SHERATON HANOI HOTEL

Address: Add: K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Road, Tay Ho District Hanoi Vietnam, Tel: (844)(71) 99-000, Fax: (844)(71) 99-001

Rates Rates are in USD per room Room type Single Double Excutive Suite     Excutive Room     Preferred Room     Club Rooms     Rates shown are inclusive of all taxes and service charges. All rates in US Dollars are per room (single or twin occupancy). Check-in time at 13:00 or sooner, Check-out time at 11:00. Rates here are available only for bookings made with this website, and are not available from the hotel directly. Guest rooms & amenities Lake View Rooms Available City View Rooms Available Club Level Rooms Available Separate Bath and Shower Stall Iron/Ironing Board Restaurant & Loungesr The Oven D'Or Hemispheres Nutz The Lobby Bar Meeting & Event Facilities Number of Meeting Rooms: 5 Size of the Largest Meeting Room: 1070 Size of the Smallest Meeting Room: 213 Audio Visual Equipment and Technicians Convention Services Staff Meeting and Event Facilities with Natural Lighting Outdoor Function Space Services Whirlpool/Hot Tub (Fitness Facility) Free Parking Facilities Business Center 24-Hour Front Desk Air-Conditioned Facilities Copy/Printing Service Currency Exchange Massage Treatments Lighted Outdoor Tennis Court Secretarial Service 24-Hour Concierge Service Babysitting Service Lobby Bar Outdoor Pool 24-Hour Room Service

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SOFITEL PLAZA HOTEL

Address: Add: 1 Thanh Nien Road., Ba Dinh District., Hanoi. Tel : (84.4) 823888. Fax: (84.4) 829.42.83

Room(s): 317 rooms Non-smoking rooms: 129 Total number of suites: 23 Types of rooms - Classic Room - Superior Room - Luxury Room Club Sofitel - Presidential Suite Rates Rates are in USD per room Room type Single Double Superior Deluxe Extra bed Rates shown are inclusive of all taxes and service charges. All rates in US Dollars are per room (single or twin occupancy). Check-in time at 13:00 or sooner, Check-out time at 11:00. Rates here are available only for bookings made with this website, and are not available from the hotel directly.    Room fittings: 24-hour room service 24-hour security services Air conditioning Bathroom with separate bathtub and shower stall Broadband High Speed Internet access Electronic bedside control panel Electronic key system  International direct dial telephone Mini bar, tea & coffee facilities Safety deposit box Satellite TV Sofitel MyBed Hair Dryer LCD 32 inches in Club Sofitel rooms Sprinkler and smoke detectors Telephone in bathroom Turn down service Room services Hot dishes Cold snack Weekday hours: 24 hours Weekend hours: 24 hours Sofitel Serviced apartments Sofitel Apartments offer an up-market address, which is ideally suited for the business executive who is seeking a quality residence on a medium to long-term basis. Being part of the luxurious Hotel Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, the apartments offer convenience and comfort of a home with services and facilities of an international hotel. Room fittings Room with magnificent views of legendary Westlake, Truc Bach Lake and Red River Self-contained kitchen with modern appliances including electric cooker, fridge, microwave and utensils In-room safety box and telephone voicemail facilities Entertainment system and satellite TV programs Benefits and Privileges Round the clock reception, room service and security Utilities usage - treated water, air-conditioning and power supply Complimentary local calls except Internet usage and mobile phone calls Complimentary daily newspape Daily housekeeping services excluding Sundays and Public holidays Free admission to all-weather swimming pool Free admission to Fitness Centre equipped with a modern gym, aerobics studio, jacuzzi and sauna facilities In-room washer cum dryer or self-service laundrette Complimentary shuttle bus to city centre Additional Services and Facilities 15% discount for all Hotel laundry/dry cleaning services 15% discount in all Bars, Chinese and International Cuisine Restaurants of Sofitel Plaza Hanoi Grocery service Unlimited broadband Internet accessibility at nominal rate Complete meeting and conference facilitie IDD and Business Centre facilities

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Ba Kieu temple

Ba Kieu  temple is now located across from the Ngoc Son temple. When it was built the area belonging to this temple was quite large. Part of the original three-gated entrance is still there, but is now a kiosk selling Vietnamese souvenirs to tourists.

The entrance and the temple were separated when the road around the lake was built in 1885, during the French colonial era. It is thought that the founder of the temple was Chua Trinh, the wife of the First Scribe (Mandarin) to a Le king who ruled in the late 17th to early 18th century. Ba Kieu temple dates from that time.

During the American War in the 1960s and 70s, a large part of this temple was used to display pictures of damage done by the enemy and relics of captured soldiers and equipment. After the war it was used as a picture gallery to display and sell the works of Vietnamese artists. In 2007, the gallery was closed.

The altars are all in the back of the temple with wooden doors separating them from the rest of the space. Originally, this part was not accessible to the public as it was considered sacred. Now it is open, but only on the 1st and the 15th days of the lunar month.

The primary figure of worship, to whom the central altar is dedicated, is the “Mother Goddess,” Lieu Hanh. Belief in powers supports a combination of popular folk religion as well as Buddhism, feminism, and nationalism. She is worshiped as a goddess of fertility and abundance. Thus, many women seeking to become pregnant will worship at this temple.

The main altar has a bas relief, dating from the period of the origin of the temple, hanging on the back wall of the glassed-in partition, with Lieu Hanh in the center wearing a red jacket (the color can’t be seen) and the Mothers of the Forest and the Sea on either side. In front, still in the glass case, are statues of the Mothers of the Sea, the Sky and the Forest, with Lieu Hanh again in the center.

In front of the glass case is a new statue in ceramic of Quan Am, a female Bodhisattva, seated on a lotus flower. She is usually known as the goddess of 1,000 arms and 1,000 eyes, though in this case 998 of the arms and eyes are hidden. Though she attained the status Buddhahood, she decided to save all living creatures before entering Nirvana. In particular, she protects man against the dangers of storms, fires, and demons, and makes women fertile.

There are two further altars on the left and two on the right of the central altar. These are dedicated to Vietnamese deities, including Duc Vua Cha, Father King of the Sky. He is flanked by two small statues of his scribes, who register births and deaths.

On a perpendicular wall on the far left is the ancestral altar for the family which has been the guardian of the Ba Kieu Temple for five generations.

Outside the temple is an old banyan tree, which is said to shelter the homeless spirits. Beside it is a statue in tribute to those that fought for their country against the French. Previously there was, in the same place, a statue to Alexandre de Rhodes, the Jesuit monk who came to Vietnam in 1627 and developed the written script (quoc ngu). From 1900, this has been the official written form of Vietnamese.

From January 2007, a vast clock has been counting down, from 1,000, the number of days until ten centuries since the founding of Hanoi will be celebrated in October 2010./.

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Nam Huong pagoda and Statue of Le Loi

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In remembrance of the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, this temple was built on the west shore of the lake and dedicated to king Le Thai To (Le Loi). Originally the temple and its grounds extended to the corner of Hang Trong and Nha Tho streets. The French administration tore down this complex in order to build hotels and shops. The present upstairs pagoda was constructed in 1902 at its new site in order to be within view of the statue of Le Thai To in the garden below, which still fronts on Hoan Kiem Lake.

Earlier, there was only a stele under a modern-style canopy, but in 1900 the stone statue of Le Thai To, holding the miraculous sword, was placed on a tall column. The garden was restored in the year 2000, commemorating 990 years since the founding of Hanoi, and the steps to the dinh/den at the back of the garden added in 2007.

Nam Huong Pagoda

The pagoda is located upstairs, with the ground floor on Hang Trong street rented out. The next house is the home of an elderly lady who is the keeper of the temple, refreshing the flowers and offerings and cleaning the temple. Her mother’s brother did this before her and, although she doesn’t remember exactly, she thinks her family members have always been the caretakers.

Nam Huong is also the dinh (community center) of the ‘village’ of Hang Trong, and there is a photograph of the men of the village taken in 1941 on the left as you enter.

This village, at least from 1920 to 1950, was primarily a flag-making village, but it also made painted drums, embroidered wall hangings, drapes and court umbrellas. Examples of all of these, made by the villagers, are in the temple. Bright red silk embroidered hangings frame the altars and there are special yellow silk embroidered umbrellas in honor of the king, Le Thai To. Yellow was a color reserved for kings. There is also a drum painted red and gold hanging from the rafters.

In the dinh are accoutrements typical of many pagodas. There are wooden gourds and brass pots in front of the altars with wooden sticks for beating time when meditating – 5, 10 or 15 times on the wooden pot but only once on the brass one. There are several low lecterns for placing books, and wooden beads for counting to help concentration while meditating.

On the middle altar is a statue of Le Thai To, with an altar to his guards on the left, and one to Buddha on the right. This altar has a small ceramic statue of the revered Quan Am with a statue of the Mother Goddess of the Earth behind this, and a painting of three Bodhisattvas above her. The words “Ban Tho Phat” meaning the altar to Buddha are written here. On the altar dedicated to the guards there is a picture of Nguyen Dinh Khoa, the constructor of the dinh.

