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Vietnam Travel Guide​
Hanoi City Tour – Highlights & Hidden Gems with Local Guide
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
4.9/5 [from 230+ reviews on Tripadvisor]
Travelers’ Choice 2025 and 2026
Tour overview
Overview
Set out on a captivating full-day Hanoi city tour that offers an in-depth exploration of Vietnam’s history and culture. Discover iconic landmarks like the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda and the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and gain insight into the country’s diverse ethnic groups at the Vietnam Ethnology Museum. This immersive experience also highlights the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and more, ensuring a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s vibrant heritage. Ideal for international travelers, this tour promises cultural enrichment, historical discovery, and unforgettable memories.
Tour highlights
Highlights
- Explore the 6th-century Tran Quoc Pagoda on Golden Fish Island.
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including his mausoleum and residence.
- Learn about Vietnam’s diverse cultures at the Ethnology Museum.
- Discover the iconic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
- Gain insight into Vietnam’s history at Hoa Lo Prison, a "Hell on Earth."
Tour video
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Price and availability
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Step by step
Itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM :
Pick-up and Introduction
Our tour guide and private transfer will pick you up from your hotel to begin your Hanoi city adventure.
8:45 AM :
Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
Admire the stunning Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century on Golden Fish Island in West Lake.
9:30 AM :
Ho Chi Minh Complex
Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam's national hero's resting place, and visit his former homes in the surrounding garden. Dress modestly as you visit the mausoleum, pagodas, and temples.
Delve into Vietnam’s rich cultural diversity by learning about the 54 ethnic groups across the country. If visiting on a Monday, the Women’s Museum will be your alternative stop.
12:45 PM :
Vietnamese Cuisine Lunch
Savor authentic Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant, with vegetarian options available.
Lunch
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM :
Visit Temple of Literature
Discover the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 and an architectural gem that celebrates the country’s intellectual heritage.
3:15 PM :
Hoa Lo Prison
Step into the historical Hoa Lo Prison, once known as "Maison Centrale," a former French colonial prison now serving as a poignant museum showcasing the Vietnam-France war era.
4:30 PM :
Return to Hotel
Your private transfer will take you back to your hotel, concluding this enriching day of exploration.
Included and not included
Included
- Private transfer throughout the trip
- A bottle of water per person
- All entrance tickets
- English-speaking guide
- Vietnamese lunch
Not included
- Cyclo ride ($5 per person)
- Water Puppet Show ($5 per person)
- Personal expenses
Tour information
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included in the tour cost?
Yes, all entrance tickets to the listed attractions are included in the tour price.
Is the tour suitable for children and elderly participants?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages. However, please consider the walking involved and ensure participants are comfortable with the level of activity.
Are meals included, and do you cater to dietary restrictions?
Yes, a Vietnamese lunch is included, and vegetarian options are available. Please notify us in advance of any dietary restrictions to accommodate your needs.
What is the policy on tips for the guide and driver?
Tips for the guide and driver are not included in the tour price and are at your discretion.
Is everything open all year during the city tour in Hanoi?
Most places included in the tour are open year-round. However, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and also for annual maintenance from mid-June to mid-August. You can still view it from the outside and explore the area. Additionally, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays—on those days, your guide will replace it with a visit to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which offers excellent cultural insight as well.
What should I wear when visiting temples and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum?
Dress modestly, especially when visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, where the dress code is strictly enforced—shoulders and knees must be covered. Temples also require respectful attire, though they are a bit more flexible. On hot days, we recommend wearing light clothing and bringing a scarf, shawl, or lightweight cover-up to use during visits to religious or official sites.
Guest reviews
What travelers say about traveling with us
Short summaries of reviews on Tripadvisor. Reviews in other languages are translated.
S
Stef W
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly and well organized!
Our tour to the Perfume Pagoda, booked in advance, was very well organized, friendly and super enjoyable. The tour guides really are local and know what they are talking about.
T
Tanja
Rated 5 out of 5
Vietnam at its best, worry-free and authentic
Our six-day trip started in Hanoi, where we went straight into the rich and complex history of Vietnam. Our guide brought the stories to life and gave us a deeper look at the war, traditions and everyday life.
J
Jacco
Rated 5 out of 5
What security, quality and service!
Hanoi was one of the highlights of our three-and-a-half-week family trip, including the food tour and our hotel in the old town. What a great city, full of atmosphere, and what delicious things to eat everywhere.
H
Henk-Jan B
Rated 5 out of 5
Round trip North Vietnam
The street food tour in Hanoi was a lot of fun, with a really nice, enthusiastic guide who took us to many different places and paid good attention to my wife's allergies. Our hotel in Hanoi was perfect every time, with good beds, a jacuzzi and a delicious breakfast.
C
Couple from Sheffield
Rated 5 out of 5
Great experience with Local Vietnam
A particular shout-out to our guide, who took us on a brilliant private street food tour around Hanoi. It was one of a few parts of our trip to Vietnam that we asked Local Vietnam to arrange, and everything was great.
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