Hanoi’s history dates back almost a thousand years. During that time it has witnessed numerous incursions from China, seen a host of Vietnamese emperors come and go and at one time go even lose its status as the nation’s capital. The city’s temples and pagodas and the religious practices performed reflect a strong Chinese influence. For nearly 800 years Hanoi was the home of various royal dynasties until Hue became the new imperial capital in 1802. With the coming of the French at the end of the 19th century the city gained a new lease of life. This European influence can still be seen in the elegant colonial buildings that line the broad tree-lined boulevards of much of the city. Today the capital has a population approaching 4 million people; yet it still has the feeling of a small town, particularly in and around the Old Quarter.

The tour is split into a morning session with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex and The Temple of Literature. We then take lunch (hosted by BIDV) at one of Hanoi’s many fine restaurants.

In the afternoon, we visit Museum of Ethnology, Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake and One hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarte.

Note: Admission Fees and lunch will be handled by the host, BIDV.

Suggested Attire: Informal but no slippers. Because of the cyclo tour, may we suggest the ladies to wear comfortable jeans/pants. Sandals, sport shoes recommended. Please bring sunglass or shades/hat for sun protection.