Highlights
Discover the stories, landmarks and legends that have shaped Hanoi on a relaxed half day journey through its historic center and atmospheric Old Quarter.
- Explore the historic Ho Chi Minh Complex, an important setting in Vietnam’s modern history.
- Admire the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most recognizable landmarks.
- Discover Vietnam’s educational heritage at the Temple of Literature, the country’s first national university.
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and hear the legend behind the Restored Sword.
- Experience the character of Hanoi’s Old Quarter by traditional cyclo.
- Discover historic guild streets and observe everyday local life in the heart of the capital.
Overview
Half day: Hanoi
- Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and walk through historic Ba Dinh Square.
- Visit the One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature.
- Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and discover the story behind one of Hanoi’s best known legends.
- Finish with a cyclo ride through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter before returning to your hotel.
Morning tour: 8:00 to 12:00
Afternoon tour: 13:30 to 17:30
Story of Hanoi – Half Day City Tour
2:00
Detailed Itinerary
Morning Tour: 8:00 – 12:00 Afternoon Tour: 13:30 – 17:30
Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin a captivating Half-day City Tour.
Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where we’ll take a short walk through Ba Dinh Square, a place of immense historical significance. It was here, in 1945, that Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, marking the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Continue our journey, we’ll visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong, the pagoda’s unique design, resembling a lotus emerging from the water, makes it one of the most distinctive pagodas in all of Asia.
Next, we’ll head to the Temple of Literature, a mesmerizing combination of the Confucius Temple, built in 1070, and the first Royal National University of Vietnam, established in 1076. This serene sanctuary, often referred to as “an escape” from the bustling city, offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s education history spanning a millennium.
Our tour continues with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Restored Sword Lake, located in the heart of Hanoi. According to legend, in the 15th century, General Le Loi was bestowed a holy sword during the Ming Chinese invasion. With this sword’s help, he successfully expelled the Chinese from Thang Long Citadel (Hanoi) and became King Le Thai To. One day, while sailing on the lake, a golden turtle emerged from the water, reclaiming the sword, which was believed to be a gift from a deity. Ever since, the lake has been known as Ho Hoan Kiem or the lake of Restored Sword.
Then get on a Cyclo (rickshaw) tour around the enchanting Old Quarter. As we travel through the different streets, each named after guilds that once represented them, such as Hang Bac (Silver Street) and Hang Gai (Silk Street), we’ll have a great opportunity to take pictures and witness the authentic daily life of the locals.
Return to your hotel, where the tour concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories of Hanoi’s rich history, culture, and legends.
Thank you for choosing LuxeTravel Asia. We hope you had a memorable journey and look forward to welcoming you back to Vietnam or Indochina.
Inclusions
- Private air conditioned transportation as per the itinerary
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Entrance fees and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Cyclo ride through the Old Quarter
- One complimentary bottle of mineral water per person
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Services not mentioned under Inclusions
Where You'll Stay
MK Premier Boutique Hotel
MK Premier Boutique Hotel offers a stylish stay in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, surrounded by lively streets, local eateries and many of the city’s historic landmarks. The hotel combines contemporary comfort with Vietnamese inspired design, while its rooftop spaces and central location make it a convenient base for exploring Hoan Kiem Lake and the character of Hanoi on foot.
The Lapis Hotel - Hanoi
Located in central Hanoi, The Lapis Hotel offers a comfortable and refined stay with easy access to the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and many of the city’s cultural highlights. Rooms feature elegant contemporary interiors, while the rooftop pool, fitness center and attentive service provide a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring the capital.
Sofitel Legend Metropole - Hanoi
A landmark of Hanoi since 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi blends French colonial heritage with refined contemporary luxury in the heart of the capital. Elegant rooms and suites, lush gardens, a heated outdoor pool, acclaimed French and Vietnamese dining and Le Spa du Metropole create a distinguished urban retreat within easy reach of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s historic center.
Half Day Hanoi City Tour
Half DayEnjoy a Story of Hanoi in a Haft of Day Tour
Half Day Hanoi City Tour
Watch Detailed Itinerary In Video
Hanoi Travel Tips & FAQs
Helpful answers and practical tips for planning your time in Hanoi.1. Are Hanoi day tours private?
Many of our Hanoi tours can be arranged privately with your own local guide and transportation. Selected experiences may also be available as joining group tours.
2. How long is a Hanoi day tour?
Half day experiences generally take around three to five hours, while full day tours usually take approximately seven to eight hours depending on the program and traffic conditions.
3. Can you pick us up from our hotel?
Most tours include pickup from hotels in central Hanoi. Exact arrangements will be confirmed when you book.
4. Can a Hanoi tour be customized?
Yes. Private tours can usually be adjusted according to your interests, preferred pace and available time.
5. Are Hanoi day tours suitable for families?
Yes. We can recommend experiences and adjust the pace for families traveling with children or several generations.
6. Can I book a Hanoi tour as part of a longer Vietnam trip?
Yes. Hanoi experiences can be included within a tailor made Vietnam journey together with destinations such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.
Best Time To Visit Hanoi
Explore Hanoi’s weather by month and find the best time for your visit.
