This was a very expensive tour for what it was. All major tourist attractions were covered, but it felt very rushed at times. Nhat amd the driver were both very courteous and attentive, but considering it was a private tour, there are parts where we would have liked to spend longer ( such as the prison...we didn't get to see the upper floor) and parts where we would have liked to have spent less time ( The lacquer factory for the obligatory sales pitch, that wasn't even mentioned on the tour. We didn't buy anything and didnt really want to go there as we have been to Vietnam and to a lacquerware shop/ factor before!) Lunch was included in the option that we paid for. However, given the chance again, we would exclude this option., which was either chicken or beef noodle soup. Drinks to purchase in this restaurant with the meal were very limited and not even cold! Who wants to drink a warm beer or can of coke? We got to rush around the entology museum, again , being given the option to see the upper floor or the outside, but not both! We visited Ho Chi Minh mausoleum in the afternoon when it was shut, so only got to walk on the outside grounds ( not that I would have wanted to wait 2 hours to get into the place had we gone in the morning!) DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! If you can do it independently, (such as on the hop on hop off bus), I would suggest you do, as there are auditory commentaries and written information in English. You can then also choose how long you spend at each stop and choose your own lunch.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Tea/coffee while waiting the train passing by.
- Bottled water
- Private air-conditioned vehicle during tour
- English speaking tour guide
- All entrance fees in tour
Excludes
- Tips/Gratuities
- Lunch in the restaurant (extra 10 USD per person upon request)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Tour guide and vehicle will pick you up at your hotels then start discovering Hanoi. It is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the most iconic and popular leader of Vietnam, known to his people as ‘Uncle Ho’. His body is preserved here in a glass case at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in central Hanoi (albeit against his wishes). For visitors, a trip to this site can be an extraordinary experience as it is not just an average attraction; it’s a part of a unique history. Started in 1973, the construction of the mausoleum was modeled on Lenin's mausoleum in Russia and was first open to the public in 1975. Security is tight and visitors should dress with respect (no shorts, sleeveless shirts and miniskirts) and everyone has to deposit their bags and cameras before getting in. Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance therefore the mausoleum is closed usually from October onwards.
Hanoi Presidential Palace - a part of Ho Chi Minh Complex, is known as the Palace of the Governor-General of Indochina. It is a beautifully restored French-style building constructed in 1906 that is now used for official receptions. Hanoi Presidential Palace was constructed in 1906 by Auguste Henri Vildieu – a famous French architect. This building was intended to become President Ho Chi Minh’s official residence but he chose a traditional stilt house instead. Inspired by French architecture style, this unique yellow three-story building has 30 rooms surrounded by a lush garden, an orchard, a long boulevard, and a carp pond. And visitors are allowed to see it from a short distance and not allowed to go inside
(Optional - you pay 40,000 VND or 1 USD and 50 cents for tickets) The living and working place of one of the most famous and important political characters in Vietnam history, President Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, aka Uncle Ho’s stilt house is a must-visit place for tourists upon visiting Hanoi. With simple design with peaceful and fresh air at this place, visitors can know more about the greatness and simplicity of the man who lived there.
Legend claims that The One Pillar Pagoda was built following a dream by the fatherless emperor in which the enlightened being Avalokiteshvara gave him a baby son resting on a lotus flower. Emperor Ly Thai Tong commissioned the pagoda to be created in resemblance of this lotus flower which is also the Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. The Emperor remained in gratitude to the bodhisattva and subsequently to to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy following the birth of his son. Inside the temple a richly gilded statue of Quan Am takes centre place at the main altar. Today, the concrete pillar that supports the tiny wooden pagoda is a replacement for the original one which was blown up by the departing French, it remains unclear how much of the wooden temple is the original one. Another point of interest is a bo tree that grows behind the pagoda which legend state is an offshoot of the one under which Buddha became enlightened - the tree was given as a gift from India in 1958.
