In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of the former Vietnamese leader is on display. Then, head to the Ho Chi Minh Museum to learn about his life and legacy. After lunch, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. In the evening, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and see the Ngoc Son Temple.
Spend the morning exploring the Old Quarter, where you can wander the narrow streets and see the traditional architecture. Stop at the Dong Xuan Market to shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's 54 ethnic groups. In the evening, attend a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Don't miss the chance to try authentic Vietnamese food such as pho, banh mi, and bun cha. You can also take a side trip to the beautiful Halong Bay or the historic city of Hue. To maximize your fun, consider taking a cooking class or a street food tour. Finally, be sure to take a cyclo tour of the city to experience the bustling streets up close.