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Hanoi Culture & history

Our most recommended Hanoi Culture & history

Self-Driving: Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights Motorbike Tour

1. Self-Driving: Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights Motorbike Tour

Day 0: Ha Noi - Ha Giang 7:00 PM: Attend a meeting in our office at our office at 5 Gia Ngu street, Hoan Kiem or at you your accommodation in Old Quater. 7:30 PM: Get picked up for a Sleeper Bus to Ha Giang and check in our hostel in early morning( around 3:30 AM) and offer yourself a nap before the breakfast and adventure starts. Day 1: Ha Giang – Yen Minh Town - Dong Van. (155km) 8:30 AM: Meeting your guide and Easy Rider then our brilliant Ha Giang Loop adventure begins. The road leads you to Bac Sum Pass, up to Heaven Gate, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the twin mountains and Tam Son town. Having lunch in Yen Minh Town. Short break and drive towards Dong Van, through the picturesque Chin Khoanh Pass. Indeed, the whole Dong Van Karst Plateau is a major geoheritage sight in Vietnam. The landscape is composed of unlimited rice fields, thousandsof limestone rocks and breath-taking views. It also gives you the chance to experience the life of hill- tribe villages where local people work on the land. Visiting Hmong King’s Palace, a home of Vuong’s family in Sa Phin. Arrival Dong Van in quite late afternoon, enjoy a local Vietnamese dinner and live music after a long day of mind blowing landscape views. At night time, free and easy before another dayof adventures. Day 2: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Du Gia Village (100km) After breakfast we leave Dong Van Town to enter the highlight of the journey, the Ma Pi Leng Pass It is well known for its abrupt cliffs and breath-taking views, often referred to as the “king” of the passes in Vietnam with its highest point at an altitude of 2,000 meters. As experience how spectacular the pass is, we will trek the Sky Path to have a closer look at the whole valley and Nho Que river. From the top view, there is a picturesque 360° panorama ofMa Pi Leng Pass. Once on the peak, you might feel overwhelmed by the majestic mountains and rivers.Then we continue to drive through the villages of Meo Vac, Mau Due and Lung Ho, where our break forlunch is served. In the afternoon, we pass through the mountainous rural area of Ha Giang province to Du Gia town. At the late afternoon, you can relax in the cool Du Gia Waterfall or take a walk around the peaceful . Then spend a night in a homestay, located in the middle of green rice fields. Day 3: Du Gia Village – Ha Giang – Ha Noi (80km) On the last day of our journey, we visit Lung Tam - the village is occupied by Hmong ethnic minorities, who are skillful textile products. We then cross Quan Ba town and have a look at the Nui Doi Mountain. After crossing Sky Gate, we pass back by Bac SumPass and go back to Ha Giang late afternoon, before getting the 4:30 PM limousine or sleeper bus bus back, Arrival Hanoi Old quarter at about 11:00pm. Accommodation and Meals: You should be aware that accommodation on Ha Giang Loop tours is typically in traditional homestays or basic guesthouses, and meals are often simple local cuisine. While this provides an authentic cultural experience, you should be prepared for basic amenities. Local Culture and Customs: The Ha Giang region is home to many different ethnic minority groups, each with their own unique customs and traditions. Let's be respectful of local culture and customs and should follow the guide's instructions on appropriate behavior. You should also be aware that the Ha Giang Loop is a long road trip that the distance around 350 kilometers over the course of 3 days. You should be prepared for long periods of riding and should bring appropriate clothing and gear for a multi-day trip.

Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit

2. Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit

Start your tour at the meeting point on No.47 Hàng Bông street, and head to a traditional restaurant specializing in entrees such as pillow cake, shrimp cake, Pho rolls, and spring rolls. Have a taste of some popular and classic Vietnamese dishes. Then head over to the nearby St. Joseph’s and stop for some pictures of the late colonial French architecture. Along the way make sure to stop at a local restaurant to try banh cuon (filled rice noodles) and watch as skilled chefs demonstrate how this tasty dish is created. Next, enjoy pho (noodle soup), which is Vietnam’s most famous dish. Try both the beef and chicken versions. Definitely don't miss out on a Vietnamese traditional dessert called chè. There are both hot and cold versions for each season. After several dishes, you will be full and satisfied. Catch a taxi and go straight to the train street. Although train schedules show them to come daily, sometimes they do and sometimes not, so if you're lucky, you may catch one and experience the huge train passing right in front of your face. While here, enjoy egg coffees at a nice shop trackside and experience the unique ambiance. When you’re done with the drinks, hop in a taxi again to go back to the meeting point where the tour ends. For the disabled and those who simply have sore feet, select the cyclo option where you can sit back and enjoy the tour in quiet comfort.