Also on the central altar of Le Thai To is a small bronze plaque with the words “Here is Le Thai To, the father of all Vietnamese”. There are lacquered calligraphies about the altar saying “Long Life to the King” and “Le Thai To is the brother of paradise.”

Behind the principal altar is a smaller one with two large kneeling statues. These are eunuchs who are the guards for the back chapel dedicated to Le Thai To’s niece, who is greatly honored here, as she is a famous heroine in her own right. She was courageous and victorious in combating the Chinese Ming. Deities, two on each side, sitting on thrones and dressed in rich robes and mandarin hats, flank her statue. These are the gods guarding the east, west, north and south of Hanoi, Voi Phuc, Bach Ma, Quan Thanh, and Kim Lien. Le Thai To’s niece is in the center guarding Hoan Kiem Lake./.

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Ba Da Pagoda

 Almost hidden behind the busy streets full of restaurants and chic shops, Ba Da pagoda remains a spacious and unique architectural find behind its small entrance at number 3, Nha Tho street.

Information from stone tablets gives the date of the original temple on this site as 1056 (during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong). The story recounts that when, under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (1460-1497) the walls of the new citadel were being built, a stone was discovered that resembled a woman. Believing that this was a sacred sign sent by the Mother Goddess of the land, the local people constructed a temple in the area to memorialize the stone. They named it Ba Da Temple or the Temple of the Stone Lady. Through rebuilding and restorations of the temple the stone was lost more than once, but always found again.

Early in the 1900s, the stone finally disappeared and the temple caught fire. Once more it was rebuilt but a stone statue of Buddha was created to replace the lost stone lady. This meant that the temple became a pagoda and was given a new name: Linh Quang Tu (Sacred Light), although the old name is the one still used.

Going through the entrance arch and along a narrow passage you come to a courtyard. An elderly monk, the keeper of the pagoda, presides at a stall selling Buddhist books. He took us into the pagoda, after lighting incense sticks and praying at the stone incense burner. In the courtyard are stupas, with the names of past monks and religious symbols written in Han script and formed with ceramic pieces.

The pagoda consists of one large chamber, dominated by the six statues of Buddha, the hindmost and most sizable of which reaches to the ceiling. Though many of the ancient decorations were lost in the fire, the two bronze bells, cast in 1873 and 1881, and a crescent gong from 1842 survived. The first bronze bell can be seen at the entrance of the pagoda on the right-hand side, while on the left-hand side is a modern bell.

Similar to many other pagodas and temples in Vietnam, Ba Da pagoda reserves a special place for local residents to place wall plaques or pictures of their beloved dead family members. The Vietnamese people believe that this action will bring the spirits of the dead people under the protection and love of Buddha, where the spirits can enjoy peace and will have more power to help their living family members. The plaques are along both walls at the entrance to the pagoda and the photographs are on the left.

Further into the pagoda are two altars. The one on the left is dedicated to the saint Duc Thanh Hien and the one on the right to Duc Chua Ong, a historical personage. The ten temple gods of the Buddhist Hell stand five each side, along the walls.

The statues of Buddha  dominate the area behind the central altar, their size and deep bronze color giving the pagoda an aura of calm and peace.

The pagoda is an important place of teaching and learning for the Thien (Zen) Buddhist sect and is the headquarters of the Municipal Buddhisit Association. Monks and nuns live in the monastery attached to the pagoda. The monastery supported the revolutionary cause against the French. In recognition Ho Chi Minh visited the pagoda in 1945, and again in the following year. On the latter visit he said, “The Buddhist work does not separate from the matters of the world.”

At the back of the pagoda is a building where statues, photographs and names of the past leaders of the pagoda are placed on the ancestors’ altars. Hanging here is the second old bell and the gong.

Written on the brass panel outside of the pagoda is a short poem. This uses the name Linh Quang for the pagoda and the old name for Hanoi.

Linh Quang pagoda is in the heart of Thang Long.
The way of truth is both visible and invisible,
The magic of the stone was sent from heaven to earth,
This majestic place stands near the beautiful Sword Lake./.

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DAEWOO HANOI HOTEL

It is with great pleasure to introduce to you a new and exciting array of Culinary Highlights for this season which our Chefs created especially for you. Take time and explore some of our new cuisine highlights as well as big room promotion!!

