Recently Viewed
Hanoi Highlights Tour: Explore Historic Hot Spots
4.6
113 Ratings
Hanoi
Just touched down in Hanoi? Need a primer on this vibrant metropolis? Leaving shortly and yet to explore the major attractions? Worry not, embark on this Hanoi tour that encompasses historical landmarks, essential monuments, and unique locales that you’d regret not visiting.
Just touched down in Hanoi? Need a primer on this vibrant metropolis? Leaving shortly and yet to explore the major attractions? Worry not, embark on this Hanoi tour that encompasses historical landmarks, essential monuments, and unique locales that you’d regret not visiting.
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Temple of Literature & National University - Begin the city tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Originally constructed in honor of Confucius by King Ly Thai Thong in 1070, a university was added to the site six years later. This university provided education to the royal family and children of the aristocracy, known as “mandarins.” The…
- Temple of Literature & National University - Begin the city tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Originally constructed in honor of Confucius by King Ly Thai Thong in 1070, a university was added to the site six years later. This university provided education to the royal family and children of the aristocracy, known as “mandarins.” The university remained here until King Gia Long relocated the country’s administrative capital from Hanoi to Hue at the start of the 19th century.
- Hiên Trà Trường Xuân - Visit a traditional teahouse to sample some of the finest Vietnamese flavored green teas and listen to ancient stories explaining the cultural significance of tea leaves. Tea is even more delightful when accompanied by authentic snacks such as sweetened lotus seeds and green bean cake.
- Hoa Lo Prison - The tour proceeds to the Hoa Lo Prison museum. Initially used by French colonists for political prisoners until 1954, and later by North Vietnam for American POWs, the prison complex was ironically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American pilots during the Vietnam War (1954-1975). Notable former prisoners of war include Pete Peterson (the first US ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995) and US Senator John McCain.
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral - The next stop is the largest and oldest church in Hanoi. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, built in 1886, features an architectural style often compared to the Notre Dame de Paris. This Gothic Revival church is not only a religious site but also a popular photo backdrop for local teenagers.
- Cầu Thê Húc - The tour continues to the heart of Hanoi - the Hoan Kiem Lake, with its stunning The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son temple. Experience the spiritual harmony of different religions coexisting in one place.
- Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street - The tour concludes with a lunch featuring Pho, a must-try dish in Vietnam, before ending the tour.

What's Included
- Stroll along the legendary Sword Lake
- 1-way minivan transport included
- Explore Ngoc Son Temple (Entrance Ticket Included)
- Enjoy local tea and green bean cake at a traditional teahouse
- Guidance by a friendly local English-speaking guide
- Savor a traditional bowl of Pho for lunch
- Receive personalized tips for your stay
- Admire St Joseph’s…
- Stroll along the legendary Sword Lake
- 1-way minivan transport included
- Explore Ngoc Son Temple (Entrance Ticket Included)
- Enjoy local tea and green bean cake at a traditional teahouse
- Guidance by a friendly local English-speaking guide
- Savor a traditional bowl of Pho for lunch
- Receive personalized tips for your stay
- Admire St Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi’s largest and oldest church
- Discover the 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature (Entrance Ticket Included)
- Visit the historic Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton” (Entrance Ticket Included)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Additional food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Additional food and drinks
Additional Information
- Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour
- For this tour, we can cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarians, lactose intolerance and gluten-free (but not gluten sensitiveness). Please provide this information at least 24-hours prior to your travel date. Unfortunately, we are not able to cater for any other dietary…
- Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour
- For this tour, we can cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarians, lactose intolerance and gluten-free (but not gluten sensitiveness). Please provide this information at least 24-hours prior to your travel date. Unfortunately, we are not able to cater for any other dietary requirements that are not listed above.
- Please note that this tour covers 1.5 km (1 mile) of walking.
Location
Temple of Literature & National University
Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(113 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Kelseyp969
Dec 11, 2024
Great highlights - My tour guide San, was extremely good. Provided meaningful commentary of the sites we visited. Great experience and I would recommend to others
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen
Nov 13, 2024
Lotus tea and Pho around tour of Hanoi - This was a very thorough private tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and informative. We would recommend. We had a fabulous lotus tea experience and learned how the tea was made. We also had a great Pho lunch at a local spot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lancashiree2024
Nov 10, 2024
Great introduction to Hanoi - Great half day trip. Good introduction to Hanoi and the opportunity to visit a couple of key sites and eat local food. Our guide Nguyen Nguyen (Tom) was really friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bellarosie74
Nov 4, 2024
A great way to see the sights of Hanoi - We went on this tour today with Nguyen Nguyen and had a great morning. A good opportunity to get a mixture of history, a sense of the city and try some great food.
A good way to see the sights and sounds of Hanoi.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dylste
Nov 4, 2024
Great tour for first timers in Hanoi - Excellent tour by Nguyen Nguyen (Tommy) was an great tour of Hanoi looking at key sites. The tour covered a safe car tour then the remainder walking. With some great food thrown in this tour of Hanoi I would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Krugerclan
Mar 16, 2024
Book this one - Absolutely awesome. San was knowledgeable and friendly and a great guide. we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour. We were lucky to just do this as a family without the crowds
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V7635yrpeterr
Mar 2, 2024
Highly recommend - Amazing tour and our guide was so knowledgeable. A good amount of time and the food was fabulously. Highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F9340zcerinr
Jan 9, 2024
A wonderful experience in Hanoi - The knowledge of Chinh made the tour an amazing experience. It was wonderful exposure to Vietnam with spectacular food and experiences. I would thoroughly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
215ivonnen
Nov 30, 2023
Awesome - What a friendly and informative tour. Chinh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble and what a font of knowledge!
Highly recommend this your.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborahmk1490bn
Nov 26, 2023
Fabulous tour with fantastic guide - Chinh was the best guide! He was so knowledgeable and patient and made sure we had the very best experience for our first morning in Hanoi.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator