An in-depth tour of Hanoi City (B)
After breakfast, you will be heading for the in-depth tour of Hanoi City. Highlights of the day: Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake Famously known as one of the largest lake of Hanoi and oldest Buddhist temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake is a top sightseeing destination for those who are fascinated by history, local legend and the Buddhist faith. A pathway circles the lake, and is a popular walking or cycling track for the Hanoi community. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Ba Dinh Square – The old residence of Ho Chi Minh – One Pillar Pagoda Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the important monument of Vietnam as this imposing shrine was built on the edge of Ba Dinh Square, the place where Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Viet Nam to half a million of his countrymen in 1945, following the surrender of the Japanese. The One Pillar Pagoda is about 50 meters away from Ba Dinh Square. This little architectural curiosity gets its name because the shrine sits atop a single massive pedestal. Built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ and was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Temple of Literature You won’t be able to help yourself being awestruck by the serenity of Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) from the moment you pass through its towering gates. One of Asia’s loveliest spots, Temple of Literature is hidden from the buzzing metropolis behind high stone walls and ancient Frangipani trees. This place is home to some of Vietnam’s most magnificent religious structures and historical treasures. Great pools filled with blooming Lotus bear names like "Well of Heavenly Clarity". Ngoc Son Temple & Hoan Kiem Lake Little Hoan Kiem Lake remains the very heart of life in Hanoi. The lake itself is like a living thing with a personality that changes continuously with the hour and the season. Some of your most vivid memories of Hanoi tour might come from the 45 minute walks you take around Hoan Kiem at sunrise, at midday, and again after dark. Ngoc Son Pagoda sits on an isle at the North end of the lake. The oldest structures in the complex dated back to 1225, though most of what you see was either built or reconstructed in the 19th century. In addition to the two beautifully ornate Confucianist sanctuaries dedicated to various long-dead humans, a huge stuffed turtle (which most certainly never swam in this lake) resides in a glass display case. The spot is lovely, not only for the ostentatious architecture, but for interesting people who take refuge from the city here. Hanoi Old Quarter by electric car Some of the 36 streets that make up the Ancient Quarter still offer only a single commodity. One of the best is Hang Quat, where shops sell an incredible array of lacquered wood candle sticks, bowls, picture frames, religious shrines, and decorative pieces. Practically every single item is painted in some combination of red, white and gold. Many of the things are elaborate to the point of being garish. You will be given free time at the night market in Hanoi Old Quarter ( from 7 pm to 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)for shopping. Overnight at hotel.
