After a short introduction and briefing from our friendly tour guide about the excitement ahead, we jump straight into our trusty Jeep whilst being accompanied by the fitting sounds of 60s & 70s music classics.

We drive through the cultural heart of Hanoi around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake heading off to explore the vibrant Old Quarter and see some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the twin towers of St. Joseph’s cathedral, one of the most heralded examples of architecture of the city, and one of the standout projects of the French colonial government in Indochina.

Soon we will take in the famed Hanoi Train Street, where locals happily live mere inches (quite literally) from a working railway line, before visiting the revered Hanoi Flag Tower, a key symbol of the city erected during the Nguyen Dynasty as a military lookout post.

Next, you will get to see the stunning French era Presidential palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh is the father of the nation, and his resting place is but a stone’s throw from where he declared the nation’s independence. No trip through the city is truly complete without a visit here.

The surrounding palace and complex offer amazing photo opportunities and a wonderful place to learn about both the modern recent and ancient history of this wonderful country.

On hearing the word Vietnam people often think of the war, and the country’s long history of conflict cannot be ignored. With this in mind, we take you to visit a B52 crash site where some of the plane wreckage still remains in the small lake.

Our expert guide will point out and explain various war relics from over the years and you can learn more about the resilient struggles the Vietnamese people have endured and overcome.

Then it’s onto a traditional lakeside cafe for your opportunity to try a delicious local coffee or tea. The Vietnamese are immensely proud of their coffee (and tea) culture and serve it a little differently from what you might be used to. No day is complete without it. Refreshed, we head on to picturesque Truc Bach Lake and the Tran Quoc pagoda (the oldest Buddhist temple in the city), each providing perfect spots for photos, particularly at sunset.

It's a waste to travel by Jeep and not go off-road, so from here we head to the city’s iconic French-built Long Bien Bridge to catch an unspoiled glimpse of the city in all its glory. Here you can visit a section of the bridge that has been bombed and rebuilt, before exploring the tropical banana mangroves under a maze of hidden tracks and finally a walk along the bridge at your own pace.

Our journey finishes here, and after a day like no other, enjoy things along the bridge at your own pace or if you prefer, the Jeep can be waiting at the end of the bridge where we can take you back to your hotel or pick up point to recharge ready for the evening ahead.

Hanoi city Jeep tours ends..