DAEWOO HANOI HOTEL

Please Contact us for The Best available Rate 
For Meetings, Events and Weddings please contact our Events Team:
Address: 360 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi - Vietnam
Tel: (84.4) 3831 5000
Fax: (84.4) 3831 5010
Email:sales@daewoohotel.com.vn

Rooms

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel has in total 411 rooms including 33 suites, designed and built with highest architectural standards. It also contains eight F&B outlets, including four excellent restaurants - Cafe Promenade (international cuisine), Silk Road (Chinese restaurant), La Paix (Italian restaurant) and Edo (Japanese restaurant) -, a Fitness Centre, a swimming pool of 80 metres and a luxurious garden. To serve every business need, the hotel offers a sophisticatedly equipped Business Centre and the largest to date in Hanoi Grand Ballroom which can handle conferences for up to 800 people.

Rates:        4 Star(4****)

• Rates shown are inclusive of all taxes and service charges.
• All rates in US Dollars are per room (single or twin occupancy). Check-in time at 13:00 or sooner, Check-out time at 11:00.
• Rates here are available only for bookings made with this website, and are not available from the hotel directly. 
  
  Restaurant

• 4 restaurants, a Lobby Lounge, a pool bar, a nightclub, a delicatessen shop and skylounge with breathtaking views.

• 

  Valentine

  International Coffee Shop (120 seats) featuring buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Two private dining rooms.
  Opening Hours:
  6:00 am - 12:00 midnight
• A variety of pastas and authentic Italian favourites in Hanoi's best Italian restaurant prepared by our Italian chef (82 seats). Two private dining rooms.
  Lunch: 11:30 am - 14:00
  Dinner: 18:00 - 22:30
• Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine at its best in a traditional and cosy setting prepared by our chefs from Beijing (102 seats). Business all-you-can-eat lunch and weekend Dim Sum specials. Three private dining rooms.
  Lunch: 11:30 am - 14:00
  Dinner: 18:00 - 22:30 
  
  

  Facilities & Service :

• 411 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, including the Presidential and Senator Suites. All rooms are centrally air conditioned with individual temperature remote controls, IDD, private bath tub, shaving adapters, in-room safe, colour TV set and VCR, 32 TV channels, hair dryer, executive writing desk and mini bar. Rooms with king-size beds or twin beds.
• Lake View
• Opening windows
• I.D.D telephone, Satellite TV with 32 channels, Central air-conditioning & heating with individual temperature control,
• Executive writing desk
• Radio/ music operating system
• Private bath (tub and shower) with complimentary toiletries
• Shaver and hair dryer outlets
• Bathroom shaver outlet (220/110 volts)
• Electric current 220 volts
• Refrigerator with minibar
• Coffee and tea making facilities
• In-room Elsafe safety deposit box
• Hair dryer

A superbly crafted nightclub, featuring a long bar, video screens, game room, 5 karaoke rooms and a high-energy dance floor. (65 seats)
Opening hours: 18:00 - 2:00 am

HOTEL LOCATION

The Noi Bai International Airport is 30 kilometers away from the hotel; by car approximately 45 minutes to reach the hotel. Drive south on Nam Thang Long road. Turn on to Road 32, then drive straight along Cau Giay Street, and turn into Kim Ma Street.

Location map

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The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi is a dedicated museum. It was built in memory of a great man whose name is written in golden alphabets in the history of Vietnam. The special person was a great revolutionary and statesman and went on to become first the Prime Minister and then the President of North Vietnam. The great man was none other than Ho Chi Minh. The common people of Vietnam are indebted to him for what he has done for his country and as a mark of their gratitude the museum was dedicated to him apart from a city and a mausoleum which also shares his name.

The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi is the preserver of everything memorable related to the great revolutionist, Ho Chi Minh. The Museum consists of five extensive floors and was inaugurated on 2nd September, 1990, celebrating the 100th birthday occasion of the beloved President.

Features of Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi

  -   The museum has an extensive collection of military order's, mementos, photo's of the Communist Party's earlier achievements, the great August and October revolutions, the country's fight against Fascism and the imperialist power and the world movement led by Ho Chi Minh.

 -   The best way to explore the Museum is to start from up and then go down. The Top floor has a beautiful centerpiece. It is a gargantuan gold lotus flower which also consists of smaller exhibits related to Ho Chi Minh's political activities.

 

 -   You can make your way from the Past section to the Future by following the symbols made in the shape of labyrinthine murals. The section houses automobile models.

  -   The National Liberation Movements are symbolized by a "volcano", bright red in color and surrounded by national totems.

 -   The Museum is also an example of fine Soviet architecture and so the visitors have he opportunity to enjoy both- the exhibits and structure.

  -   For safety reasons, no bags or cameras are allowed inside the museum.

