In the morning, start your half day city. Your first stop will be the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where the father of modern-day Vietnam declared the nation’s independence in 1945. Discover the reverence with which the Vietnamese treat their 'Uncle Ho' at this pilgrimage site. Continue your tour at sites such as the Stilt House, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda. Then drive to the Temple of Literature, built in honor of Confucius by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in 1070. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, for a touch of history. Then visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple with Sunrise Bridge. After lunch, depart to Halong Bay. Arrival Halong, check in hotel, the rest of day is at your own leisure. Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Halong
Distance: Hanoi - Halong: 165km ?4 hour transfer included breaktime on the way.
Note: On Monday and Friday morning, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed.