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Hanoi, the 1000-year-old capital of Vietnam through invasions, occupations, and name changes is a fascinating blend of East and West, medieval and modern. Retaining much of its colonial legacy, it has embraced the current day combining Parisian grace with an Asian pace.

Begin your Vietnamese adventure in the port city of Ha Long. You'll board your air-conditioned motor coach at the pier, meet your knowledgeable driver and guide and set off for the grand old dame of Southeast Asia. Along the way, you'll enjoy listening to your guide's insightful overview of Hanoi's long and turbulent history

Arriving in Hanoi, your senses will be fully involved by the city's vibrant street scenes. Huge mansions line grand boulevards, lakes and parks add oases of green. A visit to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) offers a pleasant retreat. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, who dedicated it to Confucius to honor scholars and men of literary accomplishment, it is a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. Then a lunch stop at a local restaurant provides a taste of the exotic Hanoi cuisine, considered to be the best in Vietnam. In the center of Hanoi, a large area is devoted to Ho Chi Minh. The centerpiece is a large mausoleum where his embalmed body lies in a bier inside a glass case. The building was erected with assistance from the USSR, and is a good example of the Soviet architecture of the period. An honor guard of Vietnamese soldiers in immaculate white dress uniforms march around the building at regular intervals. A stop at Ba Dinh square for photo stop at Mausoleum then continue to Hoa Lo Museum. Hoa Lo Museum offers a powerful insight into Vietnam's colonial and wartime history, preserving stories of resilience and national pride. Visitors can explore original prison structures and exhibits that vividly bring the past to life.

Later, you'll drive to the Hoan Kiem lake near Hanoi Old Quarters, a bustling tangle of colorful sights and sounds, for a stop to visit either Ngoc Son temple on the Lake or walk through some streets of Hanoi Old Quarters.

The relaxing drive back to Ha Long through the verdant countryside provides the perfect change of pace. See tranquil scenes of rice paddies, villagers tilling their fields behind a brace of water buffalo, villagers walking or riding bicycles along palm-lined paths: the perfect way to conclude this full-day tour.