Fast facts about Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi

Address- 3, Ngoc Ha Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Contact Number- 04/ 846- 3752

Timings- Open From Tuesday to Thursday and also on weekends. 8 A.M to 11 A.M and 1:30 to 4:00 P.M

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Hanoi to Singapore

Singapor city

 South East Asia is revealed on this multi country journey that takes you through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. It’s packed with heaps of adventure and undeniable beauty as we travel overland by train, road and boat. We begin in North Vietnam and discover the charms of graceful Hanoi before taking the train down to a city that’s steeped in history and culture, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue. A short drive through some remarkable rural and coastal scenery brings us to Hoi An. We spend some time in this wonderfully preserved ancient port town, a favourite of every traveller to Vietnam.

Further south at the beach resort-city of Nha Trang we’ll cruise the offshore islands and relax in the sun before once again catching the overnight sleeper train down to the steamy southern city of Saigon. We drive overland into Cambodia and after spending a day exploring its capital Phnom Penh, continue by bus around South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake to Siem Reap. From here we’ll explore what is regarded as one of the world’s greatest archaeological monuments, the magnificent Angkor temple complexes.
Our adventure is by no means over yet as we journey to the former French colonial outpost of Battambang. From Battambang we drive to the Cambodian/Thai border town of Poipet over rough and undeveloped roads, in local mini-vans. The roads improve and we continue on to exciting Bangkok. From here we travel down through Southern Thailand and the Malay Peninsula and onto Singapore. You will experience beach resorts, jungle walks, colonial towns, dynamic cities, tea plantations and much more! And of course there are the diverse, friendly, relaxed peoples of the region and lots of tasty local food. We travel on a wide variety of local transport, including train, bus, boat, songthaew, mini-van and tuk-tuk. We stay in an interesting mix of hotels and guesthouses.

After discovering the sights and sounds of Bangkok we head south to the beaches on the Andaman Sea, swimming and lazing around on the white sandy beaches near Krabi. In Malaysia we visit the island of Penang before heading into the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands and on to Kuala Lumpur and the historic town of Malacca (Melaka). Our final destination is the modern and dynamic city-state of Singapore.
 Highlights

• Exploring the ancient splendour of Angkor Wat
• G&Ts at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Phnom Penh
• Nature’s dominion over man, Angkor Thom
• The horror at Tuol Sleng
• The rising phoenix of Phnom Penh
• Have your palm read at Wat Pho
• Pak Klong Talat Flower Market,Bangkok
• Crossing the road by foot, Saigon
• Cu Chi Tunnel crawl
• Fish Market and local river boat drift, Hoi An
• Historic icons at Thien Mu Pagoda On the Perfume River, Hue.
• Nha Trang Island Cruise
• Relaxing Tai chi in the parks of Saigon
• Sight-seeing by Cyclo, Saigon
• Street tour of Hanoi
• Suit up with the tailors of Hoi An
• The circular basket boats of Nha Trang

Itinerary:

1-2: Hanoi
3: Hue
4-5: Hoi An
6-8: Nha Trang
9: Saigon
10: Saigon
11-12: Cu Chi Tunnels - Phnom Penh
13-15: Siem Reap - Angkor
16: Siem Reap - Bangkok
17: Bangkok
18-19: Khao Sok National Park - Koh Panyi
20-21: Ao Nang
22-23: Penang
24-25: Cameron Highlands
26: Kuala Lumpur
27: Malacca
28-29: Singapore

