Hanoi Old Quarter City Sightseeing Private Half Day Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the beating heart of Hanoi on a flexible 4-hour city sightseeing tour designed around your personal interests. With an experienced English-speaking guide, this tour offers the freedom to see what you want, when you want, without the stress of fixed schedules. Tickets are excluded.
Destination Highlights in Hanoi: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, West Lake, Vietnam National Assembly Building, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Dong Xuan Market, Train Street, Presidential Palace, Quan Thanh Temple, Flag Tower of Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Choose your preferred mode of transport: walking, car. If you choose to walk, Grab cars are available for easy travel between attractions, and excluded! After 16:00 All Museum are closed.
Available options
Private Walking Tour
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Foot<br/>Pickup included
Private Car Tour
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Car<br/>Pickup included
Private Motorbike Tour
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Motorbike<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Pick-up, Drop-off At Ha Noi Old Quarter
Good Quality Transportation
English Speaking Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A solemn and important landmark where the embalmed body of Vietnam’s founding leader is kept. Surrounded by government buildings and Ba Dinh Square.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Hoan Kiem Lake
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.
Ngoc Son Temple
Located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, this temple honors national heroes and scholars. Cross the red bridge to reach this tranquil and photogenic site.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
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.
4
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.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Hanoi Opera House
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.
6
Stop 6
Tran Quoc Pagoda
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.
7
Stop 7
Temple of Literature
End your walking tour at the serene and scholarly Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070. Dedicated to Confucius, this peaceful complex features traditional Vietnamese architecture, ancient stelae, and well-preserved courtyards. A symbol of education and national pride, it’s one of Hanoi’s most revered historical landmarks.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Old Quarter Streets
Explore Hanoi’s bustling heart, where narrow streets are named after ancient trades. Experience local life, colonial architecture, and the city's vibrant street scenes.
9
West Lake
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.
What's not included
Grab Car (Walking Option)
Holiday Surcharge
All Ticket Entrance
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
9 reviews
5★
9
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
