Shore Excursion: Hanoi in a Day Street Food Tasting & City Tour

Hanoi , Vietnam

Shore Excursion: Hanoi in a Day Street Food Tasting & City Tour

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Maximize your time ashore with a journey that blends authentic cuisine and profound history. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Ha Long Port to Hanoi.

You'll first dive into the city’s vibrant flavors on a guided Street Food Tour, sampling 8–10 local dishes at handpicked eateries, from traditional noodle houses to street stalls, and concluding with a signature Vietnamese dessert.

Next, your City Tour explores the solemn Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum, Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda) before you stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter to see the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. The highlight concludes with a stop at the unique and thrilling Train Street.

After a day of flavors and discoveries, enjoy a relaxing return journey to Ha Long, arriving back at your cruise ship in the evening with lasting memories of Hanoi’s charm.

Available options

PRIVATE

Private Tour Guide<br/>Private Car

JOIN-IN

What's included

Entrance fees to all sites mentioned.

01 bottle of water per person.

Guided Hanoi Food Tour with 8–10 tastings.

Professional English-speaking guide.

Round-trip transfer from/to Ha Long International Cruise Port.

Detailed itinerary

Hanoi Street Food Tour: visit 7–10 eateries across the Old Quarter, tasting authentic dishes and learning the stories behind them.

Stop 2

Discover the heart of Hanoi - a relic that has seen many ups and downs in the history of the captital. You will walk around the lake, visit nearby famous landmarks, as well as learn about the typical culture of the surrounding Old Quarter.

Stop 3

Cross the vibrant red Huc Bridge to enter the temple complex, where you will worship national heroes and scholars, and view the preserved specimen of the legendary Hoan Kiem Turtle. You can also admire the symbolic Pen Tower and Ink Slab while enjoying serene views of Hoan Kiem Lake from the tranquil grounds.

Visitors come to Ba Dinh Square to pay solemn respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and witness the daily, precisely-executed Flag Raising and Lowering ceremonies. The vast, historic square is also the gateway to exploring the surrounding Presidential Palace grounds, Ho Chi Minh's modest Stilt House, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

Guests gather at the vibrant, narrow cafes lining the railway tracks, where they sip traditional Vietnamese coffee and watch local life unfold right on the rails. The main thrill is experiencing the dramatic rush as cafe owners rapidly clear seating and a train rumbles past, mere inches away from the spectators pressed against the walls.

Bevarage at your own.

What's not included

Beverages not included in tastings (except where stated).

Beverages at the Train Street.

Tips and personal expenses.

Any items not mentioned in inclusions.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We'll meet you right at your cruise port, which is just 5 mins walk from your ship. We will contact you for your cruise ship after receiving booking for more pick-up details.

About Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Top Attractions

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.

Historical 1-2 hours 30,000 VND

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.

Architecture 1-2 hours for a performance Varies by event

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Egg Coffee

A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.

Drink Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Trekking in Sapa Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake Coffee at a local café Exploring the Temple of Literature Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay Egg coffee tasting

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station

By bus

Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Quarter French Quarter Ba Dinh District Tay Ho District

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • Full day

Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.

Sapa

320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day

Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.

Festivals

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar) Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.