Full Day Hanoi City Tour with Expert Local Guide
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
See the highlights of Hanoi on this full-day guided tour with an experienced local guide. Make the most of your limited time with a shuttle bus that will take you around to top attractions, including the Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison and either the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Includes lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.
Available options
Group Tour by Shuttle Bus
Shuttle Bus Transfer: Standard Quality Seats <br/>Pickup included
Group Tour by Limousine Bus
Limousine Bus Transfer: Better Quality & More Comfortable Seats<br/>Pickup included
PRIVATE TOUR - FLEXIBLE TIMES
Private Tour: Pick up & Drop off at any places in Hanoi with Private Car/Van & Private English Speaking Guide with best care & experience<br/>Best Care - Great Service<br/>Itinerary: Flexible, can change follow your time and some place you require<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Vietnamese Lunch Set Menu
A bottle of water / person
Experience English speaking guide
ALL Entrance tickets
Shuttle Bus Transfer for all day
Detailed itinerary
1
8h00 – 8h30: Our Tour guide and our Bus pick up at your hotel/stay in Hanoi Old Quarter Arrea or Hanoi Opera House if outside and start to discover Hanoi City
2
Stop 2
08h45: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father or Uncle Ho. You have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969.
- Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, pagodas, etc.
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. But still can take picture of the Mausoleum and visit around that area.
- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for the annual maintaining.
3
Stop 3
Visit One Pillar Pagoda where worshipping the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique Ladoga in the world.
4
Stop 4
10h15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.
Special Note: We will visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of Vietnam Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays.
5
Stop 5
12h30-12h45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. Vegeterian foods are available.
6
Stop 6
13h30: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century.
7
Stop 7
14h30: Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Northern Vietnam. The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070.
8
Stop 8
15h30: Keep going to visit Hoa Lo Prison, the prison was built by the French, from 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale. The prison was called “A Hell on Earth” and now the prison is like a war museum for those who want to understand more about the war against France of Vietnamese people.
9
Stop 9
16h30: Our Bus take you back to the Hotel. We finish the trip!
Optional: Cyclo or/and Water Puppet Show can be arranged upon your request with additional fee.
Option 1: Cyclo 45 minutes (5usd/person) around Hanoi Old Quarter after visiting Hoa Lo Prison
Option 2: Water Puppet Show 50 minutes (5usd/person) .
What's not included
Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
Cyclo and Water Puppet Show on request
Holiday Surcharge
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Monday and Friday. But still can take picture of the Mausoleum and visit around that area.
We will visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of Vietnam Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays.
Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees in the public places like temples, pagodas, HCM Mausoleum, etc
Should bring the necessary things such as: cash, cellphone or cameras, raincoat/ umbrella, sun block, etc (depending on the weather).
The order of the itinerary can be changed depending on the situation
Meeting point
If you stay outside our pick-up area, please come to our meeting point: Hanoi Opera House.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
