A Hanoi City Tour is the ideal way to experience Vietnam’s thousand-year capital in just one day. From the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the vibrant alleys of the Old Quarter, this curated journey includes expert guides, entry tickets, and local cuisine – all with convenient hotel pickup.
- ✅ Full-day or half-day options available
- ✅ Explore via walking, cycling, or comfortable bus tours
- ✅ Immerse in cultural experiences: food, folklore, and history
- ✅ Prices from $25–$45, offering exceptional value
Hanoi City Tour Overview
Hanoi (Vietnamese: Hà Nội) is the capital and second-most populous city of Vietnam. The name “Hanoi” translates to “inside the river,” – Hanoi borders the Red and Black Rivers. As a municipality, Hanoi consists of 12 urban districts, 17 rural districts, and one district-level town. The city encompasses an area of 3,359.84 km2 (1,297.24 sq mi) and as of 2022, a population of 8,435,700. Hanoi had the second-highest gross regional domestic product of all Vietnamese provinces and municipalities at 51.4 billion USD in 2022, behind Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanoi is the cultural, economic, and education center of Northern Vietnam. As the country’s capital, it hosts 78 foreign embassies, the headquarters of the People’s Army of Vietnam, its own Vietnam National University system, and many other governmental organisations. Hanoi is also a major tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year eager to explore its unique blend of architectural styles, from French colonial buildings to the tube houses of the Old Quarter.
Types of Hanoi City Tours
At Vietnam Story, we offer a diverse range of Hanoi City Tours designed to match your interests and schedule. You can choose from comprehensive full-day explorations, focused half-day adventures, and unique offbeat experiences.
Full-Day Tours
Our full-day tours are perfect for first-time visitors who want to see all the highlights in a single, well-organized day.
Classic Hanoi City Tour
This tour is designed to showcase Hanoi’s most iconic ancient and modern landmarks. Discover 36 bustling streets, the historic Temple of Literature, and the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex in a tour lasting approximately 8 hours.
Hanoi Museum Tour
Do you know that Hanoi is a museum city? Boasting a large collection of museums varying in themes from history to fine arts, Hanoi is an ideal place for Museum lovers. You will explore Vietnam’s rich heritage at the country’s most significant cultural institutions, including the phenomenal Museum of Ethnology and the poignant Women’s Museum.
Half-Day Tours
If you do not have much time to spare, then these half-day tours are perfect to squeeze in. Whether you just came back from Halong Bay, or you have a couple of hours to spend between flight arrival and train departure, we have something for you.
Old Quarter Walking Tour
Enjoy a 4-hour walking tour that takes you wandering through the busy streets of Hanoi Old Quarter.
Hanoi Old Quarter is definitely the best place to start your adventure. Our walk will allow you to explore pagodas, traditional houses, Dong Xuan market, and Lan Ong street, where you can learn about Eastern medicinal practices. Taste authentic Hanoi street food and egg coffee along the way.
Hanoi Street Food Tour
If you are a food fanatic, this tour is a must-do. We will introduce you to 5 of the best of Hanoi’s specialties.
Hanoi is famed for its exquisite cuisines. This tour is a perfect choice if you have little time in Hanoi but want to taste the city’s soul. You will savor dishes like Phở (noodle soup), Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles), and Nem (spring rolls).
Ha Noi Night Life Walking Tour
Experience the lively city as it spreads out across the streets at night. Explore weekend night markets, taste street food, and discover bustling activities around Hoan Kiem Lake.
This tour guides you through the electric atmosphere of the Old Quarter after dark. Enjoy famous Vietnamese dishes before visiting local bars to drink Bia Hoi (fresh draft beer) and soak in the vibrant nightlife.
Hanoi Cooking Class
Daily classes open every day at 9h00AM to 12h00 – 11h30 to 14h30 – 16h00 to 19h00 and 18h30 to 21h30
Learn to craft popular Vietnamese dishes with our energetic chef. You will get family-handed-down recipes and tips to make Phở, Nem, Bún Chả, and even Cà phê trứng (egg coffee).
Off-the-Beaten-Path & Cycling Tours
Our off-the-beaten-path tours will take you one step further from the standard classic tour of museums and parks. You will join us in a trip to the less-visited parts of the city and its charming countryside.
Farm Tour & Home Cooking with a Local Family
Leave Hanoi’s center and drive to the west of the city to visit a local market dating back to the Lê King Dynasty (1428). You will then join farmers in the field before learning to cook a traditional meal with a local family.
