Hanoi Old Quarter All Highlights City Sightseeing Full Day Tour

Hanoi , Vietnam

Hanoi Old Quarter All Highlights City Sightseeing Full Day Tour

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About this experience

Discover the best of Hanoi on a private city sightseeing tour through the vibrant Old Quarter and beyond. With a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and schedule, this tour offers a rich, immersive journey into the city's culture, history, daily life.

Highlights may include iconic landmarks such as the bustling Old Quarter Streets, serene West Lake, ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda, the elegant Hanoi Opera House, the historic Long Bien Bridge. You’ll also have the chance to explore the lively Train Street, admire the Gothic-style St. Joseph’s Cathedral, visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton."

Enjoy a scenic stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, pay your respects at the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, explore Vietnam’s military history at the Military Museum.

If you choose walking option, grab car is excluded. You should use grab car to go further. Military museum is far away, you can not walk there.

Available options

Private Walking Tour

Duration: 8 hours On Foot Pickup included

Private Bike Tour

Duration: 8 hours Vietnamese Lunch Bike Pickup included

Private Car Tour

Duration: 8 hours Car Pickup included

Private Motorbike Tour

Duration: 8 hours Motorbike Pickup included

Private Cyclo Tour

Duration: 8 hours Vietnamese Lunch Cyclo Pickup included

What's included

Vietnamese Lunch, Bottle Of Water

Pick-up, Drop-off At Ha Noi Old Quarter

Good Quality Transportation

Military Museum, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoả Lon Prison Ticket Entrance

English Speaking Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Begin your journey in the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s historic core, where narrow streets are named after the trades once practiced there. Alive with energy, this maze of markets, street food vendors, colonial buildings, and buzzing scooters is the perfect place to experience local life firsthand.

Stop 2 Pass by

Hanoi Opera House

Admire the grand Hanoi Opera House, a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Built in the early 20th century, it’s a symbol of Hanoi’s artistic heritage and a proud reminder of its cosmopolitan past.

Stop 3

Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake

Head to the peaceful West Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, for a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. Set on a small island, this serene site offers spiritual beauty and a break from the city's bustle.

Stop 4 Pass by

Long Bien Bridge

Cross the Long Bien Bridge, a historic cantilever bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. Once a vital transportation link during the wars, it now stands as a testament to Hanoi’s endurance and strength, offering panoramic views of the Red River and local life below.

Train Street

Feel the excitement of Train Street, where houses and cafes line a narrow railway track still in use. Watch in awe as a train rumbles through just inches from walls and doorways — a truly iconic Hanoi experience.

Stop 6 Pass by

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Stop by St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a stunning Neo-Gothic church with soaring spires and stained glass windows. Often compared to Notre-Dame in Paris, it’s a tranquil spot in the heart of the city with a fascinating colonial-era backstory.

Stop 7

Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton")

Visit the sobering Hoa Lo Prison, known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton." Originally used by the French for political prisoners, it later housed U.S. pilots during the Vietnam War. Exhibits here offer a powerful look at Vietnam’s turbulent past.

Stop 8 Pass by

Take a scenic walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a beloved landmark steeped in legend. Watch Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island, and hear the tale of the magical sword returned to the Golden Turtle — a story close to every Hanoian’s heart.

Stop 9

Vietnam Military History Muúeum is closed on Friday

End your tour at the Vietnam Military History Museum, where planes, tanks, and exhibits chronicle the country’s fight for independence. It’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in Vietnam’s military legacy and the spirit of resilience.

Stop 10

Ho Chi Minh Maisoleum is opened only in the morning

Stand in solemn reflection at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered revolutionary leader. The complex also includes the Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda — key sites in modern Vietnamese history.

What's not included

Pick-up, Drop-off Surcharge If Outside Old Quarter

Holiday Surcharge

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Top Attractions

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.

Historical 1-2 hours 30,000 VND

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.

Architecture 1-2 hours for a performance Varies by event

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Egg Coffee

A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.

Drink Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Trekking in Sapa Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake Coffee at a local café Exploring the Temple of Literature Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay Egg coffee tasting

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station

By bus

Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Quarter French Quarter Ba Dinh District Tay Ho District

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • Full day

Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.

Sapa

320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day

Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.

Festivals

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar) Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.