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Essential Vietnam

Mother

Vietnam is a country of natural beauty and charming cultures. It offers a unique blend of the East and the West with plenty of sights sounds and smells. Vietnamese cuisine is a gourmet delight with a mixture of Chinese, French and a little Thai and is one of the most sophisticated cuisines in Asia. Start in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): pulsing with life, this modern city teems with markets, restaurants and cafes alongside a thousand years of history. Explore the vast underground network of tunnels from where the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare and marvel at their ingenuity. Hoi An- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exquisitely preserved town of colorful shop houses and handicraft workshops. Close by is China Beach- immortalized by many by the television show and one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Then, off to Hue. This ancient imperial city is home to the commanding Citadel, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Along the banks of the Perfume River are monumental tombs of former emperors, with tranquil courtyards and graceful shrines. And finally, Hanoi. The capital of Vietnam is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. Lose yourself in the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow alleyways lined with shops and food vendors.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will be confirmed for two nights at the Caravelle Hotel in a deluxe room. Caravelle Hotel is Ho Chi Minh City’s leading international 5-star hotel – in the center of the business, shopping, market and entertainment district, and 8 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Caravelle Hotel has 335 superbly appointed rooms, suites, exclusive Signature Floors, Signature Lounge, non-smoking floors, specially equipped room for the disabled and luxurious serviced apartments. Amenities include complimentary broadband Internet access, in-room IDD telephone, satellite LCD television, individual in-room thermostat control, electronic room key system, electronic in-room safety deposit box, in-room tea/coffee making facilities, iron and ironing-board, hair-dryer, shoeshine service, bathrobe… Saigon, one of the most evocative place names in Asia and extraordinary cities in the world. The most Western in atmosphere of Vietnam's cities, Ho Chi Minh City (to use it's official name - although to residents and visitors alike it is universally and affectionately known as Saigon) has a population of 5 million, and a booming free-market economy. It is a city of amazing contrasts: elegant new international hotels, exclusive restaurants and trendy bars side-by-side with roadside noodle stalls, street children and vociferous ‘cyclo’ drivers. Golf courses, bowling alleys and shopping malls vie for space with fruit and vegetable markets, pagodas and karaoke rooms. Bustling, booming, crowded, noisy - all words that barely scratch the surface of the addictive and often mesmerizing chaos that is Saigon. And yet there are the elegant colonial French boulevards and buildings, the Cathedral, the riverfront, the quiet moments at a sidewalk cafe watching the world literally go by you at breakneck speed.
Caravelle Hotel- Deluxe Room Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, depart for an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapons factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about day- to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels- some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Return to Ho Chi Minh City to freshen up and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant followed by an afternoon tour of the city. Ho Chi Minh is the largest of Vietnamese cities, with hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life visible everywhere. There are street markets, sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. The city churns and bubbles. Yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is District 5, the huge Chinese neighborhood called Cholon, which means “Big Market”. Visit the Reunification Palace, the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese President; it was stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state. Then, the History Museum. This was once the National Museum of the Republic of Vietnam. The museum has an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam, from the Bronze Age Dong Son civilization to the Oc-Eo civilization to the Chams, Khmers and Vietnamese. After you will visit one of Saigon’s top art galleries, such as the Tudo Gallery or the Particular Gallery, which exhibit the works of the best contemporary Vietnamese artists.
Breakfast, Lunch
Caravelle Hotel- Deluxe Room Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City- Danang & Hoi An

Hoi An

Transfer to the Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your flight to Danang- about a one-hour flight. You are met on arrival for transfer to Hoi An with sightseeing en route. Danang is a thriving regional center, one of the largest cities in Vietnam. You’ll visit the Cham Museum, an elegant colonial building that now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world, and pass China Beach, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Then, continue south to Hoi An, stopping en route to visit the Marble Mountains, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe. Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. You will enjoy a walking tour that will include the Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda- the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarter across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. The Sa Huynh Museum: located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibits from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. The Tran Family Chapel: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. You’ll also visit the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall- a Chinese Pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fisherman). Finally, you will visit one of the lantern making workshops in Hoi An. Learn about this industry and observe locals making silk cloth for the lanterns. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day as you like. You will be confirmed for the night at the Life Heritage Resort Hoi An in a Superior Garden View Room. Located along the scenic Thu Bon River, Life Heritage Resort Hoi An is a short stroll from the colorful and bustling Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Touches of French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese cultures make up the distinct ambience and atmosphere in the resort. Awarded Best Heritage Resort in Vietnam by the Vietnam Economic Times in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Life Heritage Resort Hoi An is a living testament to Hoi An’s rich history.
Breakfast, Lunch
Life Heritage Resort Hoi An- Superior Garden View Room Day 4: Hoi An- Hue
This morning you depart for the spectacular overland drive to Hue, the former Imperial Capital.

Hue city

Journey from Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views of the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam. As you continue southwards you’ll pass Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of Danang before arriving in Hue. Visitors to Hue are often taken aback to discover that this sleepy provincial town was once the religious, economic and cultural epicenter of Vietnam, the mighty Imperial headquarters, and the political capital of the country until 1945. Thirteen Nguyen Dynasty Emperors ruled Vietnam from Hue. They built a fortress around the ancient city, a huge Citadel, with walls 10 meters thick, modeled on Beijing's Forbidden City. However, even this seemingly impenetrable defense was useless during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when the proud city of Hue was reduced to ruins. Hue today has regained its royal demeanor and is a calm, peaceful and relaxed place to visit. The remaining French colonial garden houses and villas, the quiet streets, the riverbanks, the outlying tombs and pagodas that escaped damage – all give Hue a unique atmosphere of tranquility. Imperial Citadel Tour and Dong Ba Market: In the yearly 19th Century, when the Nguyen Dynasty administered Vietnam from Hue, the Emperor Gia Long commenced construction of a mighty citadel from where he could both live and rule. The resulting Imperial Citadel unfortunately suffered much damage during years of war. Many of the pavilions, bridges, libraries and great halls are now being carefully restored with help from UNESCO. Marvel at the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who built the fortress and lived within its moated walls for nearly 150 years. After a visit to the Imperial Citadel, the remainder of the afternoon may be spent wandering the stalls at the local Dong Ba market, or taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Perfume River.
Breakfast, Lunch
Saigon Morin Hotel- Superior Room Day 5: Hue
Full day Hue city tour featuring Perfume River boat trip, Royal Tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda. One of the most notable features of Hue is the meandering Perfume (Huong) River that divides the city. As both the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda are situated on the riverbank, boating on a simple, yet comfortable, vessel offers a relaxing alternative to road travel.

