Hanoi will organise seven special tourism programmes to celebrate the millennial birthday of the capital city in 2010, according to the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In particular, the “Journey to Vietnamese ancient capital cities” will take visitors from Hanoi to Phong Chau in the northern midland province of Phu Tho where the nation’s legendary founders – the Hung Kings – set up their capital, and then to the old seats of government of past dynasties including Ho, Le and Nguyen.

There will be also a tour that focuses on Buddhism and the Ly Dynasty which was known to have played a major role in popularising the religion in Vietnam. The tour covers famous pagodas, including Luy Lau Ancient Citadel, Yen Tu, Huong, Tay Phuong and Thay pagodas.

The city’s tourism industry is working on programmes that feature museums in Hanoi like the History, Fine Arts, Military History, Ethnology museums, as well as traditional craft villages and ancient villages and citadels.

In addition, the tourism department is planning tours highlighting martial arts. The newly-emerged ecotourism area in Ba Vi will also become a destination on offer.

(Source: VNA)