Hanoi - Capital of Vietnam

Background

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. It has an estimated population nearly 6.5 million (2009),  (but only 2.6 million (2009) in urban areas). From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam. From 1902 to 1954, it served as the capital of French Indochina. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam.

Hanoi features a warm humid subtropical climate with plentiful precipitation. The city experiences the typical climate of northern Vietnam, where summers are hot and humid, and winters are, by national standards, relatively cool and dry. Summers, lasting from May to September, are hot and humid, receiving the majority of the annual 1,680 millimeters (66.1 in) of rainfall. The winters are short, relatively dry, and mild, while spring can bring light rains.

Hoan Kiem Lake

 

Located in the centre of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake (‘Lake of the Returned Sword) is regarded as the heart of the city. Once a marshy lagoon, it owes its name and its fame to a powerful legend, a close parallel to an episode in the UK’s Arthurian mythology.

West Lake

Ho Tay is the largest of all the lakes in Ha Noi. The lake is on the northwest part of the city. When Ha Noi was still the capital city, the kings from the Ly and Tran dynasty built summer homes along the lake. In the north end of the lake there are several villages famous for their flowers and fruits plantations. Most famous is Nghi Tam village, the birth place of Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, one of Vietnam's premier Poetess.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi

The original pagoda was built in the 6th century and is considered the oldest in Vietnam. It was founded on the bank of the Red River by King Ly Nam De who named it Khai Quoc (National Founder). Much later, it was moved to its present site beside Hanoi’s Ho Tay (West) Lake during the reign of King Le Kinh Tong (1600-1618) and renamed Tran Quoc (National Defence). The current building is the result of major renovations in 1815, but one of its effigies dates back to the early 17th century.

 

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

 

In the centre of Hanoi, a large area is devoted to Ho Chi Minh. The centrepiece is a large mausoleum where his embalmed body lies in a bier inside a glass case. Visitors must join a queue and file through the room without stopping. No photography is allowed, and all personal possessions must be left outside (provision is made for this).

 

Chua Mot Cot (One Pillar Pagoda), Hanoi

 

Chua Mot Cot or the One Pillar Pagoda has become the symbol of Vietnamese rich culture and history. The pagoda was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong (1028-1054). According to legend, in his dream, in 1049, the king saw a vision of Phat Ba Quan Am - Kwan Yin. She led him to a shrine in the middle of a lotus pond. When he woke up, he consulted with his court and decided to replicate the shrine in his dream to dedicate it to Kwan Yin. The One Pillar Pagoda resembles a giant lotus blossom.

Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi

Built in the latter part of the ninth century, Van Mieu is one of the oldest universities in the world. Its original purpose was the worship of the sages and saints of Confucianism, but six years later, a National College was established on the site. Initially, it admitted only princes, but soon expanded to admit bright students nationwide.

Hotels in Hanoi

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi - 5 stars

The Sofitel Metropole Hanoi is an award-winning French colonial-style hotel lying in the heart of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake and the magnificent Opera House. Boasting a    classical white façade, green shutters, original wrought iron detail, wood paneling and a lush courtyard lawn, the hotel is one of the region's few remaining hotels of its era.

Add: 15 Ngo Quyen St., - Hanoi - Vietnam

Hanoi InterContinental Hotel - 5 stars

The words luxury, opulence, grandeur and elegance define the best Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. Intercontinental hotel offers a serene and sumptuous lifestyle to its guests. The prime location, attentive hospitality, exclusive facilities and seamless services of Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake hotel truly make everyone a privileged visitor.

Add: 1A Nghi Tam - Tay Ho District - Hanoi - Vietnam

Sunway Hotel - 4 stars

The Sunway Hotel is located on Pham Dinh Ho street - a quiet location at the fringe of Hanoi's famous old district, within convenient accessibility to downtown commercial houses, a variety of entertainment, shopping opportunities and some of the renowned tourist attractions are close nearby.

The Hoan Kiem lake is merely a 10 minute walk away from Sunway Hotel.

Add: 19 Pham Dinh Ho Street - Hanoi - Vietnam

 

Hanoi Grand View Hotel - 3 stars

Hanoi Grand View Hotel is conveniently located within 3 minutes walk to the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, the old quarters with it's walking streets and colonial architectures. It's 55 tasteful rooms are specially designed for both the leisure and discerning corporate guests alike.

Add: 50 Hang Be - Hoan Kiem - Hanoi - Vietnam

Hoa Binh Palace Hotel - 3 stars

Located at 27 Hang Be Street, the hotel features an accommodation of 40 rooms, two restaurants at 1st floor and 8th floor, and a basement for parking. Designed in traditional French architectural style, the newly- built hotel is both in harmony with its surrounding area and differs itself from other neighboring buildings as well.

Add: 27 Hang Be Street - Hoan Kiem District - Hanoi - Vietnam

Tour - Full day around Hanoi

- 8h00 AM Departure from your Hotel.

- Take the bus to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of - Uncle Ho's final resting-place.

- Visit the One Pillar Pagoda

- Walk to the Quan Thanh Temple and Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West lake

- Lunch.

- PM: Visit the Ethnology Museum, the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university

- Take the bus to Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son temple.

- For the end of the tour journey visit by coach trip along the Hanoi Old Quarter.

- Free for shopping.

- Drop off at your Hotel at around 5h00 PM - 6h00 PM

NOTE: On Monday and Friday morning, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ethnic museums are closed - Bat Trang pottery village will be arranged as substitution.

Inclusive: Transport, Entrance fee, Lunch, English speaking guide, Water Puppet tickets (Applicable to Vip Option).

Exclusive: Drinks, Insurance, Personal expenses, Tip.

Class	1 pax	2-3 pax	4-5 pax	6-8 pax	9-12 pax
Private tour	90	60	45	40	35
Group tour (Normal)	US$ 23/ per person  (Maximum 16 persons)
Group tour (Vip Option)	US$ 30/ per person  (Maximum 16 persons)