City Sightseeing Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Traveling through Hanoi’s chaotic streets on a hop-on hop-off bus sounds like a convenient way to tick off the city’s must-see sights. This particular tour, operated by City Sightseeing Ltd, promises a quick, open-top journey with audio guides in several languages, all for just $19 per person. But does it deliver on the hype? We’ve gathered insights and reviews to help you decide if this is a worthwhile option for your Hanoi itinerary.

What we like about this experience are its affordability, the opportunity to see iconic landmarks from a comfortable vantage point, and the flexible ticketing system that lets you hop on any day within a year. However, a common concern from past travelers is that the stops can be far from the attractions they want to visit, and some routes get skipped during busy days. This tour might suit travelers who value convenience and a quick overview of the city but may not be ideal for those wanting close proximity or a more in-depth exploration.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Open-top double-decker buses provide good views of the city.
• Route stops include major sights like the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and Hanoi Opera House.
• Some stops are far from major attractions, which could lead to extra walking.
• Limited operation during certain days due to street closures and parades.
• Reviews highlight issues with skipped stops and delays, impacting the overall experience.

An Introduction to the Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The City Sightseeing Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is designed to give visitors a quick, scenic overview of Vietnam’s capital. Priced at $19, it offers a budget-friendly way to get around, especially if you’re short on time or prefer to stay on a guided route rather than navigating the busy streets on your own. The tour features an open-top bus, which is ideal for sightseeing, and includes an audio guide in multiple languages to fill you in on the history and significance of each landmark.

The bus runs approximately every hour, starting from 9:15 am and going until 5:15 pm, giving travelers a flexible window to hop on and off as they wish. The most attractive aspect is that tickets are valid for any day within 12 months, making it easy to plan around your other activities. Still, it’s important to note that the tour does not operate on certain days due to street closures for parades and national celebrations—this could impact your plans if you’re visiting during those dates.

What’s on the Itinerary?

The stops on this route include some of Hanoi’s most recognized sights, starting from the Frog Flower Garden and passing through historical, cultural, and religious sites. Here’s a detailed look at what each stop offers:

Stop 1: Frog Flower Garden & 54 P. Lý Thái T

This initial stop is near the Frog Flower Garden. While it’s not a major tourist site, it provides a scenic spot for a quick photo or to gather your bearings at the start of the tour.

Stop 2: Hanoi Post Office

The Hanoi Central Post Office is famous for its beautiful colonial architecture. It’s a short visit and offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s colonial past, along with some quick postcard shopping.

Stop 3: Hanoi Cathedral

Near the city center, this Gothic-style cathedral is often mistaken for European churches. It’s an ideal spot for a quick look or some photos, though you might find it less crowded than other landmarks.

Stop 4: Military History Museum

This stop offers an insight into Vietnam’s military past, giving context to the country’s resilience. It’s a worthwhile visit if history interests you, but the review mentions that some stops get skipped during busy days.

Stop 5: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Imperial Citadel is one of Hanoi’s most important historical complexes. The bus makes it easy to visit without the hassle of navigating local transportation.

Stop 6: Quan Thanh Temple

This Taoist temple is known for its intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a brief visit but adds to the tapestry of Hanoi’s spiritual sites.

Stop 7: Tran Quoc Pagoda

Located by West Lake, this pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi. The view over the lake adds to its charm, making it a popular photo spot.

Stop 8: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Arguably the most iconic site in Hanoi, the mausoleum holds the preserved body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. The line can be long, and access is limited during certain times of the day.

Stop 9: Temple of Literature

This ancient university is a highlight, especially for those interested in Vietnam’s scholarly past. It’s easily accessible from the bus route, and its well-preserved architecture makes it a favorite among visitors.

Stop 10: Hoa Lo Prison

Known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War, this site offers a sobering look at Vietnam’s history. Reviewers note that the tour’s convenience makes it easy to include this stop.

Stop 11: Hanoi Cathedral (again)

Revisiting this site, travelers can choose to explore more or skip if pressed for time.

Stop 12: Vietnam Women’s Museum

This museum offers insight into the role of women in Vietnam’s history and culture, making it a meaningful stop for many travelers.

Stop 13: Hanoi Opera House

End your tour at this French colonial landmark, often admired for its architecture and cultural significance.

