Hanoi Full Day City Tour (L)

7:30 -8:00 AM : Start your exploration of Vietnam’s capital with a hotel pick-up between 7:30 – 8:00 AM, where your guide and bus will take you on an exciting journey through Hanoi’s cultural and historical landmarks. The first stop at 8:45 AM is the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, beautifully set on Golden Fish Island in West Lake, dating back to the 6th century.

At 9:30 AM, visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can view the embalmed body of Uncle Ho, Vietnam’s revered leader. Stroll through the peaceful grounds to see the stilt houses where he lived and worked, followed by a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Vietnamese spirituality, known as one of the most unique pagodas in the world.

(Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, but visitors can still explore the complex and take photos. It is also closed for annual maintenance from June 15 to August 15.)

Next, at 11:15 AM, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the rich traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. (On Mondays, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum will be visited instead, offering equally fascinating cultural insights.)

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at 12:45 PM, with vegetarian options available.

In the afternoon, around 2:00 PM, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. This tranquil place is a must-see cultural icon, showcasing Vietnam’s academic heritage and Confucian influence.

At 3:15 PM, continue to the haunting Hoa Lo Prison, known by the French as Maison Centrale. Once nicknamed “Hell on Earth,” it’s now a museum where you’ll learn about Vietnam’s colonial past and the resilience of its people during the war.

Conclude your day around 4:30 PM as the bus returns you to your hotel.

If you’d like to extend your experience, we offer optional activities (extra fee applies):

• Cyclo Ride (45 mins) through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

• Water Puppet Show (50 mins) – a traditional art performance. Recommended showtimes: 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, or 6:30 PM.

• Combine both Cyclo ride + Water Puppet Show for a complete Hanoi cultural experience.