The oral presentations will be over by 11:00 am. The participants will be offered a unique complementary excursion tour to capital town of Vietnam for not only seeing the prominent places connected with it but experiencing them as well.

Tour Overview

Pick up from conference venue - Tran Quoc Pagoda - Ho Chi Minh Complex - One Pillar Pagoda - Museum of Ethnology - Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)- Hoa Lo Prison Museum – drop off at Conference venue.

The Hanoi City Tour is the perfect introduction to the captivating capital of Vietnam. This full-day excursion will take you from ancient pagodas to colonial-era prisons, from the mausoleum of the nation's founding father to Vietnam's first university. Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist sites in Vietnam. Located on a small island of West Lake, this 6th-century pagoda offers a serene atmosphere and stunning panoramic views. Within its peaceful grounds, you will also see the oldest Bodhi Tree in Vietnam, a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, personally planted by President Ho Chi Minh.

One Pillar Pagoda: Following this, you will take a contemplative stroll through the lush gardens to see the two modest houses where "Uncle Ho" lived and worked from 1954 until 1969. Nearby, you will encounter the unique One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple designed to resemble a lotus blossom, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and considered one of the most distinctive pagodas in the world.

This world-class museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives, customs, and traditions of the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam, showcasing intricate textiles, traditional houses, and everyday artifacts.

Founded in 1070, this beautifully preserved complex is not only a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture but also the site of Vietnam's first national university. You will explore its serene courtyards and ancient stone steles, which sit on the backs of tortoises and bear the names of doctoral laureates.

Originally constructed by French colonists to hold political prisoners, it was later used by North Vietnam to house American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, a period during which it was grimly nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton" by its American captives. The museum provides a sobering yet essential look into the country's turbulent history and the resilience of its people.

Ho Chi Minh Complex, the political and historical heart of the nation. Here, you will have a rare opportunity to view the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum.

The visitors may cherish lunch at local Vietnamese restaurant. Lunch/refreshment is not included in the complementary tour.