SGO Destination Management Company
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Day tour

Hanoi in a day: Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter

The yellow Presidential Palace by Ba Đình Square, Hanoi
Visitors in áo dài at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi
The red Thê Húc bridge on Hoàn Kiếm Lake at dusk, Hanoi
  • 8 hours
  • Small group, up to 12
  • Starts and ends in Hanoi

Overview

A full day in Hanoi at an easy pace, with a guide and a car for the longer hops. Start at Ba Đình Square and the One Pillar Pagoda, then walk the five courtyards of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university.

After lunch near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, cross the red bridge to Ngọc Sơn Temple and ride a cyclo through the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, where each street was once named after the goods sold on it.

Highlights

  • The Temple of Literature, founded in 1070
  • Ba Đình Square and the One Pillar Pagoda
  • Ngọc Sơn Temple on Hoàn Kiếm Lake
  • 45 minutes by cyclo through the Old Quarter
  • Good for families, short walks only

Itinerary

  1. Pick-up from your hotel

    Hotels in the Old Quarter and the French Quarter.

    Your hotel, Hanoi

  2. Ba Đình Square and the One Pillar Pagoda

    The mausoleum from the square, then the small pagoda on a single stone pillar.

    Ba Đình, Hanoi

  3. Temple of Literature

    Five courtyards, the stone stelae of the doctors and the old lecture halls.

    Temple of Literature, Hanoi

  4. Lunch

    Bún chả or phở at a local restaurant.

    Old Quarter, HanoiRestaurant

  5. Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple

    Cross the red Thê Húc bridge to the temple on the lake.

    Hoàn Kiếm Lake

  6. Cyclo through the 36 streets

    Past Hàng Bạc, Hàng Mã and Hàng Buồm, then time at Đồng Xuân market.

    Old Quarter, Hanoi

  7. Back at your hotel

    Drop-off by car.

    Your hotel, Hanoi

What's included

Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • English-speaking guide
  • Entrance tickets
  • 45-minute cyclo ride
  • Lunch and drinking water

Not included

  • Drinks at lunch
  • Tips for guide and cyclo driver
  • Travel insurance

Good to know

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The walks are short and flat and children ride the cyclo with a parent.

Can we go inside the mausoleum?

It opens in the morning only, is closed on some weekdays and for a few weeks each year. When it is open and you want to queue, tell your guide.

Is there a dress code?

Shoulders and knees should be covered at the mausoleum and in temples. A light scarf is enough.

Can I cancel?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

From US$49 per person

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