Hanoi Old Quarter City Full Day Tour With Water Puppet Show

Hanoi , Vietnam

Hanoi Old Quarter City Full Day Tour With Water Puppet Show

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About this experience

Hanoi Full-Day City Tour with Water Puppet Show
Explore the best of Hanoi in a single day on this cultural and historical sightseeing tour. Visit iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Learn about Vietnam’s history at Hoa Lo Prison and walk through the buzzing streets of the Old Quarter.

Enjoy peaceful stops at Tran Quoc Pagoda, West Lake, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Sip traditional coffee at the famous Train Street and admire views from the historic Long Bien Bridge.

End your day with a captivating Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese performance that brings folklore to life. Depending on the seat type: Economy 150,000 VND, Standard 100,000VND , VIP 200,000 VND.

Available options

Private Walking Tour

Duration: 8 hours Vietnamese Lunch Walking Pickup included

Private Car Tour

Duration: 8 hours Vietnamese Lunch Car Pickup included

What's included

Good Quality Transportation

Pick-up, Drop-off At Ha Noi Old Quarter

English Speaking Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Located on a small island in West Lake, this is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back over 1,500 years. It’s a serene place with spiritual and cultural significance.

The largest lake in Hanoi, West Lake offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s chaos. Enjoy a scenic stroll and admire historic temples and upscale neighborhoods nearby.

Stop 3 Pass by

An iconic piece of French colonial architecture, the Opera House stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s cultural heritage and is often compared to the Paris Opera House.

Stop 4 Pass by

Long Bien Bridge
Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this historic bridge stretches over the Red River and offers scenic views of the city and countryside. A symbol of Hanoi’s resilience.

A must-see in Hanoi, this narrow street is famous for the railway track that runs right through a residential area—locals live, cook, and work just inches from passing trains.

Stop 6

A scenic lake at the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by walking paths and historical charm. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Stop 7 Pass by

Built in 1886, this neo-Gothic cathedral resembles Notre-Dame de Paris. It’s a peaceful landmark nestled in the city center with beautiful stained-glass windows.

A solemn and important landmark where the embalmed body of Vietnam’s founding leader is kept. Surrounded by government buildings and Ba Dinh Square.

The One Pillar Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most iconic and unique landmarks. Built in 1049 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the pagoda was designed to resemble a lotus blossom—symbolizing purity—rising from a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. This small but sacred structure is a symbol of Vietnamese spirituality and architecture, and it’s often visited by locals and tourists seeking peace and blessings. Located near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it’s a must-see stop on any Hanoi city tour.

The Water Puppet Show is a must-see cultural experience in Hanoi, especially popular in the Old Quarter. Originating from Vietnam’s Red River Delta over 1,000 years ago, this traditional art form brings folk tales, legends, and village life to life—on water.

Stop 11

Hoa Lo Prison, located in the heart of Hanoi, is a powerful and haunting historical site that offers deep insight into Vietnam’s turbulent past. Originally built by the French in the late 19th century to house Vietnamese political prisoners, it became infamous for its harsh conditions and brutal treatment of inmates during the colonial era.

Stop 12

Explore Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius and scholars, with beautiful traditional architecture.

What's not included

Grab Car (Walking Option)

Holiday Surcharge

Water Puppet Show Ticket 100,000-150,000-200,000 VND

All Ticket Entrance

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.