Known as one of the icons of Ha Noi, Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts crowds of Buddhists followers and domestic and international tourists throughout the year. Built in the sixth century, Tran Quoc pagoda is the most ancient of the 600 or so pagodas and temples in the capital city. The pagoda sits on an islet within West Lake in Tay Ho district. It is distinguished by its historical and architectural values, becoming a sacred place for locals and a popular religious attraction for foreign visitors.

(OPTIONAL) The Temple of Literature is often cited as one of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Originally built as a university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, the building is extremely well preserved and is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture. This ancient site offers a lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were once used by royalty. Visiting the Temple of Literature you will discover historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a revered place that has seen thousands of doctors’ graduate in what has now become a memorial to education and literature. Originally the university only accepted aristocrats, the elite and royal family members as students before eventually opening its doors to brighter ‘commoners’. Successful graduates had their names engraved on a stone stele which can be found on top of the stone turtles.

St Joseph’s Cathedral, or “The Big Church” familiarly called by the locals, is one of the first structures constructed by French colonists during their expansion in Indochina and still intact in Hanoi after two fierce wars. You have a short visit the outside of the stunning St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Dong Xuan Market, the largest wholesale market in Hanoi was built in 1889. Dong Xuan Market has long been a tourist attraction in Hanoi, thanks to its prime location in the heart of this city as well as the impressive architecture and history. Coming to Dong Xuan Market, you can find a wide range of commodities from fabric, clothing, local handicrafts, souvenirs and street foods. Read on to explore all the specific things about Dong Xuan Market. When the nationwide war broke out in 1946, Dong Xuan Market witnessed the fierce battles of Vietnamese resistance fighters against the French soldiers, especially the combat of deciding-to-die soldiers (Quyết Tử Quân) to prevent the French attack on the Inter-resistance Zone 1 in February 1947. For more than 100 years, Dong Xuan Market has associated with many important milestones throughout the history of Hanoi, contained all the material and sentimental value of Hanoi and become one of the inseparable symbols of Hanoi.

In 1882, after the French army conquered Hanoi, the bridge was constructed in 1899 and completed in 1902. A symbol of the tenacity and resilience of the Hanoian people, the Long Bien Bridge was bombed on several occasions during the American War, and each time quickly repaired by the Vietnamese. The bridge, used by trains, mopeds and pedestrians, is undergoing reconstruction to restore its original appearance. It's colourfully illuminated at night.

Visiting Hanoi Train Street in Hanoi is one of the Best Things To Do to learn and explore Hanoi local life. Rather than being a normal road with car or motorbike traffic, it has actual real railway lines running through it. Nestled in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this narrow alley attracts travelers hoping to snap a picture on the active train track, and even catch a train whizz by! This alley is actually a residential area - many locals have converted their houses into quaint little cafes where you can sip on traditional egg coffee. It is a very wonderful experience once visting Hanoi city.

Built in the late 19th century during French colonization, Hoa Lo Prison served as a prison for Vietnamese revolutionaries and later held American POWs during the Vietnam War. Today, it’s a museum that offers a glimpse into the country’s past struggles for independence.

The Hanoi Opera House (French: Opéra de Hanoï) was erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911 (you are allowed to visit the outside of the building). It is one of three opera houses that the French built during their time in Indochina, the others are Haiphong Opera House and Municipal Theatre in Ho Chi Minh city. It was modeled on the Palais Garnier, the older of Paris's two opera houses, and is considered to be one of the architectural landmarks of Hanoi. The main architectural style of the Opera House is Neoclassicism. After the departure of the French the opera house became the scene for several political events. as well as the scene of street fighting during the fight for Hanoi.

Then the vehicle pass through Hoan Kiem Lake (lake of the Restored Sword), another name "Turtle lake". The name “Hoan Kiem” comes from the legend of King Le Loi returning the magical sword to the Golden Turtle after defeating the Ming invaders. The lake is famous for its peaceful scenery, green surroundings, and iconic structures such as Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge... A short walk in the walking street near the lake bring you a fresh air and peacful mind. After this site, our vehicle will drop you off the same pickup place. Your say goodbye to tour guide and driver. End of the trip! PLEASE NOTE: Incase you want to extend your visit in Hanoi Old Quarter, you can say goodbye to the guide here (and go back hotel by yourself).