Exploring the Temple of literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda treasure, Hoa Lo Prison museum and amazing street food
8:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Tran Quoc Buddhism pagoda. It dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty. Take a leisurely walk on a romantic road, crossing West Lake before heading to the Temple of Literature which is best known as the first National University and a World Heritage site.
Continue to the Hoa Lo Prison museum (Hanoi Hilton) which presents Vietnam’s history while the French ruled and the war between Vietnam and the USA.
Travel back to your hotel or the Old Quarter for a rest. At 4:00 PM, your expert guide will escort you for a street food tour.
Your culinary adventure begins with Banh Cuon — delicate, steamed rice flour pancakes filled with minced pork and cloud ear mushrooms, served with nuoc cham (a fish sauce-based dipping sauce), crispy fried shallots, and fresh herbs.
Next, savor Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty. Minced pork patties and slices of pork belly are grilled over hot coals, then served with a flavorful mix of fish sauce, tangy vinegar, sugar, and lime, creating a kind of barbecue-style broth. This hearty dish is enjoyed with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs, and typically comes with crispy deep-fried spring rolls. For an extra kick, garlic and chilies are offered on the side.
No Hanoi street food tour would be complete without trying a Banh Mi. This iconic Vietnamese sandwich, born from the days of French colonialism, is a beloved fusion of East and West.
The next must-try is Pho — Vietnam’s famous rice noodle soup. Nearly every visitor to Vietnam dreams of enjoying a steaming bowl of Pho in its birthplace, Hanoi. This aromatic dish, topped with fresh herbs, has gained worldwide popularity. The two classic versions are Pho Ga (chicken) and Pho Bo (beef).
Finish your experience the way you started — with a taste! Enjoy a local drink like egg coffee, honey ginger tea, lemongrass tea, or a cold bottle of local beer before heading back to your hotel.