Hanoi Highlights: Half-day City 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
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is famous for its hundred-year-old architecture and rich culture with the influence of Southeast Asia, China and France.
- Visit the sacred site of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda
- Be guided around the mausoleum grounds learning about the history of the revolution
- Visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam
- See the Hanoi Opera House and learn about the period between France and Vietnam
- Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi which is more than 1,500 years old
Available options
Private City tour & Food Tour
Private 4-hour Hanoi City Tour: Private Food Tour (3 hour)<br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Private Food Tour (3 hour): The half day city tour and food tour can be done separately. You can choose another day to have your food tour. <br/>Half day City tour: Car, Van: Food tour: Walking<br/>Pickup included
Small Group tour
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Egg coffee<br/>Car/Van transfer<br/>Pickup included
Private tour with Open-Top Bus
Pickup included
Group City Tour & Food Tour
Group Half-day Hanoi City tour: Small-group Walking Food Tour <br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Small-group Walking Food Tour : The half day city tour (4h) and food tour (3h) can be done separately. You can choose another day to have your food tour. <br/>Half day City tour: car, van: Food tour: Walking<br/>Pickup included
Small-Group with Open-Top Bus
Pickup included
Private Tour
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Egg coffee<br/>Car<br/>Pickup included
What's included
All taxes & services charge
A/C Transportation with pick-up and drop-off at the Old Quarter area.
English speaking guide
Entrance fee & Sightseeing tickets
Bottle of water
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Chairman Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Vietnamese: Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh) is a mausoleum which serves as the resting place of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is a large building located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, where Ho, Chairman of the Workers' Party of Vietnam from 1951 until his death in 1969, read the Declaration of Independence on 2 September 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. It is also known as Ba Đình Mausoleum (Vietnamese: Lăng Ba Đình) and is open to the public.
Note: The Mausoleum just opens in early morning, except Monday and Friday
2
Stop 2
It is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The temple is located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Đại Việt took place. The temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vitnamese đồng banknote
3
Stop 3
Hanoi Opera House is an architectural work in Hanoi City, Vietnam, serving art performances. The theater is located on the August Revolution Square, the head of Trang Tien Street, not far from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Vietnam History Museum. The construction was started by the French in 1901 and completed in 1911, following the form of the Opéra Garnier Theater in Paris but bearing smaller stature and using materials suitable for local climatic conditions.
4
Stop 4
Tran Quoc Pagoda located by Thanh Nien Road has a history of about 1400 years, which is the oldest temple in Thang Long – Hanoi in particular and in Vietnam in general.
What's not included
Other beverages and meals
Entrance ticket for Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House
Personal expenses
Tip/ Gratuities (Optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
51 reviews
5★
42
4★
7
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
231 reviews
5★
225
4★
6
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is formal, no short pants, no three holes T-shirt
Minimum numbers: 1
Maximum numbers: 12
Meeting point
47 Hàng Bông street
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
