Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shops invite exploration by cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments, give the city an air of elegance and harmony, unique among Asian capitals.
Begin your day by visiting the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.
Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. (The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration).
Continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.
Afterwards head to Hoan Kiem Lake, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (may be seen from the outside only) and St. Joseph's Cathedral.
From the lake, begin exploring the Old Quarter by 'cyclo' This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop-houses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts and medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and an endlessly interesting place to explore local life. The 'cyclo' ride lasts approximately one hour.
In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the History Museum of the Museum of Ethnology. Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the History Museum (Bao Tang Lich) is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, and includes exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history, from prehistory to proto-Vietnamese civilizations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. The Museum of Ethnology brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.
Overnight in Hanoi