From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay 2-Day 1-Night Cruise

3. From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay 2-Day 1-Night Cruise

Day1: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Sugn Sot Cave – Titop Island 8h30: Tour guide of Cozy Bay Cruise will pick you up at your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. 10h15: Have a short break on half way for 20 minutes to relax. 12h00: Arrive to Tuan Chau Harbor. 12h30: Welcome to Cozy Bay Cruise and Enjoy welcome to drink and get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Check- in your room with Air-Conditioning. 13h00: Enjoy a special lunch with Vietnamese traditional dishes, while cruising in the magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay. Afternoon Itinerary: 15h00: Visiting Sung Sot Cave (Surprising cave). 16h00: Our cruise will take you to the Titop/Soi Sim Island. It is noted for having a viewpoint at its peak which affords splendid views all around Halong Bay or you can enjoy your swimming on romance sandy beach. 17h30: Come back to Cozy Bay Cruise then take a shower, Relax on sundeck, sunset watching in comfortable lounge chairs while drinking a cocktail or reading a book in the most magical moment. 18h00: Enjoy welcome Sunset Party and Cooking Class. How to make fresh noodle roll, you can enjoy product which you make it. Evening Relaxing: 19h00: Enjoy your dinner when sitting by overlooking sea view window in the night romantic Bay 20h30: Playing some sports games like: Squid Fishing, Singing karaoke, or Relax on sundeck * Overnight on boat : Clean air - conditioning room. DAY 2: Ha Long Bay – Pearl Farm Visiting – Kayaking – Hanoi 6h00: Wake up in the early morning to see sunrise on sundeck. 7h00: Morning view of bay with a cup of tea of coffee. Have Buffet Breakfast ! 7h40: Start visiting Halong Bay Pearl farm. The pearls in Halong are the most renowned in Vietnam. The process of farming and retrieving pearls takes years. 8h30: Do kayaking in Halong Bay, exploring Halong Bay in your own. 10h00: Check-out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay. 10h45: Enjoy the lunch while Cruising back to Tuan Chau Harbour. 12h00: Cozy Bay Cruise is landing Halong Bay harbor, tourist say goodbye to sailors and finish the cruise. 12h30: Get on the Bus to return Hanoi by Expressway. 14h30: Stop on half way for short break. 16h00: Arrive at the hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Trip ends !

Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour

4. Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour

Head off on a motorbike tour to discover Hanoi like a real local. Hop on the back of the motorbike and let your driver/guide show you the main sights of the bustling city. Begin your tour and stop at landmarks like the historic Opera House, dating back to the 10th century. Move on to the St Joseph Cathedral and continue to Long Bien Brigde, the oldest, rustiest bridge built by the French in Hanoi. Arrive at the Ba Dinh district, with the Tran Quoc pagoda located right near the West Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi. Be overwhelmed by spectacular views, then stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the last resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, and see One Pillar Pagoda. Explore the Temple of Literature and take a short walk on the campus of Vietnam’s first university. Finally, stop by a coffee place and try out Hanoi's infamous egg coffee or simply zoom through the streets in style before tucking into a delicious local meal.

Hanoi: Morning or Afternoon City Highlights Tour

5. Hanoi: Morning or Afternoon City Highlights Tour

Explore Hanoi and see its highlights on a morning or afternoon city tour by van. See the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and more. Begin your tour at the Hanoi Opera House in the French Quarter and wonder at one of the city's main architectural landmarks. Then head to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam built in the 10th century under the Ly Dynasty and greatly influenced by Confucianism. Make your way to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, an important place for the Vietnamese. The complex is a traffic-free area full of botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas. Stop outside Ba Dinh Square and take a look outside the mausoleum, then continue to explore the One Pillar Pagoda. Go to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi, before concluding your tour at St. Joseph's Cathedral to learn about religion in Vietnam. The church was one of the first structures built by the French colonial government in Indochina when it opened in December 1886.