One of the most famous sights in Hue is the Thien Mu Pagoda. An octagonal tower of seven tiers rises majestically over the tranquil Perfume (Huong) River. Beyond you may see robed monks chanting their mantra, or novices carefully tending the bonsai garden. Continue by boat to the less visited and perhaps most majestic of all of Hue's tombs - the tomb of Minh Mang. Built between 1841 and 1843, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscape, and is the ideal location for a picnic lunch. Alternatively, return to town for lunch in a local restaurant. The hills surrounding Hue are dotted with the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Built not only as an eternal resting place, the tombs were designed for recreation; somewhere the Emperor could fish, hunt and enjoy the company of concubines in his twilight years. This tour combines visits to two of the most contrasting tombs. Visit first the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, resplendent in traditional architecture, paved walkways, resting pavilions overlooking tranquil lotus ponds, and a small forest for hunting. In stark contrast, continue to Khai Dinh's Tomb. Remembered as the 'Puppet Emperor' because of his affiliation with the French, this tomb was designed with colonial flair, and a glass mosaic frieze dominates the interior. For the fit and willing, it is possible to cycle to the tombs.
Breakfast, Lunch
Saigon Morin Hotel- Superior Room Day 6: Hue- Hanoi

Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel

Transfer to the Hue airport for you flight to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will be confirmed for two nights at the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel in a Deluxe Room. Centrally located in Hanoi's elegant French Quarter, the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel is a short walk from the famous Old Quarter and the city's bustling business district. Voted 'Vietnam's Leading Hotel' for five consecutive years by the prestigious World Travel Awards, the Hilton Hanoi Opera is a landmark in the city. Relax in the comfort of a traditionally furnished Vietnamese room with high-speed Internet access, cable TV and separate work areas. Guests staying in Executive Rooms also enjoy complimentary breakfast and refreshments in the Executive Lounge. Swim laps in the outdoor pool with Opera House views, work out in the fitness center or unwind in the Jacuzzi and saunas. Dine on contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in Ba Mien restaurant or enjoy a cocktail and listen to the live jazz in the Lobby Lounge. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and lunch at a local Vietnamese Restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch
Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel- Deluxe Room Day 7: Hanoi

Hanoi city

Combine a morning tour of Ba Dinh Square including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed in October/November), Museum and cottage, with an afternoon Hanoi Highlights tour for a thorough exploration of this Paris of the Orient. Lunch is included at one of Hanoi’s superb local restaurants. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. (Subject to closure during the months of October and November.) See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked. Nearby, visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, an extraordinary tribute in abstract form to the life of the ‘father of the country’ and the evolution of Vietnamese independence. French architecture is a feature of Hanoi, and the nearby former Governor’s Residence is a fine example. See also the One Pillar Pagoda, and hear the legend of its construction, born from the love of an emperor in the 11th Century. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda; built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong and restored in 1922, it was burned by the French in 1954 and again restored in 1955. The pagoda, which is a Buddhist representation of the world in the form of a lotus coming out of the water, contains a statue of Quan An, the Goddess of Mercy Enjoy an orientation of the tree-lined streets of Hanoi, resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the recently restored Opera House. Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Lake of the Restored Sword from the legend that surrounds it en-route to the Temple of Literature. Built in 1070 and then dedicated to Confucius, and later becoming Vietnam’s first university, it is a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. In the afternoon take to the streets on foot for a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter or 36 Streets District. This densely populated corner of the city was once a center of commerce where goods were sold under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of sellers today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Ancient homes and temples are interspersed with stores in this souvenir hunter’s paradise! Visit and enter a selection of local artists’ homes open almost as public galleries and are often managed by interesting characters. One of these, Mai Gallery, is one of the countries most respected and renowned. The owner Mr. Duong Tuong is the center of Hanoi’s intellectual community of writers, composers and artists and spent time during the war as Vietnam’s foremost English translator (he translated for Jane Fonda during her visit to Hanoi at the height of the American bombing campaign)
Breakfast, Lunch
Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel - Deluxe Room Day 8: Depart Hanoi
Spend the morning as you please until you are met for your transfer to the Hanoi International Airport.
Breakfast

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Vietnam Women's Museum

Vietnam Women's Museum

Location: Vietnam Women's Museum is located in the centre of Hanoi on Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Characteristic: The Vietnam Women's Museum covers a 4,500m2 area planted with beautiful trees. It was open on the 20th October 1995 on the 65th anniversary of the Vietnamese Women's Association's establishment.

