Hanoi Full-Day Private City Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter's bustling streets
- Capture unique moments at Train Street
- Discover the history at the Temple of Literature
- Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch
- Experience the art of water puppetry at a local theater
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guide for personalized experience
- Visit to Train Street for unique photo opportunities
- Traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
Pass by: Hanoi Opera House was built to host classical art shows such as chamber music, opera, ballet, and drama. With a total area of some 2,600 square metres, the Opera House has 3 areas including the front hall, mirror chamber, and performance hall. All areas are decorated with French-style classical chandeliers.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important historical attraction of Hanoi, known for honoring the national hero: President Ho Chi Minh. The building is where visitors can express their admiration and gratitude towards the common father/uncle of Vietnamese who has led the country to independence and reunification. It is popularly known among Vietnamese as Uncles’ Mausoleum, for the intimate and familiar atmosphere Ho Chi Minh always created when he was alive. Built over 2 years from 1973 to 1975, the Mausoleum is also a lively illustrator of national unity. Please note that the Mausoleum closes on Monday and Friday and every afternoon.
One Pillar Pagoda, also known as the Dien Huu Pagoda or Lien Hoa Dai owns unique architectural structure with a square structure lying on a stone pillar. It is distinctive architecture that gives the pagoda become one of the fascinating tourist attractions in Hanoi. Floating above the lake consists of a system of wooden slats forming the solid structure firmly supporting the pagoda, which looks like a lotus flower raising straight up from the lake. Dien Huu Pagoda started its construction in October (lunar calendar), 1049 under King Ly Thai Tong. In 1106, King Ly Nhan Tong renovated and expanded the pagoda to become a large architectural complex with Linh Chieu Lake added and a gilded lotus throne atop. Inside the lotus throne is purple shrine with sacred bird imagery in the roof. There is a gilded statue of Buddha Avalokiteshvara inside.
A rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, the Temple of Literature honours Vietnam’s finest scholars. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the attractive complex is dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu) and was the site of Vietnam’s first university (1076). The altars are popular with students praying for good grades; while the pagodas, ponds and gardens of the five courtyards make picturesque backdrops for student graduation photos. It is depicted on the 100,000d note.
Located on a small penisula on the East side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. Located on a small penisula on the East side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. The architecture of this Buddhist center is a subtle combination between the solemn and beautiful landscape on the peaceful and quiet ambiance of West Lake’s surface. Thanks to these historical and architectural values, Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts many tourists to pay a visit, both inside and outside of Vietnam.
Located in the center of the capital of Vietnam, well-known as one of the most inhumane prisons with terrified punishment, Hoa Lo Prison, aka Maison Centrale, is a symbol of strong will of prisoners and their sacrifice for their communist ideals.
Hanoi Train Street is a unique attraction that has grown in popularity in recent years. It is a tiny street in the center of the city, with narrow houses surrounded on each side by residences and cafés, and train lines running straight down the middle. We will have a drink here while waiting for the train passing through.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; please ensure you understand the language.
- Children under 5 years old can join for free if they do not occupy a seat.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun during outdoor activities.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
Hanoi Adventures
We went with Andrew, absolutely fantastic very knowledgeable, and professional we also did a food tour in Hanoi with Andrew, we recommend him.
Perfect full-day Hanoi tour with Paul
This tour takes in many of the ‘must-visits’ of Hanoi but without being herded around like cattle. Paul was a great guide and we took in Hanoi Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (and Presidential Palace), One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Chua Tran Quoc, Hoa Lo Prison & Train Street. Paul made sure we were sitting drinking a local coffee as not one but two trains passed through the extremely narrow laneway! Would highly recommend this tour and Paul as a guide
Great way to see Hanoi
Outstanding tour – the perfect start to our Vietnam trip! We had an amazing day on this private Hanoi city tour and couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the city. Paul was an exceptional guide – friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. At every stop he gave excellent information and really brought Hanoi’s history and culture to life. Our driver was great and the car was clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned, which made the day even more enjoyable. Everything was very well organised and relaxed. The itinerary was brilliant and the Train Street visit was a real highlight. This was the perfect start to our Vietnam adventure and we would highly recommend this tour – especially if you get Paul as your guide!
Hanoi with Leo
A perfect tour for getting to know Hanoi. We had a wonderful guide named Leo. He was very informative and my adult children 20 & 23 enjoyed his knowledge. Would absolutely recommend this tour.
Best Vietnam Tour
Our tour guide, Harley, did an amazing job! He was informative of the history, provided a secure way of getting into places on foot when the tour required walking, was very informative of the Vietnamese temples, and gave the details when we asked questions. He also went at our own pace as we had a ln elder in our family group. He has a sense of humor which allowed for an awesome tour!