Hanoi , Vietnam

Hanoi Insight City Private Tour

Active

(57 reviews)

6h - 7h

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

Instant_then_manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get an overview of Vietnamese history, culture, and lifestyle on this classic city tour of Hanoi. A private guide takes you sightseeing to the capital's major sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and Hanoi's Old Quarter. Your personalized full-day tour includes round-trip hotel transport by private vehicle.

Available options

Hanoi Insight City Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Private guide

Lunch

All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees

Transport by private vehicle

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start a new day by visiting Ho Chi Minh Complex, an important place of pilgrimage. A traffic-free area of botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas, it’s usually crowded with groups of all ages, from all over the nation, who has come to pay their respects.

Stop 2

Continue to visit the Temple of Literature which was built in 1070 in honor of Confucius, his followers and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education.

Stop 3

You’ll be taken on a ride over to West Lake to enjoy the scenery before arriving at Ngu Xa village to try some different Hanoian versions of Pho and Banana salads and other traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant where locals love to eat every day.

Stop 4

After lunch, visit Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, thus giving it an age of 1,400 years.

From here, drive to the crashed remnants of a B-52 “Flying Fortress” bomber that reached its final resting place in a small lake.

Stop 6

Continue to visit the Hilton Jail or Hoa Lo prison, a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War when it was sarcastically known to American prisoners of war as the "Hanoi Hilton".
Finally, we wind down with a stop at a popular cafe to try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee and a top-secret desert which you only know when you travel with us! First invented in 1946, it’s a delicacy of whipped egg yolk with sugar and condensed milk for sweetness, and just a drop of vinegar to fluff the eggs. This is floated on top of a shot of espresso and dusted with cocoa powder. The end result is a coffee experience like no other, and a taste and texture reminiscent of tiramisu.

Stop 7

Finally, we winds down with a stop to a popular cafe to try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee and a top secret desert which you only know when you travel with us! First invented in 1946, it’s a delicacy of whipped egg yolk with sugar and condensed milk for sweetness, and just a drop of vinegar to fluff the eggs. This is floated on top of a shot of espresso and dusted with cocoa powder. The end result is a coffee experience like no other, and a taste and texture reminiscent of tiramisu.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Bank fees for both sides

Travel insurance

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

51 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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.