Begin the day by passing the Ho Chi Minh President's Mausoleum (only viewed from the outside). Continue on to the Temple of Literature with its walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.
Finally, take a walk through the Old Quarter, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as 'The 36 Streets' - each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts and from medicines to tombstones.
Enjoy Vietnamese coffee at a local coffee shop during your stroll. Stop at the Ancient House on Ma May Street, an excellent example of traditional Hanoian style architecture from days gone by.