Hanoi: Culture and Sightseeing Tour in Vintage GAZ-69 Jeep

6. Hanoi: Culture and Sightseeing Tour in Vintage GAZ-69 Jeep

Tour Hanoi in a vintage GAZ-69, the classic Army jeep from the 50s and 60s during the Soviet Era. Go on a journey through the city’s many neighborhoods and get to know the Hanoi of the past and of today with a private or shared guide. Start off with pickup at your hotel or at a meeting point in Hanoi Old Quarter. Get a safety briefing from your guide before driving off on an adventure. Begin by diving straight into the labyrinth of backstreets and tiny alleyways to find out what everyday life in Hanoi is really like. Get an honest and authentic insight into the good, the bad, and the weird sides of the city. Next, drive past and visit the must-see sights, including Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the centuries-old Buddhist and Taoist temples of Tran Quoc, the Temple of Literature, the historical train-street, the enchanting French Quarter, the Old Quarter, the romantic West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House and the famous Long Bien Bridge. On the final part of your Hanoi Jeep tour, escape the bustling city to the peaceful and alluring villages around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. Experience first-hand how such contrasting lifestyles can co-exist between the city center and the outskirts. Find hidden tranquil spots beyond the thousands of skyscrapers. Along the way, stop at local restaurants, eateries and food stalls to savor the tastiest dishes Hanoi has to offer. Sample authentic dishes with secret recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Hanoi: Private Tour with Locals – Highlights & Hidden Gems

7. Hanoi: Private Tour with Locals – Highlights & Hidden Gems

See Hanoi at its best from the eyes of a local in just 3 hours. Check out prime landmarks like Hoa Lo Prison, Ta Hien Street, St. Joseph's Cathedral and hear unique insights that only a local would know. Uncover hidden gems and city secrets along the way that will show you an authentic side of the city with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. Fully experience the local flare with an included local treat to make your city tour a complete experience.

Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour with Lunch and Optional Extras

8. Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour with Lunch and Optional Extras

Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century. Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique padoga in the world • Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas… • Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. • Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam Special Note : we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes. PM : Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton

Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Eco Trang An, and Hang Mua Hiking

9. Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Eco Trang An, and Hang Mua Hiking

Embark on a full-day tour of the Ninh Binh province. Explore the Vietnamese ancient capital of Hoa Lu to understand the history of the country. Marvel at the scenic landscape of Trang An. Hike to the top of the Mua Cave for incredible views from the top. Start your day at 7:30: with a hotel pickup. Meet your guide and leave for Hoa Lu. Pass by green fields and villages. Have a 15-minute break to stretch your legs. 10:00. Arrive in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 11th century. Visit the Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh Temple. Appreciate the unique architecture. Delve deep into history and learn about the first Vietnamese government. Explore the excavation area. Experience the vestiges of Royal Palace ground dated back to the 10th century. Then, hop back on the bus at 11:00 for a drive to Trang An. Artfully crafted by nature, Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get on a bamboo boat for a 2.5-hour tour rowing through the majestic cave complex of Bright Cave, Dark Cave, Ba Giot Cave. Glide along the river, crossing villages, mountains, and lush rice fields. 13:00: Stop at a restaurant to feast on local food. Get back to the bus and leave for Mua Cave. Hike up the mountain and see the Ngo Dong River. Climb 486 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. Enjoy a panoramic of Tam Coc. 16:30: Say goodbye to the countryside and get on a 2,5 hours bus ride back to Hanoi. Get dropped off at your hotel about 19:00 - 19:30

Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour and Water Puppet Show

10. Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour and Water Puppet Show

Start with pickup by your guide and begin your exploration of Hanoi. Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island at West Lake. Then visit THE Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where one worships the Goddess of Mercy. Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. Enjoy some Vietnamese cuisine for lunch with a total of 8 delicious dishes. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century. Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum which was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Finally, bid farewell to your guide who will leave you at the Water Puppet Theater to enjoy the show for about 50 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions about Hanoi

What are the best day trips and excursions from Hanoi?

The best day trips and excursions from Hanoi are:

Ha Long Bay

Other Sightseeing Options in Hanoi

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What people are saying about Hanoi

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 2,246 reviews

Our trip was in January, so the weather was cold and windy, that’s why I thought a day trip should be enough, and it was, but you can easily spend more time there, because the place is beautiful. We were there at the time of Tet, so there was a huge crowd everywhere. Our tour guide was excellent, lunch was plenty and okay. The cycling was amazing, I would definitely would have continued for like another 30 minutes. Overall a good experience, maybe with a little luck there won’t be such a big crowd when you decide to go there.

The guide, Mr. Vu, was great and I learned so much about Vietnamese history. The cycling was through lovely scenery and not too tiring. Boat ride was idyllic. The tour is long and you do a lot, so make sure to get a good night sleep the night before. That being said, if you only have 1 day to see the sights, this is the tour for you.

I forgot our guide's name, but he was very knowledgeable. He's the kind of guide that beyond just the tour, if you have extra questions related to the tour or Hanoi in general, will be able to answer.

so very friendly. Great value for money. friendly tour guide. so many wonderful stops. very well organised. I would highly reccomend this company and this tour. March 2023

Brilliant day, great tour guide and an added bonus was the use of cycles through the rice fields