Hanoi’s vibrant culture and rich history come alive in the Hanoi City Half Day Group Tour – Afternoon. This 4-hour tour immerses visitors in the city’s iconic landmarks, from the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda to the thought-provoking Hoa Lo Prison. Complemented by a vegetarian lunch and optional activities, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Hanoi’s captivating past and present. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned traveler, this experience promises to reveal the city’s hidden gems and leave you eager to uncover more.
Good To Know

- This half-day group tour of Hanoi’s top landmarks, priced at $38.63 per person, runs for 4 hours in the afternoon with multiple pickup locations.
- The tour includes visits to the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison, with an optional cyclo ride and vegetarian lunch.
- Pickup is scheduled at 12:15 PM from six locations across Hanoi, and the tour returns to the same locations around 4:30 PM.
- The tour provides insights into Vietnam’s history and culture, with an English-speaking guide accompanying the group throughout the tour.
- Additional optional activities, such as a water puppet show, are available for an additional fee.
Tour Overview

This Hanoi City Half Day Group Tour is an afternoon sightseeing experience that allows visitors to explore the highlights of Vietnam’s capital city.
Priced from $38.63 per person, the 4-hour tour includes pickup from multiple locations, a visit to key landmarks like Tran Quoc Pagoda and Temple of Literature, and an optional cyclo ride.
An afternoon tour of Hanoi’s highlights, including Tran Quoc Pagoda and Temple of Literature, with flexible pickup and optional cyclo ride.
Lunch at a restaurant with vegetarian options and a bottle of water per person are provided.
Flexibility is a key feature – the tour can be booked now and paid for later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Itinerary Highlights

The Hanoi City Half Day Group Tour begins with pickup from six convenient locations across the city, including Ba Đình, Tây Hồ, Cầu Giấy, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hoàn Kiếm, and central Hanoi.
At 12:30-12:45 PM, guests enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant.
The tour then visits the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, built in the 6th century and the oldest in Hanoi.
Next, it explores the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
The final stop is the Hoa Lo Prison, a former war museum.
An optional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter is available for $5 per person.
The tour concludes with return to hotels by 4:30 PM.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The Hanoi City Half Day Group Tour offers pickup from six convenient locations across the city, including Ba Đình, Tây Hồ, Cầu Giấy, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hoàn Kiếm, and central Hanoi.
Pickup is scheduled for 12:15 PM, and the tour will return to the same six locations around 4:30 PM. The bus/coach journey takes approximately 30 minutes each way.
This wide range of pickup and drop-off points ensures the tour is accessible to travelers staying in various parts of Hanoi, making it a hassle-free option for exploring the city’s top attractions in half a day.
Lunch at the Restaurant

After being picked up from their respective locations, the tour participants head to a local restaurant for a lunch break from 12:30 to 12:45 PM.
The restaurant offers a range of vegetarian options to accommodate various dietary needs. During this time, the group enjoys a quick but satisfying meal, providing them with the energy to continue their exploration of Hanoi’s historical sites.
The lunch break is an opportunity for the participants to refuel and engage in casual conversation with their fellow travelers before moving on to the next stop on the itinerary.
More Great Tours NearbyVisit to Tran Quoc Pagoda

After the lunch break, the tour continues with a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi.
Located on a small island in the West Lake, this 6th-century Buddhist temple features a serene atmosphere and well-preserved architecture.
Visitors can admire the ornate roof tiles, stone statues, and ancient pagoda structure.
The tour guide will provide historical insights about the pagoda’s significance and role in Vietnamese culture.
The tour guide will share historical insights about the pagoda’s significance and importance in Vietnamese culture.
Tourists can wander the peaceful grounds, take photos, and experience the tranquility of this iconic Hanoi landmark before proceeding to the next stop on the itinerary.
Visit to the Temple of Literature
From the serene grounds of Tran Quoc Pagoda, the tour now heads to the iconic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Founded in 1070, the temple honors Confucius and scholars. Visitors can explore the five courtyards and 82 stone stelae with the names and accomplishments of doctoral recipients. A highlight is the Well of Heavenly Clarity, where ceremonies were held. The temple’s architecture, with its pagodas, courtyards, and gardens, creates a tranquil atmosphere.
| Courtyard | Features |
|———–|———-|
| First | Gates, steles |
| Second | Doctors’ Steles |
| Third | Stelae pavilion |
| Fourth | Doctor’s Examination Area |
| Fifth | Constellation of Literature |
Visit to Hoa Lo Prison

The tour now takes visitors to the Hoa Lo Prison, a war museum built between 1886-1901.
Also known as the "Hanoi Hilton", it once held Vietnamese revolutionaries and American prisoners of war.
Today, the prison provides a sobering look at Vietnam’s tumultuous past. Guests can explore the cramped cells, guillotine, and underground tunnels that housed the prisoners.
Exhibits detail the harsh conditions and human rights violations that occurred.
Though a somber experience, the Hoa Lo Prison offers valuable insight into Vietnam’s complex history and the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Optional Activities and Inclusions

Along With the core tour experiences, the Hanoi City Half Day Group Tour offers several optional activities and inclusions. Guests can enjoy a 45-minute cyclo ride around the Old Quarter for $5 per person. Plus, they can attend a traditional Water Puppet Show for $5 per person. The tour also includes a complimentary bottle of water per person, a drink for lunch, and tips for the tour guide and driver. All entrance fees to the sites are covered in the price, and an English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the tour.
| Optional Activity | Description | Price |
|——————-|————-|——-|
| Cyclo Ride | 45 minutes around Old Quarter | $5/person |
| Water Puppet Show | Traditional Vietnamese performance | $5/person |
Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available for Solo Travelers?
This tour is available for solo travelers. The group tour format allows solo participants to join and explore the highlights of Hanoi’s history and culture alongside other travelers.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
The tour can be customized for private groups. Guests have the flexibility to modify the itinerary and add optional activities to suit their preferences. This allows for a more personalized sightseeing experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour duration. Customers can inquire about upgrading to a full-day tour that provides more time to explore Hanoi’s attractions in-depth with a custom itinerary.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as the package includes lunch and bottled water. The tour provides all necessary meals and refreshments for the group during the scheduled activities.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour provides some accessibility options, like shuttle bus transportation and English-speaking guides. However, the specific accessibility of sites and activities is not clearly outlined. Guests with disabilities should inquire about accommodations when booking.
The Sum Up
The Hanoi City Half Day Group Tour – Afternoon provides an immersive cultural experience, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks and historical sites. With a vegetarian lunch, convenient transportation, and optional activities, this tour offers an efficient and enriching way to discover Hanoi’s vibrant history and heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to delve deeper into the local culture, this tour is an excellent choice.
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