Cycling to Bat Trang Pottery Village
Join us to learn about Bat Trang’s heritage and discover an essential part of Northern Vietnam’s culture. This tour takes you along a beautiful dike road on the Red River to a village that has crafted pottery for centuries. You’ll even get to create your own masterpiece.
Cycling to Co Loa Citadel
Co Loa is the best place where you can discover the legend of An Duong Vuong and learn about the ancient history of Vietnam. This cycling trip takes you to a quiet, charming village full of historical relics, where you can explore ancient temples and pedal through lush rice fields.
Tours Around Hanoi
A highly recommended destination just a few hours from Hanoi is the spectacular province of Ninh Binh. Often called “Ha Long Bay on Land,” this region captivates visitors with its stunning landscape of limestone karsts rising from serene rivers and vibrant green rice paddies. We offer several excursions to this area, allowing you to experience its unique beauty.
You can choose a classic Hoa Lu – Tam Coc day trip to explore the ancient capital and take a gentle boat ride, or discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An on a scenic sampan tour. For a complete overview of all the adventures available in this breathtaking province, you can explore guide to Ninh Binh travel here.
Key Landmarks Covered
Our tours allow you to explore Hanoi’s most significant cultural and historical sites. Here are a few highlights:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Located in Ba Dinh Square, this solemn monument is the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh. It’s a site of deep historical importance for the Vietnamese people. Note that it is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and annually for maintenance (typically June-August). A strict dress code (no shorts, tank tops) is enforced.
Museum of Ethnology
Located in the Cầu Giấy District, this museum explores Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through artifacts, architecture, and fantastic outdoor exhibits. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. A must-see for families and culture enthusiasts.
The Temple of Literature & Imperial Academy
Originally built in 1070, this was Vietnam’s first university. Wander through its five tranquil courtyards, admire the well-preserved traditional architecture, and learn about its 700-year history as a center for Confucian learning.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
The “Lake of the Returned Sword” is the radiant treasure of central Hanoi. It’s a popular spot for locals to exercise, relax, and socialize. A picturesque red bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple on a small island, dedicated to historical and mythical figures.
Itinerary Examples
To help you plan, here is a sample schedule for our most popular full-day tour.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:45 – 08:15 | Hotel pickup and transfer to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Explore the Mausoleum, the House on Stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. |
| 10:30 | Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. |
| 12:00 | Lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine. |
| 13:30 | Proceed to either the Museum of Ethnology (Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun) or Bat Trang Pottery Village (Mon, Wed, Fri). |
| 15:00 | Visit the Temple of Literature & Quoc Tu Giam. Then, take a drive past Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. |
| 16:00 | Tour concludes. Drop off at your hotel. |
🎯 Ready to explore Hanoi your way? Book a custom city tour now with flexible pickup and local guides with Vietnam Story.
How to Book & What to Prepare
Booking your Hanoi City Tour is simple. Browse our tour options and contact us with your preferred date and tour type. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your spot.
For your tour, we suggest you prepare:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection.
- A light jacket or rain poncho, depending on the season.
- Cash (Vietnamese Dong) for personal expenses and tips, as many small vendors do not accept credit cards.
- A camera to capture all the amazing moments!
🔖 Limited slots daily. Reserve your walking tour today to avoid missing out.
FAQs about Hanoi City Tours
What’s the difference between a full-day and half-day Hanoi tour?
A full-day tour (approx. 8 hours) offers a comprehensive look at Hanoi’s main attractions, usually including 5-6 sites, lunch, and a mix of historical, cultural, and modern landmarks. A half-day tour (approx. 4 hours) is more focused, concentrating on a specific experience like a walking tour of the Old Quarter, a street food adventure, or a cooking class.
How much does a typical Hanoi city tour cost?
Our guided tour prices generally range from $25 to $45 per person. This typically includes hotel pickup, an expert guide, entrance fees, and lunch (on full-day tours). Costs vary based on the tour’s length and inclusions.
I am a vegetarian. Can I request vegetarian meals on tour?
Yes, absolutely. We can cater to vegetarian diets and other food allergies. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking so our guide can arrange appropriate meals at a suitable restaurant for you.
Can I take a Hanoi tour at night?
Yes, our Hanoi Night Life Walking Tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant energy after dark. You’ll explore night markets, enjoy street food, and visit popular local spots for drinks and entertainment.
What if I want to cancel my booking?
When you decide that you need to cancel your booking, please notify us immediately by email. We do not accept cancellation notices by phone or any other means for verification reasons. Please refer to our booking confirmation for the full cancellation policy.
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