Hanoi City Private Tour: Incense Village & Train Street Adventure

65 $

Duration

5 To 6 Hours

Tour Type

Private Tour

Transports

Car

Overview Tour

Step off the usual tourist path and discover a more personal side of Hanoi on this carefully curated Hanoi City Private Tour. Designed for travelers who want to go beyond the typical highlights, this half-day itinerary combines cultural depth, everyday local life, and the charm of age-old traditions. From a tranquil village filled with the scent of incense to the thrilling roar of a train passing just inches away, this tour offers the kind of unique travel moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left Hanoi.

Highlight

  • Incense Stick Village: See how traditional incense is made and learn its cultural and spiritual meaning.

  • Tran Quoc Pagoda: Visit Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, set peacefully on West Lake.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda: Two of Hanoi’s most iconic historical sites.

  • Train Street: Sip coffee as a train passes just steps away – a Hanoi must-see.

  • Local Streets: Explore themed streets in the Old Quarter selling bamboo, lanterns, and herbal medicine.

  • Dong Xuan Market: End with a visit to Hanoi’s most vibrant market – perfect for a bit of local shopping.

Brief Itinerary

Incense Stick Village – Tran Quoc Pagoda – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda – Train Street – Old Quarter Streets – Dong Xuan Market

Detail Itinerary

Pick-up – Start Your Private Journey
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Time: Morning or afternoon, depending on your schedule.
Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi at your preferred time. Get settled in your comfortable vehicle as your guide gives you a brief overview of the cultural adventure that awaits. As part of your Hanoi City Private Tour, everything is tailored to your pace and interest.

private hanoi city tour

Incense Stick Village
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Your first stop takes you just outside the city to a traditional Incense Village. This peaceful community has kept the ancient art of incense making alive for generations. As you walk through the village, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful tapestry of vibrant red and pink incense sticks fanned out in the sun. Your guide will introduce you to a local family, where you’ll learn how these sticks are shaped and dried. More than just a craft, incense holds deep meaning in Vietnamese culture – used for worship and daily rituals.
private hanoi city tour

Tran Quoc Pagoda
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Next, you’ll head back into the city to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, a serene sanctuary located on a small island in West Lake. Dating back over 1,400 years, it is considered the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. Here, you’ll get a peaceful break from the city’s buzz as your guide shares the symbolism behind its architecture and serene lotus pond, connecting you with Hanoi’s spiritual side.
private hanoi city tour

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda
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From West Lake, drive past tree-lined streets to reach Ba Dinh Square – home to two of the city’s most symbolic landmarks.

At the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you’ll hear stories of Uncle Ho, Vietnam’s most respected leader. While entry is not included in the itinerary, you’ll have a chance to admire the grandeur of the building and its role in the country’s history.

private hanoi city tour

Just nearby is the One Pillar Pagoda, a tiny but iconic temple shaped like a lotus rising from a pond. Your guide will explain its architecture and why it’s become a symbol of peace and resilience.

private hanoi city tour

Train Street
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Now, get ready for one of the most unforgettable moments of your tour. Tucked into the Old Quarter, this narrow alley comes alive when a train barrels through, just inches from the homes and local cafes.
private hanoi city tour

You’ll take a seat at a local café, enjoy a drink, and wait for the train. When it arrives, cameras come out and hearts race – it’s Hanoi at its most raw and real. The Train Street experience is a must-do, and on this Hanoi City Private Tour, you’ll enjoy it without the crowds.

Explore Local Streets in the Old Quarter
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Back on foot, your guide will lead you through some of the most unique themed streets in the Old Quarter. You’ll explore streets famous for:
private hanoi city tour

  • Hang Vai Street: Explore bamboo products and learn how they’re used in daily life.

  • Hang Ma Street: A visual feast of lanterns, paper crafts, and festive colors.

  • Lan Ong Street: Famous for traditional herbal medicine – a place where scents and stories blend.

Dong Xuan Market
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To wrap up your tour, you’ll visit Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest and busiest indoor market. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir, some local snacks, or just want to soak in the energy of local life, this is the place to do it. Your guide will help you navigate the maze of vendors and traditions.
private hanoi city tour

Drop-off
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After a day of deep cultural discovery, your private driver will return you to your hotel. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of not just what Hanoi looks like, but how it lives, breathes, and feels.

Inclusion

Private transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off
English-speaking tour guide
All entrance fees for sites listed
A drink at Train Street
Complimentary mineral water

Exclusion

Meals (can be arranged upon request)
Personal expenses
Items not mentioned in the itinerary

For Children

👶 Free of charge for babies (0 – 4 years old)
👶 Children from 4 to 8 years old: 75% of adult rate
👶 Child from 9 years must pay the full adult rate

Price

Number of Passengers 1 2 – 3 4 – 6 7 – 10
Price (USD/Person) 90 65 55 40

Travel Tips

  • Comfort is Key: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as some walking is involved, especially in the Old Quarter.
  • Be Flexible: This is a private tour, so feel free to discuss any adjustments you’d like to make to the itinerary with your guide.
  • Be Mindful: When visiting temples and pagodas, please dress modestly (covering knees and shoulders) to show respect.
  • Come with an open mind and be ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of Hanoi’s hidden corners.

Explore Other Options

40 $

3 Hours

40 $

4 To 5 Hours

80 $

4 To 5 Hours