Perfect Day
Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Echoes of the Past, Pulse of Today
MORNING
Begin your day at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake — the Lake of the Restored Sword — where history and legend gently awaken with the dawn. Cross the iconic The Huc Bridge, distinctive in the morning light as its pale red arches glow softly, to reach Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, a peaceful sanctuary nestled at the very heart of the city. Here, as the first rays of sun grace the shimmering water, you will find early risers of all ages engaged in their morning rituals—a timeless rhythm that binds the city together.
As the old city stirs to life, savour breakfast like a true local: a steaming bowl of phở, whether with fragrant chicken or tender beef, paired with the perfect companion to your morning — a rich cup of cà phê sữa đá — the bold yet sweet Vietnamese iced milk coffee.
Continue your journey to the venerable Saint Joseph Cathedral, Hanoi’s largest and oldest Roman Catholic cathedral, where Gothic beauty stands as a quiet testament to time. Then, let the charm of Hanoi's historical heart draw you in. Whether by cyclo or on foot, wander through its 36 historic streets — each named for the trades and treasures once crafted or sold there, such as Hang Dao (Silk Street), Hang Bac (Silver Street) — where delicate embroidered linens, lustrous lacquerware, and finely crafted silver jewelry await in quaint shops and lively market stalls.
Historical Destinations. Where Ancient Stories Meet Today’s Explorers
Afternoon
Your passage through Hanoi’s wonders continues with a luncheon at the culinary icon Chả Cá Lã Vọng, where tender, freshly grilled fish is masterfully seasoned and delicately sizzled right at your table. Each bite delights your taste buds and replenishes your energy, setting the tone for an unforgettable afternoon ahead.
Your adventure continues with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where the iconic One Pillar Pagoda rises with elegance beside the majestic Presidential Palace — each structure echoing the legacy of the nation’s beloved leader. From there, proceed to the Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first national university and a timeless sanctuary of wisdom, steeped in centuries of history. On your way, pause at the Hoa Lo Prison Relic on Hoa Lo Street, where weathered walls bear silent witness to one of the most poignant chapters in the city’s past.
Let your afternoon wind down at the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda and the venerable Quan Thanh Temple — one of the four Sacred Temples long believed to guard and bless the city of Hanoi.
The Soul of Hanoi. Rich in Colour, Rooted in Culture, and Alive with Flavour
Evening
As the golden hour approaches, take a leisurely stroll along the elegant Thanh Nien Road — a tranquil avenue gracefully set between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. Admire the sky blushing with violet and rose as the sun dips below the horizon, while golden ripples shimmer across the water, inviting you to pause a quiet moment of reflection.
As night unfolds, be enchanted by the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre — a treasured art form where ancient legends of Northern Vietnam come to life upon the water, weaving together history and music, art and culture — all united in a performance unique to Vietnam alone.
Then, make your way to lively Ta Hien Street. Though modest in length, this vibrant lane pulses with the spirit of Hanoi — a perfect harmony of old-world charm and contemporary energy. Here, sample the city’s finest street delicacies, each one a flavourful story waiting to be told.