Exploring the vibrant heart of Hanoi has never been easier. This guided half-day tour covers the city’s top highlights, from iconic landmarks to local insights. Travelers can expect a hassle-free experience, with convenient pickup, knowledgeable guides, and a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to dive deeper into Vietnam’s rich culture, this tour promises an enriching journey through the dynamic streets of Hanoi. With so much to see and discover, it’s the perfect way to make the most of your time in this captivating city.
Key Points
- The tour offers a guided exploration of Hanoi’s top attractions, including the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, over 5.5 hours.
- The tour is priced from $32.12 per person and includes a Vietnamese lunch featuring eight local dishes.
- Free pickup and drop-off is provided in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with alternative arrangements available for locations outside the Old Quarter.
- The tour itinerary may change, and the tour may finish earlier or later than planned, with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed on Mondays and Fridays.
- The tour highlights Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and provides an opportunity to visit either the Vietnam Ethnology Museum or the Women’s Museum.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Hanoi Half-Day City Highlights Tour offers a guided exploration of the city’s top attractions. Priced from $32.12 per person, the 5.5-hour tour includes free pickup and drop-off in the Old Quarter.
Explore Hanoi’s top attractions on a guided 5.5-hour tour priced at $32.12 per person with free pickup and drop-off in the Old Quarter.
Highlights include visiting the 6th-century Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, and the Vietnam Ethnology Museum. Guests will enjoy a Vietnamese lunch featuring eight local dishes.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and transportation. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary may change, and the tour may run early or late.
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Itinerary and Activities
Free pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is provided, though guests outside this area should message for alternative locations.
The tour kicks off around 8am with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi dating back to the 6th century.
Next, the group explores the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, seeing Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body and the One Pillar Pagoda.
The tour then visits the:
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Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups
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Women’s Museum on Mondays
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Local restaurant for an 8-dish Vietnamese lunch
The tour concludes around 1:45pm.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Free pickup and drop-off is provided in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. For locations outside this area, travelers can message the tour operators for availability and arrangements. The pickup and drop-off locations are as follows:
| Location | Pickup | Drop-off |
| — | — | — |
| Hanoi Old Quarter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outside Hanoi Old Quarter | By request | By request |
| Lodging not in Old Quarter | By request | By request |
Conveniently, the tour ensures a smooth start and end to the Hanoi city highlights experience.
Highlights of the Tour
Exploring Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage, the tour begins at the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city dating back to the 6th century.
Next, visitors explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where they can view Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body and visit the One Pillar Pagoda.
The tour then takes guests to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum or the Women’s Museum on Mondays, providing insight into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups and culture.
The day culminates with a delectable Vietnamese lunch featuring eight traditional dishes.
Key highlights of the tour include:
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Visiting the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi
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Exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
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Discovering the Vietnam Ethnology or Women’s Museum
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Enjoying a Vietnamese lunch with eight traditional dishes
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Learning about Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage
The Ethnology Museum or Women’s Museum
After exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the tour takes visitors to either the Vietnam Ethnology Museum or the Women’s Museum, depending on the day of the week. The Ethnology Museum offers a fascinating look at Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, their customs, and traditional way of life. On Mondays, the tour instead visits the Women’s Museum, which showcases the role and achievements of Vietnamese women throughout history. Both museums provide unique insights into Vietnamese culture and heritage, enhancing the overall depth of the city highlights tour.
| Vietnam Ethnology Museum | Women’s Museum |
|——————————|——————-|
| Exhibits 54 ethnic groups | Highlights women’s contributions |
| Showcases customs, traditions| Covers history, achievements |
| Educational and insightful | Empowering and inspiring |
| Open Tues-Sun | Open Mon only |
| Part of Hanoi city tour | Alternative to Ethnology |
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Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Following the tour of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and the Ethnology or Women’s Museum, participants reconvene for a delightful Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
The meal features eight traditional dishes, showcasing the diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Diners can expect to savor:
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Pho – the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup
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Banh mi – the beloved Vietnamese sandwich
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Goi cuon – fresh spring rolls
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Bun cha – grilled pork with noodles
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Ca phe sua da – Vietnamese iced coffee
Lunch provides an opportunity to refuel and immerse oneself further in the local culture before concluding the half-day city highlights tour.
Inclusions and What’s Covered
The tour package includes a shuttle bus to transport participants throughout the trip, as well as an English-speaking guide to provide insights and commentary.
Bottled water, all entrance tickets, and a Vietnamese lunch with eight dishes are also covered. Tips for the guide and driver are included as well.
Travelers should inform the operator of any food allergies or special requests. While personal expenses aren’t included, the tour give you a comprehensive Hanoi city highlights experience for a reasonable price from $32.12 per person.
Important Information for Travelers
Although the itinerary may change based on the guide’s arrangement, the tour aims to maintain its scheduled timeline.
Travelers should be aware that the tour may finish earlier or later than the 5.5-hour duration. It’s important to inform the tour operator of any food allergies or special requests in advance.
Key things to keep in mind:
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Tour may run shorter or longer than planned
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Mausoleum closed on Mondays and Fridays, and for maintenance June 15 to August 15
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Free pickup/drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, additional fees for locations outside this area
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Personal expenses not included in the tour price
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code. Comfortable, casual attire is recommended, as the tour involves walking and visiting religious sites. Respect local customs by covering up and removing shoes when entering pagodas.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is generally wheelchair accessible, with transportation and facilities designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. However, it’s best to confirm specific accessibility details with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the tour meets the individual’s requirements.
Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Lunch?
Yes, you can make special dietary requests for the lunch. The tour provider mentions that you should inform them of any food allergies or special requests, so they can accommodate your dietary needs.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Mausoleum Complex?
Photography is generally not allowed inside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Visitors must check their cameras and phones at the entrance. However, taking photos is permitted in the surrounding areas of the complex.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The tour group size typically ranges from 8 to 20 participants. The exact number may vary depending on the day and demand for the tour. Travelers should expect a small to medium-sized group for a more personalized experience.
Recap
This Hanoi guided tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s top attractions. With convenient transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a delicious local lunch, travelers can easily experience Hanoi’s vibrant culture and history. Whether visiting the Tran Quoc Pagoda or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, this tour provides a hassle-free way to explore the highlights of Vietnam’s capital city.
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