Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam's campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every year, the mausoleum is closed for two months and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

In the afternoon start with the Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best in the country, with an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority people. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarters' 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Next, is the Ngoc Son temple set on a tiny island on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and how it got its name from a legend of an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle! End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.

INCLUSION:

* Meals as mentioned

* Water Puppet show

* English-speaking guide

* Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time

* Government tax and service charge

* Lunch