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Vietnam Travel Guide
Hanoi Tours
Discover our best Hanoi tours with small group or private trips. Visit historic buildings, get a taste of the local life with street food, walk through the old quarter and enjoy the beautiful nightlife. With our tours in hanoi you explore both history and local life.
View tours >>The Best Hanoi Tours & Local Experiences
Not sure what Hanoi tour to choose?
Whether you’re looking for the best group tour, private experience, a custom made tour or just a private driver to bring you around, we’re here to help. Our local team knows Hanoi inside out and can give you honest, expert advice—no pressure, just good suggestions.
About Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and one of the country’s most vibrant cities, blending old traditions with modern energy. It’s known for its chaotic traffic, narrow streets, and strong street food culture—especially in the Old Quarter. You’ll find French colonial buildings, temples, lakes, and markets all packed into walkable neighborhoods. Popular tours in Hanoi include food walks, historical city tours, and excursions to places like the Temple of Literature or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Many travelers also use Hanoi as a base for day trips to craft villages or for starting multi-day tours to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. It’s a city best explored on foot or by scooter, offering an authentic glimpse into northern Vietnamese life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapa tours
How many days do you need for a Hanoi tour?
2 to 3 full days is ideal for exploring Hanoi. That gives you time to see the Old Quarter, key landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, and join a guided street food or cultural tour. If you want to take day trips, plan to stay at least 4 days.
What are the best day trips from Hanoi?
Popular day trips include Ninh Binh, Perfume Pagoda, and Bat Trang pottery village. Ninh Binh’s scenery deserves more than a day if possible—consider staying overnight. Halong Bay is also offered as a day trip, but the travel time is long. Multi-day tours are better for a more relaxed experience.
What are must-do tours in Hanoi?
Don’t miss a street food tour, especially in the Old Quarter—it’s one of the best ways to explore Hanoi’s food culture. Other top tours include walking tours of historical sites, guided visits to museums, and cyclo rides through the French Quarter or markets.
Can you explore Hanoi without a tour?
Yes, you can explore major sights independently, especially in central Hanoi. Places like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and museums are easy to reach on foot or by taxi. However, for more local or cultural experiences, like hidden eateries or craft villages, a guide adds real value.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
The best time to visit Hanoi is in October to April, when the weather is cool and mostly dry. Autumn (Oct–Nov) is especially pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures. Summer months (May–August) can be very hot, humid, and occasionally rainy.
What happens if it rains during a Hanoi tour?
Light rain doesn’t usually cancel tours—just bring a raincoat or umbrella. If heavy rain is forecast, outdoor tours may adjust the schedule or offer alternatives. Many Hanoi tours include indoor stops like museums, cafes, or covered markets, so plans can often continue even in bad weather.
10 Highlights in Hanoi Tours
1. Explore the Old Quarter
Wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot to discover narrow streets, colonial buildings, local markets, and the city’s signature energy. It’s the heart of Hanoi life.
2. Join a Street Food Tour
Taste Hanoi’s best dishes at local street stalls with a guide who knows where to go. Great for food lovers who want to eat like a local.
3. Watch a Water Puppet Show
Experience this traditional Vietnamese art form at the Thang Long Theatre, where wooden puppets glide across water in a lively cultural performance.
4. Drink Bia Hoi on the Street
Sit on tiny plastic stools at a street corner, sip fresh local beer, and soak in the atmosphere. A fun and social way to experience Hanoi nights.
5. Visit Long Bien Bridge & Market
Walk across this historic French-built bridge, then head to the bustling local market below to see a more local, raw side of Hanoi.
6. Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Relax by the lake at sunrise or sunset, watch locals practice tai chi, and visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple on the red bridge.
7. Tour Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Get a sobering look at Hanoi’s history in this former colonial prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Original cells and stories bring the past to life.
8. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
See the preserved body of Vietnam’s national hero at Ba Dinh Square. It’s one of the country’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.
9. See Hanoi Train Street
Watch as a train rumbles past houses and cafés in a narrow residential lane. Unique, photogenic—and very real. Be respectful and follow safety rules.
10. Admire St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Visit this neo-Gothic cathedral with soaring towers and stained glass windows. A peaceful spot in the city center and a legacy of colonial-era Hanoi.