern part of Vietnam. Travelers get ahead with the discovery of Hanoi’s hidden charm .The stunning beauty of North Vietnam come up with Sapa’s discovery were attracted by imposing sceneries such as rows of mountains, hills, lush valleys, rice terraces, waterfalls, and ethnic minority community. Afterward, visitors following up to Ha Long Bay
To discover the most iconic of treasures in the Northern part of Vietnam. Travelers get ahead with the discovery of Hanoi. Then, to explore stunning beauty of Sapa where we are attracted by imposing sceneries such as rows of mountains, hills, lush valleys, rice terraces, waterfalls, and ethnic minority community. Afterward, visitors following up to Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh (Tam Coc).
Contact us about any of our tours, or discuss your trip ideas, about Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar with Impress travel consultants. All replies asap and always within 24 hours.
