• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum - The tour guide and vehicle will arrive at your location at the scheduled pickup time to begin the Half Day Hanoi Tour. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, open from 8:00 am to 11:30 am, and closed on Mondays and Fridays. This is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most revered leader, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Ho’. His body is preserved in a glass case here, despite his wishes. Visiting Uncle Ho’s resting place offers a profound experience, as it is a significant historical site (please note that shorts and miniskirts are not permitted inside the mausoleum).
• One Pillar Pagoda - According to legend, the One Pillar Pagoda was inspired by a dream of the childless emperor, in which Avalokiteshvara presented him with a son on a lotus flower. Emperor Ly Thai Tong had the pagoda built to resemble this lotus flower, a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. Grateful to the bodhisattva and later to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy, after his son’s birth, the emperor commissioned this structure. Inside, a richly gilded statue of Quan Am is the focal point of the main altar. The current concrete pillar supporting the small wooden pagoda replaces the original, destroyed by the departing French. The extent of the original wooden temple’s preservation is uncertain.
• Temple of Literature & National University - The Temple of Literature is renowned as one of Hanoi’s most beautiful tourist spots. Established in 1070 as a university dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages, it is a well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. This historic site features a lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards, and passageways once used by royalty. Visitors can explore historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a place that has seen thousands of doctors graduate, now a memorial to education and literature. Initially, the university admitted only aristocrats, the elite, and royal family members, later opening to talented commoners. Successful graduates had their names inscribed on stone steles atop stone turtles.
• Dong Xuan Market - Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is Hanoi’s largest wholesale market. Here, visitors can find a variety of goods, including fabric, clothing, local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street foods. For over a century, Dong Xuan Market has been linked to significant historical events in Hanoi, embodying both material and sentimental value, and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
• Long Bien Bridge - Constructed between 1899 and 1902 after the French army’s conquest of Hanoi in 1882, Long Bien Bridge symbolizes the resilience of the Hanoian people. It was bombed multiple times during the American War but was swiftly repaired each time by the Vietnamese. The bridge, used by trains, mopeds, and pedestrians, is currently undergoing restoration to regain its original appearance and is beautifully illuminated at night.
• Hanoi Opera House - Built by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911, the Hanoi Opera House can be viewed from the outside. It is one of three opera houses constructed by the French in Indochina, alongside the Haiphong Opera House and the Municipal Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City. Modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, it is a significant architectural landmark in Hanoi, showcasing Neoclassical style. After the French left, the opera house hosted several political events and was a site of street fighting during the battle for Hanoi.
• Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) - The tour vehicle will pass by Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Turtle Lake. The name “Hoan Kiem” originates from the legend of King Le Loi returning a magical sword to the Golden Turtle after defeating the Ming invaders. The lake is renowned for its serene scenery, lush surroundings, and iconic structures like Turtle Tower and The Huc Bridge. A short walk along the nearby walking street offers fresh air and tranquility. After visiting this site, the vehicle will return you to the original pickup location, where you will bid farewell to the tour guide and driver, marking the end of the trip. PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to extend your visit in Hanoi Old Quarter, you may say goodbye to the guide here and return to your hotel independently.

• Private transfers during trip
• English/Vietnamese speaking guide
• One bottled water per person
• All entrance fees at the sites

• Tips/Gratuity
• Pickup from Hanoi airport

Experience the vibrant history of Vietnam in its capital and cultural hub. Uncover Hanoi’s top attractions with this Half-Day Private Tour. Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s stunning architecture and culture on a Private Half-Day Tour that encompasses all the key highlights.

This Half-Day Private Tour is ideal for travelers with limited time in the city, as it includes the most renowned sites. Navigating the lively city can be daunting alone, but with a guide, there’s no need to worry about the busy streets, and you can gain insights into the sites along the way.

Visit temples, markets, narrow streets, and religious landmarks on a half-day tour of Hanoi. Discover the French influence in Hanoi by exploring the French Quarter and Opera House. Enjoy comfortable transfers between each site in an air-conditioned vehicle and witness the fascinating Hanoi Train Street, a true highlight of the trip.

• Ho Chi Minh mausoleum opens only in the morning (until 11:00am). And it is closed weekly on Monday; Friday. You can visit only outside of the mausoleum if your tour date sets off on Monday, Friday or tours departure after 10:00am
• All passengers must dress modestly, shorts wearing must be to knee length when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum
• All passenger shoulders must be covered by scarfs when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum
• Hanoi Opera House are closed and only open to public for its ceremonies and some special events. The visit to this site is to experience the old French styled architectures lean the history.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.