OVERVIEW

The capital of Vietnam, a city that celebrated 1.000 years in 2010 has countless fascinating cultural and historic sites and our days' tour will visit the highlights.  See the grand and solemn mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov), the 'icon of Hanoi' - The One Pillar Pagoda, the beautiful Temple of Literature, West Lake's Tran Quoc temple and Quan Thanh pagoda as well as the fascinating Ethnology Museum, the bustling Old Quarter and at the end of the day - a water puppet performance.

PROGRAM DETAILS

0830 depart your hotel for the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's past.

The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 will be visited next. This structure is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969, his former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.

Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) 700meters to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh which is dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism.

Lunch will be had in one of the city's finest restaurants.

In the afternoon visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum, which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam.

At the end of the afternoon visit Hanoi's Old Quarter also known as the '36 streets'. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you.

Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.   (L)

PRICING: in US Dollars per person

Rates are valid until 30 September 2012

Our services include:

• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• English or French speaking guide (for other languages and a national guide supplements apply)
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

Our services do not include:

• Other meals than mentioned
• Other services than mentioned
• International and Domestic Flights
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal natur
• Tips, Travel insurance