Vietnam Women’s Museum Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet,Hanoi Opening hours: everyday, 8:00-16:00 Entrance fee: 20,000vnd (USD 1) Website: http://womenmuseum.org.vn Despite being a patriarchal society, Viet Nam still reserves a special, if not sacred, place to honour Vietnamese women. Not only is October 20th is made Vietnam’s Women day but there also exists a museum dedicated to women. The museum displays rather recent history of women, such as women and ethnicity; women and the national struggle; Vietnam women association and the feminism; women and traditional costumes; and women’s cultural traits expressed through handicrafts. There are also frequent exhibitions on contemporary women, such as women working as street vendors or women’s place in the family. The Vietnam Women’s Museum is definitely worth a few hour visit, especially for those keen on learning about culture and gender. - Vietnamese women in Vietnamese community. - The involvement of Vietnamese women in the fight for national independence and national construction. - The Vietnamese Women's Association and its struggle to liberate women. - The culture of Vietnamese women expresses through traditional handicraft products. -Women costumes of the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. The museum is open daily except Monday, from 8 am to 4 pm. The entrance fee is 10,000VND.

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Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House

Location: The Hanoi Opera House is situated on Le Thanh Tong St., Hanoi; near the Red River and several hundreds meters east of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Characteristics: It is an old theatre with French architecture and typical Gothic and Mosaic characters reflected on the door domes and the glassed room respectively.

For a long time, the Hanoi Opera House has been a rendezvous for those who love theatrical performance and traditional songs and music, symphonies, opera and classical opera. It is also a tourist attraction for local and foreign visitors.

The Hanoi Opera House is renowned for its unique architecture and good composition. It is furnished rationally and harmoniously. Since its establishment, the Hanoi Opera House is the largest theatre in Vietnam. Its construction started in 1901 and completed in 1911. Previously the site was a big pond, adjacent to the city gate of Tay Long (also called Tay Luong) of the ancient Thang Long Capital. The construction met with many difficulties, because the foundations of the theatre were built on the pond. Before building a concrete foundation, nearly one metre thick, the pond was emptied and dredged, then 30,000 hard bamboo stakes were placed on its bed.

The Hanoi Opera House is of the same architectural style as the Opera House in France. Some foreign architects said that due to being built nearly 300 years after the Paris Opera House, the Hanoi Opera House avoids superfluous architectural details, which make it more magnificent and attractive.

After nearly 100 years of operation, the theatre's equipment and adornments became old and run down. In 1997, the theatre was repaired and modernized under the management of two Vietnamese French architects, Ho Thieu Tri and Hoang Phuc Sinh. The original architecture of the 3-storey theatre has remained. The decorative designs on the ceiling, arches, walls, and doors were renewed. The 3-metre-high stage and the audience's hall, with 600 seats, were also modernized in conformity with international standards. The theatre has been equipped with state-of-art facilities and appliances, compatible for all types of artistic performances, from folk music and songs, ballets and piano to classical opera, reformed opera, Vietnamese operetta and drama, all made great impressions on the audience. The Hanoi Opera House has also successfully organised many large-scale international concerts.

The Hanoi Opera House is a worthy artistic centre and a cultural and architectural relic of the capital Hanoi./.

Vietnamplus/Vietnamtourism

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Vietnam History Museum

Vietnam History Museum

Location: Vietnam History Museum is located at No. 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi; behind the Hanoi Opera House. Characteristic: Vietnam History Museum was founded in September 1958 and it contains a great deal of valuable objects, which reflect all the periods of Vietnamese history.

The museum is a beautiful architectural work. It provides an area of 2,000m² for exhibition. On the ground floor are theme rooms:

Visiting hours:
From 8:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 16:30 all

Prehistory, Vietnam from the Time of National Building to the Tran Dynasty. The second floor features Vietnam from the Ho Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty and contains a section on Cham Culture.

Nearly 7,000 objects and documents depict vividly the long process of development of the Vietnamese community, its undaunted and heroic struggle for thousand years, from its early history up to the August Revolution in 1945. The system of computers installed on the second floor is intended for visitors to search for information effectively.

The exhibits provide systematic, scientific and reliable information for those who want to understand and research on the history of Vietnam. The museum is a tourist attraction for people inside and outside Vietnam.

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