Hanoi Highlights: Full-Day/Half-Day City Expedition

Hanoi’s history and culture come alive on this full or half-day city expedition. Visitors can enjoy iconic landmarks, museums, and local cuisine. From the ornate Tran Quoc Pagoda to the revered Ho Chi Minh complex, this tour promises an enriching experience. While the itinerary highlights Vietnam’s storied past, optional activities like a cyclo ride and water puppet show add a contemporary flair. Whether seeking an in-depth exploration or a taste of Hanoi’s highlights, this tour has something for every traveler.

Key Points

• A full-day Hanoi city tour priced at $32.53 per person, with a duration ranging from 4 to 8.5 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh complex, and either the Vietnam Ethnology Museum or Women Museum.
• The afternoon portion features a Vietnamese lunch, a visit to the Temple of Literature, and a tour of the Hoa Lo Prison Museum.
• Optional activities include a cyclo ride and a traditional water puppet performance, available at additional cost.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, lunch, and entrance fees, with accommodations for special dietary needs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This Hanoi Highlights: Full-Day/Half-Day City Expedition activity is priced from $32.53 per person.

The tour lasts 4 to 8.5 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot without immediate payment.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, lunch, and all entrance fees.

Travelers should dress modestly and bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if informed in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

The morning portion of the Hanoi Highlights tour begins with pickup by the guide between 8:00-8:30 AM.

Visitors will first explore Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam’s oldest pagoda dating back to the 6th century.

Next, they’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, including his mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.

The tour then continues to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum or Women Museum (closed on Mondays).

In the afternoon, guests will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring 8 dishes, followed by visits to the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison Museum, known as the "Hanoi Hilton".

The tour concludes around 16:30.

Morning Excursion

The morning portion of the Hanoi Highlights tour begins with pickup by the guide between 8:00-8:30 AM.

First, visitors explore Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam’s oldest pagoda dating back to the 6th century.

Next, the tour moves to the Ho Chi Minh complex, including his mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Finally, the group visits either the Vietnam Ethnology Museum or the Women Museum, both closed on Mondays.

The morning excursion provides an immersive introduction to Hanoi’s rich history and culture, setting the stage for the afternoon portion of the comprehensive city expedition.

Afternoon Exploration

After the morning’s sightseeing, the tour group enjoys a delectable Vietnamese lunch featuring 8 traditional dishes at around 12:45 PM.

Following the meal, they visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to the 11th century, around 14:00-14:15.

Next, they tour the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, known as the "Hanoi Hilton," where American prisoners of war were held during the Vietnam War.

The tour concludes around 16:15-16:30 with a return to the hotel.

The tour wraps up around 16:15-16:30 with a return to the hotel.

Optional activities include a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter and a traditional water puppet performance.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Optional Activities

Along With the main tour activities, travelers can explore Hanoi further by partaking in optional experiences.

For 150,000 VND per person, guests can enjoy a relaxing cyclo ride around the charming Old Quarter.

Alternatively, they can attend a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance for 250,000 VND per person.

These add-ons provide an opportunity to take in local culture and gain a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s rich heritage.

Travelers should inform the local operator in advance if they wish to include these optional activities in their Hanoi Highlights expedition.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes a limousine or shuttle bus during the trip, as well as an English-speaking guide with a minimum of 5 years of experience.

A bottle of water and lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are provided. Entrance tickets and tips for the guide and driver are also included.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and bring a camera, sunscreen, and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for visits to the mausoleum and temples.

Special dietary needs should be communicated to the local operator in advance.

The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on traveler feedback.

Mausoleum Closure and Itinerary Changes

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and for maintenance from June 15 to August 15.

Visitors should plan their trip accordingly. The tour’s itinerary may vary based on weather or guide arrangements. This ensures the smooth operation of the tour and the best possible experience for guests.

Travelers with special dietary needs should inform the local operator in advance to accommodate their requirements.

Dietary Accommodations and Customer Reviews

Travelers with special dietary needs can inform the local operator in advance to accommodate their requirements.

Whether vegetarian, vegan, or with other dietary restrictions, the team will work to provide suitable lunch options.

The Hanoi Highlights tour has received an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 from past travelers.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and seamless logistics that make for a memorable day exploring the city’s top sights.

With flexible booking and free cancellation, this small-group tour offers an efficient and convenient way to discover the highlights of Hanoi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children and Infants Allowed on the Tour?

Children and infants are allowed on the tour. The tour operator provides accommodations for families, such as child seats in the vehicle and adjustments to the itinerary as needed. Participants should inform the operator of any special requirements in advance.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Preferences?

The tour can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can discuss any special requests, such as dietary needs or activity preferences, with the local operator prior to the tour to ensure a personalized experience.

Is There Any Storage or Luggage Assistance Provided?

The tour doesn’t directly provide luggage storage or assistance. However, travelers can inquire with their hotel or guide about options for storing bags during the tour. Storage solutions may be available but aren’t guaranteed as a standard service.

How Do I Contact the Tour Operator in Case of Emergencies?

Travellers can contact the tour operator’s emergency phone number provided at the time of booking. This allows them to reach the company directly in case of any urgent situations during the tour.

What Are the Language Options for the Tour Guide?

The local operator provides English-speaking guides with a minimum of 5 years’ experience. These guides can communicate effectively and share insights about the tour highlights throughout the day-long city expedition.

Recap

The "Hanoi Highlights: Full-Day/Half-Day City Expedition" offers an immersive experience to explore Vietnam’s capital. With visits to iconic sites, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and optional activities, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Hanoi’s rich culture and history. Whether you choose the full-day or half-day option, this expedition promises an unforgettable adventure in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here: