Exploring the vibrant capital of Vietnam has never been easier. The Full Day Hanoi City Tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that covers the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda to the moving Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, this tour promises an immersive experience. With convenient pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and a delightful Vietnamese lunch, it’s the perfect way to uncover Hanoi’s rich history and captivating culture. What secrets will this tour unveil?
Good To Know
- The full-day Hanoi City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic and cultural sites, including the Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Hoa Lo Prison.
- The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, live English and Vietnamese-speaking tour guides, and shuttle bus transportation.
- Visitors can experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a lunch featuring 8 dishes as part of the tour package.
- Key sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Vietnam Ethnology Museum have specific closing days, so visitors should plan accordingly.
- The tour provides insights into Vietnam’s profound Buddhist heritage, revolutionary history, and the harsh realities faced by prisoners during the colonial era.
Tour Overview and Details
This full-day Hanoi City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions.
Priced from $39.81 per person, the tour lasts one day and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.
A live tour guide is available in both English and Vietnamese. The tour includes pickup from Hoàn Kiếm, visits to key sites like the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and approximately 5 hours of total walking time.
Lunch with 8 traditional Vietnamese dishes and shuttle bus transportation are provided.
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Itinerary Highlights
The Hanoi City Tour begins with a pickup from Hoàn Kiếm, the historic heart of the city.
The tour visits several notable sites, including:
Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Vietnam Ethnology Museum, and the Temple of Literature.
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Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi dating back to the 6th century
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, closed on Mondays and Fridays for annual maintenance
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One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist structure that honors the Goddess of Mercy
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Vietnam Ethnology Museum, closed on Mondays (with an alternate visit to the Women’s Museum)
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Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in the 11th century
The tour also includes a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.
It’s located on a small island in the West Lake, offering stunning views of the tranquil waters.
The pagoda’s architecture combines Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese influences, featuring a 15-meter-high tower with three graceful tiers.
Visitors can explore the incense-filled temples, admire the intricate carvings, and learn about the pagoda’s rich history and religious significance.
It’s an essential stop on the Hanoi city tour, providing a glimpse into the country’s profound Buddhist heritage.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Although the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays as well as during annual maintenance from June 15 to August 15, it remains a must-see attraction on the Hanoi city tour.
This iconic monument houses the embalmed body of Vietnam’s beloved revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Visitors can witness the solemnity of the site, where guards maintain a strict vigil.
The tour includes:
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Viewing Ho Chi Minh’s preserved remains
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Observing the changing of the guard ceremony
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Learning about Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy
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Exploring the surrounding gardens and monuments
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Understanding the cultural significance of the mausoleum
One Pillar Pagoda
After exploring the solemnity of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the tour moves on to another iconic site – the One Pillar Pagoda. This unique, single-pillar temple, built in the 11th century, is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Visitors can admire its delicate architectural design and learn about its symbolic significance.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Architecture | Wooden structure built on a single stone pillar |
| Design | Resembles a lotus flower emerging from the water |
| Symbolism | Represents the purity of the Goddess of Mercy |
| History | Constructed in 1049 by Emperor Lý Thái Tông |
The One Pillar Pagoda offers a serene and culturally significant experience for visitors to Hanoi.
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Vietnam Ethnology Museum
The tour then proceeds to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, which showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Visitors can explore:
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Interactive exhibits on minority groups’ lifestyles, housing, and crafts
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Reconstructed longhouses, stilt houses, and other traditional architecture
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A collection of ethnic costumes, textiles, and jewelry
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Demonstrations of rituals, festivals, and musical performances
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Opportunities to purchase unique handicrafts and souvenirs
The museum provides a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry, making it an illuminating stop on the city tour.
Temple of Literature
Following the tour of the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, the next stop on the Hanoi city tour is the Temple of Literature.
This 11th-century institution was Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucian scholarship. Visitors can explore the well-preserved gardens, courtyards, and architecture, including the Stelae of Doctors – massive stone slabs inscribed with the names of successful exam candidates.
The temple’s serene atmosphere provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s scholarly traditions. With its historical significance and iconic design, the Temple of Literature is a must-see for anyone exploring Hanoi’s cultural and educational heritage.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison, once a notorious site of political imprisonment and torture during the French colonial era, now stands as a sobering reminder of Vietnam’s tumultuous past.
Visitors can explore the eerie cells, interrogation rooms, and gallows that once housed Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POWs during the Vietnam War. The experience offers a glimpse into the harsh realities endured by those imprisoned within its walls:
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Cramped, overcrowded cells with poor sanitation
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Brutal interrogation and torture tactics
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Primitive medical facilities and lack of healthcare
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Forced labor and deprivation of basic rights
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Stories of resilience and determination in the face of oppression
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English and Vietnamese?
The tour is available in English and Vietnamese, but it’s unclear if other languages are offered. The tour details don’t specify if translation services are available in additional languages. Customers should inquire about language options when booking the tour.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The group size is not specified in the tour overview. However, many city tours accommodate a range of group sizes, often from small private groups to larger shared tours. The exact group size may vary depending on booking demand.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?
There are no special discounts or offers mentioned for this tour. However, it does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows travelers to reserve their spot and pay later.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for This Tour?
No, this tour has a fixed itinerary that can’t be customized. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests or modifications if you contact them in advance. Flexibility is limited for this pre-designed sightseeing package.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome, but the tour may not be suitable for young children who can’t walk long distances or endure the tour’s activity level.
The Sum Up
This full-day Hanoi city tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors will visit iconic sites, learn from a knowledgeable guide, and savor a delightful traditional Vietnamese lunch – all for a reasonable price. It’s an excellent way to experience the highlights of Vietnam’s capital in a single day.
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