Hanoi City Tour: A Full-Day Cultural Journey

38 $

Duration

Full Or Half Day (Your Choice)

Tour Type

Daily Tours

Transports

Car

Overview Tour

Discover the vibrant heart of Vietnam on our Hanoi City Tour, a full-day adventure crafted for those who seek more than just sightseeing. This isn’t a typical bus tour; it’s a small-group experience designed to immerse you in Hanoi’s rich history, storied traditions, and dynamic present. With our hand-picked itineraries and expert guides, you’ll not only see the city’s most iconic landmarks but also unlock its authentic soul, blending education with local encounters for a truly unforgettable day.

Why Join Our Hanoi City Tour?

Whether you’re visiting Hanoi for the first time or looking to see more than the typical highlights, this tour is built to deliver an authentic and enriching experience. With a friendly English-speaking guide, seamless logistics, and hand-picked destinations, this is arguably the best Hanoi tour to truly understand the soul of the city.

Highlight

  • A Journey of Choice: Customize your day by choosing between a deep dive into Vietnam’s ethnic diversity at the Museum of Ethnology or a creative workshop at the ancient Bat Trang Ceramic Village.
  • Small Group, Big Experience: Enjoy a more intimate, personalized tour with a limited group size, allowing for meaningful interactions with your guide and fellow travelers.
  • Iconic Landmarks, Authentic Stories: Explore Hanoi’s most significant historical sites, from the solemn Ho Chi Minh Complex to the serene Temple of Literature, all brought to life with captivating stories from a local perspective.
  • Craftsmanship & Culture: Witness centuries-old traditions firsthand, whether you’re admiring lacquer art or learning the art of pottery at a 700-year-old village.

Brief Itinerary

Option 1: Old Quarter – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Presidential Palace – One Pillar Pagoda – Lacquer painting workshop – Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Temple of Literature – West Lake – Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hoan Kiem Lake – Ngoc Son Temple.

Option 2: Ho Chi Minh Complex – Lacquer painting workshop – Bat Trang Ceramic Village – Temple of Literature – Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hoan Kiem Lake – Ngoc Son Temple.

Detail Itinerary

Option 1: Hanoi City Tour with Museum of Ethnology
+

(Available: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Hanoi City Tour

07:40 – 08:30 AM: Start your journey with hotel pickup from the Old Quarter. Your guide will greet you and give a brief introduction to the day’s plan.

This classic option focuses on Hanoi’s deep history and cultural diversity.

  • Morning Exploration: We begin at the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex, a place of deep national reverence. You’ll have a moment to reflect at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before strolling through the beautiful gardens to see his humble stilt house and the historic One Pillar Pagoda. Afterward, we’ll visit a traditional lacquer painting workshop to admire centuries-old craftsmanship.
  • A Journey into Culture: Our journey continues to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is an eye-opening deep dive into the traditions, customs, and unique architecture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. It’s an insightful experience that reveals the rich cultural tapestry of the country.
  • Lunch & Afternoon Discoveries: We’ll recharge with an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to the peaceful Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Next, a scenic drive takes us to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake. Our tour concludes at Hoan Kiem Lake, where you’ll cross the charming red bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, soaking in the legendary atmosphere of the city.

16:00 – Return to your hotel. Tour ends.

Option 2: Hanoi City Tour with Bat Trang Ceramic Village
+

(Available: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)

Hanoi City Tour

This version of the small group tour follows a similar morning schedule as Option 1. You’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complexlacquer painting gallery, and then head to Bat Trang Ceramic Village, a traditional craft village that has thrived for over 700 years.

Located along the Red River, Bat Trang is known for its high-quality pottery and vibrant ceramics market. You’ll observe artisans shaping clay by hand and learn about the role ceramics play in Northern Vietnam’s cultural heritage. You can even try making a ceramic piece yourself.

After lunch and a brief rest, the tour continues with the same itinerary as Option 1: Temple of LiteratureTran Quoc PagodaHoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple.

16:00 – Return to your hotel. Tour ends.

Inclusion

Entrance and sightseeing fees
Professional English-speaking guide
Air-conditioned shuttle bus
Local lunch
Taxes and service charges
Hotel pickup (Old Quarter area)

Exclusion

Personal expenses and alcoholic drinks
Optional experiences: cyclo ride or water puppet show ($5/person/service)
Travel insurance
Tips for guide/driver

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

Tours Full-Day Tour Half-Day Tour Private Tour
Price (USD/Person) 38 Contact Us Contact Us

Travel Tips

What to Bring

  • Printed or digital booking voucher

  • Cash for shopping or tips

  • Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent

  • Modest clothing (no shorts/sleeveless tops in temples)

  • Camera and spare batteries

  • Small daypack (max 15kg recommended)

Important Notes

  • Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from Sept 5 to Dec 5 for maintenance.

  • Water bottles and cameras are not allowed inside the mausoleum – store them on the bus or at the front gate lockers.

  • From March to November, Hanoi can be hot and humid – dress light and stay hydrated. From November to March, pack an extra layer for cooler temperatures.

Explore Other Options

25 $

2 To 3 Hours

45 $

4 To 5 Hours

55 $

4 to 5 Hours