HANOI OVERNIGHT
Code: HGIL01
Day 1
Hanoi, Vietnam's small elegant capital, lies on the banks of the Red River and offers a wealth of historical and spiritual sights to explore. Founded in 1010, modern day Hanoi is a city of contrasts, with European looking gardens, compact neighborhoods of narrow "tube houses" and French inspired architecture -- all collaborating to give Hanoi a noticeable charm. On this overnight excursion enjoy ample time to discover this amazing city, and recognize its political and historical importance. Departing the port at Halong Bay, drive through the peaceful countryside, catching glimpses of everyday rural life: seemingly endless rice fields dotted with colorful billboard advertisements, small villages bustling with activity, and farmers in cone shaped hats. Upon arrival in Hanoi, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to visit the Temple of Literature. The graceful Temple of Literature was built in 1070 to honor the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Surrounded by serene gardens, the temple is an excellent and well preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, visit the infamous Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison) built by the French in 1896, and where many US POWs were held during the Vietnam War. Next, visit the Old Quarter. Once known as the ancient merchants' quarter, you will have a short time to explore the maze of narrow streets and back lanes, lined with colorful stalls and street vendors. Check in to the hotel before departing for an evening at a local theater, entertained by an engaging water puppet show accompanied by traditional string instruments. Created to amuse the kings of the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century, water puppets are an art form unique to Vietnam. After the show, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for the remainder of the evening.
Day 2:
Following breakfast at the hotel, begin your in depth exploration of Hanoi with a drive to Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Completed in 1975, the government positioned the massive, three story structure with grey granite colonnades on the historical site where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence for Vietnam in 1945. After a photo opportunity at the Soviet-style mausoleum, walk to the picturesque One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived between 1958 and 1969. Next, have a photostop at the John McCain Statue before visiting the Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the one of the best museums in Vietnam with its extensive displays dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority peoples. Leaving the museum, you will head to a local restaurant for lunch before the scenic drive back to the port of Ha Long Bay and your ship.
Please Note: Clothing needs to cover knees and shoulders. There will be a few occasions when shoes will need to be removed. Photography and video is not allowed in certain areas of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Note that it is not possible to enter the mausoleum on Monday or Friday. The order of visits may be reversed to avoid congestion and closing time.
Overland Program Step by Step:
Day 1
10:00am Drive to Hanoi
1:30pm Have lunch at a local restaurant
2:30pm Drive to the the Temple of Literature
2:50pm Visit the Temple of Literature
3:20pm Drive to Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
3:35pm Visit inside Hoa Lo
4:00pm Discover the Old Quarter of HaNoi
5:45pm Depart for Water Puppet Theatre
6:00pm Enjoy the water puppet show
7:00pm Drive to a local restaurant
7:15pm Have dinner at a local restaurant
8:15pm Drive back to hotel
Day 2
7:00am Breakfast and check out at the hotel
8:00am Drive to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
8:30am Visit Ho Chi Minh Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda
9:45am Transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda
10:05am Visit inside pagoda
10:30am Photostop at the statue of John McCain
10:45am Depart for the museum of Ethnic minorities
11:10am Visit inside the museum
11:40am Drive to the local restaurant for lunch
12:00pm Have lunch at a local restaurant
1:00pm Drive back to the ship
Please Note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The timings indicated are only approximate, and are given here for general reference purposes
Expected Weather: 25-30 C
What to Bring: Casual clothes
Currency: USD or local Vietnam Dong
Electricity: 220 Volt
Luggage: Handbag
Documents and Visa Requirements: Passport
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel in Hanoi
Program Includes:
* One night at a five star hotel on the basis of twin sharing
* One breakfast, two lunches & one dinner at local restaurant. Lunch and dinner with one local beer, one soft drink, or one mineral water
* Mineral water in all hotel rooms and on tour buses
* All transfers and sightseeing as indicated in program
* English speaking guide
* Entrance fees
* Water pupet show
* English speaking guide
* Two day's sightseeing
Not Included:
* Minibar, telephones, personal expenses