The Practical Aspects

Transportation & Timing:
The buses are open-top, comfortable, and provide an excellent vantage point for sightseeing. The 60-minute duration means you’re covering quite a bit in a short time, but some stops are quite brief—so don’t expect to explore each site in detail.

Route & Stops:
Given that some reviews mention stops being skipped or located far from attractions, it’s worth planning your visits around those known issues. For example, Stop 2 (Hanoi Post Office) is not available on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sundays, which could limit your options during weekends.

Price & Value:
At $19, the tour is a budget-friendly way to get an overview. But, considering some reviews’ comments on route reliability and stop proximity, it might be better suited for travelers who want a broad orientation rather than a deep dive.

User Experiences:
One traveler, William, specifically pointed out, “Too much walking to find the darn bus!” and “Bus stops are not close to the attractions,” which suggests that the convenience may be less than advertised. During busy days, some routes are skipped, and the bus may not cover all the intended sights, which can be frustrating.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Past travelers have expressed mixed feelings. William’s review highlights the disappointment with the actual stop locations, which aren’t always near the attractions, forcing extra walking or public transit to reach points of interest. He also mentioned that multiple stops were skipped during a party convention, indicating that the route isn’t always reliable during events.

Another review notes that the audio guides are helpful, but the overall benefit reduces if the stops are not near the sites you want to visit or if the buses run infrequently. The flexibility of using mobile or paper vouchers is appreciated, but the actual experience depends heavily on how well the route is maintained and how busy the city streets are on the day of your tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This hop-on hop-off bus is ideal for first-time visitors who want a quick, affordable introduction to Hanoi without rushing. It’s suitable if you’re on a tight schedule and want to get a broad sense of the city’s layout and major landmarks. However, if you’re a history buff or prefer visiting sites that are close to each other, you might find this tour less satisfying. Those looking for convenience over in-depth exploration will appreciate the open-air views and easy access to highlights.

Conversely, travelers who value route reliability and proximity might prefer to organize their own transport or join guided tours focused on specific sites. The possibility of skipped stops and the fact that some stops are far from attractions mean this isn’t the best choice for those wanting a seamless, comprehensive experience.

The Sum Up

The City Sightseeing Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers an inexpensive, panoramic way to get a snapshot of Hanoi’s core sights. Its flexibility, visual appeal, and multi-language audio guides are definite pluses, especially for first-timers. However, travelers should be aware of potential pitfalls like skipped stops, route reliability issues, and distance from attractions.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys a quick overview and is comfortable with some walking or public transit to connect the dots, this tour could work well. But if your goal is a more comprehensive or convenient experience without surprises, you might want to consider other options.

In the end, it’s a good starting point for orientation but probably shouldn’t be your only way to explore Hanoi. Combining it with self-guided walks or targeted tours of specific sites will ensure you get the most out of your visit.

FAQs

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, your voucher can be used any day within 12 months of purchase, giving you flexibility to plan your sightseeing.

What is the cost of the tour?
The standard price is $19.00 per person, which is quite affordable for a city overview.

Does the tour operate every day?
Not quite. The tour does not run on 27th, 29th, 30th & 31st August, and 1st & 2nd September due to street closures, but generally runs from 9:15 am to 5:15 pm every hour.

Are mobile and paper tickets accepted?
Yes, both are accepted and can be redeemed at any stop along the route.

How long does the tour last?
The bus ride itself takes about 60 minutes, but since it is hop-on hop-off, you can spend more time exploring individual stops.

Can I hop off and stay at a site?
Absolutely—just remember that your ticket is valid for any day within a year, so you can return later if needed.

Are all stops near the main attractions?
Not always. Some stops are a bit far from the sites, meaning extra walking or transport might be needed.

Is the route suitable during busy days?
During busy days or special events, some stops may be skipped, which could affect your plans.

What about the audio guide?
It’s available in several languages and offers interesting information about each stop, enhancing the sightseeing experience.

Would this tour suit families or solo travelers?
Yes, it’s flexible enough for both, especially those wanting a quick overview without strenuous walking or complicated logistics.

In sum, this Hanoi hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a budget-friendly way to get oriented with the city’s key sights, but travelers should plan ahead, considering route reliability and proximity to attractions. Combining it with personal explorations can give you a fuller, more satisfying Hanoi experience.