Hanoi City Highlights Tour: Culture & History
Active
1d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Hanoi City Tours is one of the most famous destinations of Vietnam. Hanoi capital owns its ancient beauty for a thousand years of development with many historical buildings mingling with scenic natural beauty. Traveling with BC Family Tour, the tourists will have the exciting experience to enjoying the various flavors of the most iconic dishes of Hanoi, or walk in bustling old quarter beholding its characteristic of an ancient capital city.
Highlights
- Sighseeing with a local guide
- Visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Presidential Palace, and Temple of Literature
Available options
Hanoi half day afternoon
Half day afternoon <br/>Pickup included
Luxury group tour
Limousine, smaller group
Hanoi half day morning
Half day in the morning<br/>Pickup included
Deluxe Group Tour
What's included
Bottled water
Vietnamese lunch
Lunch
Pick-up and drop-off by air-conditioned bus from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
Professional English speaking guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
07h45 - 8h15: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi old quarter area.
08h30: Visit The Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, originally constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De under Ly Dynasties.
2
Stop 2
09h15: Arrive Ho Chi Minh complex, The President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a mausoleum which serves as the resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. You have chance to see the Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the Asia’s most unique piece of
architecture.
3
Stop 3
11h00: Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic group in Vietnam.
Note: The Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on every Monday.
12h30-12h45: Have lunch with Vietnamese cuisine at our restaurant
4
Stop 4
13h45-14h00: The next destination to explore Hanoi City today is Temple of Literature - the Vietnam’s first national university, the temple was founded and first built in 1.070 at the time of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong.
5
Stop 5
15h00: We continue to visit Hoa Lo Prison - was built in Hanoi by French in dates ranging from 1886 to 1889 to 1898 to 1901, when Vietnam was still part of French Indochina. The French called the prison “ Maison Centrale ” which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for United States prisoners of war during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973.
16h00-16h30: Tour ends. Drop you off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
What's not included
Travel insurance, tax
Drinks, tips & others not indicated in the package
Cyclo / water puppet ticket (optional with surcharge, please let us know in special requirements)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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1 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
THING YOU TAKE:
Long sleeve clothes, a hat or an umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, cash
Meeting point
If you stay outside Hanoi Old Quarters, please come to the 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
