Morning:
Start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Here, you will discover the leader who fought for Vietnam's independence from French rule. Afterward, visit the surrounding areas, such as the serene One Pillar Pagoda and the grand Presidential Palace.
Then visit the Temple of Literature, the country's oldest university, built almost 1,000 years ago in Confucius' memory. Walk through its peaceful courtyards and gardens and enjoy the ancient buildings and learning legacy.
Afternoon:
Stop by Hoa Lo Prison, which American prisoners of war called the "Hanoi Hilton". Built originally by the French to house political prisoners, it was later utilized to jail soldiers captured during the Vietnam War.
Then walk around the busy Old Quarter. Each of the 36 streets is named after the goods that were sold there initially. Some of the streets, like Tin and Bamboo Streets, still have old trades nowadays.
Then stop by Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island in the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Finish off the day with a special cultural experience, the wonderful water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form that has been entertaining audiences for decades.
Meals are in your arrangement. Overnight at your hotel.
Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Monday and Friday, as well as every afternoon. However, visitors can still explore the Ho Chi Minh Residence and other areas of the complex during these times.