(Optional - you pay 70,000 VND or 2 USD and 80 cents for tickets) The site is one of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Originally built as a university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, the building is extremely well preserved and is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture. This ancient site offers a lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that were once used by royalty. Visiting the Temple of Literature you will discover historic buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in a revered place that has seen thousands of doctors’ graduate in what has now become a memorial to education and literature. Originally the university only accepted aristocrats, the elite and royal family members as students before eventually opening its doors to brighter ‘commoners’. Successful graduates had their names engraved on a stone stele which can be found on top of the stone turtles.
(Optional - you pay 40,000 VND or 1 USD and 50 cents for tickets) This is a "must-see" one while in Hanoi City. Tourists will be amazed at the great artifacts carefully displayed here such as: clothes, tools and models of rituals, funerals, weddings, etc. Everything are displayed as a small corner of life and traditional culture of ancient ethnic people.
(Optional - you pay 50,000 VND or 2 USD for tickets) Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi 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". The prison was then used to incarcerate Vietnamese dissidents and other political prisoners. The prison was demolished during the 1990s, although its gatehouse remains a museum. The prison was built in Hanoi by the French, in dates ranging from 1886 to 1889 when Vietnam was still part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale, Central House', which is still the designation of prisons for dangerous or long sentence detainees in France. It was intended to hold Vietnamese prisoners, particularly political prisoners agitating for independence who were often subject to torture and execution. It had become a symbol of colonialist exploitation
Visiting Hanoi Train Street in Hanoi is one of the Best Things To Do to learn and explore Hanoi local life Rather than being a normal road with car or motorbike traffic, it has actual real railway lines running through it. Homes and businesses literally open out onto the railway lines. For the most part, the locals who live and move through there go about their day as with any other Hanoi street. Motorbikes zoom up and down the side of the railway lines. Local ladies cook delicious smelling foods, crouched over their seasoned cooking pots and surrounded by bundles of herbs and other fresh ingredients. Kids run around, crossing the tracks to each other’s houses. Animals snooze peacefully in the daytime sun.
The Hanoi Opera House located in the French Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam. It was erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911. Hanoi Opera House is one of three opera houses that the French built during their time in Indochina, the others are Haiphong Opera House and Municipal Theatre in Ho Chi Minh city. It was modeled on the Palais Garnier, the older of Paris's two opera houses. The main architectural style of the Opera House is Neoclassicism. As mentioned before, Hanoi Opera House was modeled on the Palais Garnier but with a smaller scale and using materials that are suitable with the environment. After the departure of the French the opera house became the scene for several political events as well as the scene of street fighting during the fight for Hanoi. (The house is close and opens in some special events. The visit to this site allows you a glance of outside and the history).
Approximate 17:00 Our car and driver will drop you off same pickup place. In case you want to have more time to stay longer in the Old Quarter, you can ask the guide to drop you there and you have your own privacy in the area. Say goodbye to tour guide and driver. End of the trip!
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Hoa Lo Prison is not only a testament to a difficult historical period, this work is also a highlight full of ups and downs, nostalgia in the midst of the splendid and bustling capital. This is considered one of the must-visit attractions if you have the opportunity. Thank you Khang, the enthusiastic and knowledgeabletour guide , Khang did everything very well during the trip, I will definitely recommend Khang
Linh was a fantastic guide who adjusted the itinerary slightly for our group, ensured we learned the history of his country and gave us the best day in Hanoi! We were so grateful for all his efforts
Our group of 9 had a great trip exploring Hoa Lo Prison, Chinatown. We visited the iconic Hoa Lo Prison, Chinatown and other highlights. Each destination was rich in history and charm. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and made sure we had a great experience.
The tour explored Hoa Lo Prison, the Train Street and all the must-see highlights of our trip to Vietnam . The company did a fantastic job, providing a comfortable private car and an energetic and knowledgeable guide. The itinerary was well planned, allowing us to fully enjoy each destination while creating lasting memories together.
I had a great experience on the Hanoi Private Tour: Hoa Lo Prison, Chinatown and all the highlights. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic, sharing fascinating stories about each location. Visiting Hoa Lo was truly moving, and Chinatown was unforgettable. Highly recommended
Well worth doing this tour! was our guide and he was willing to customize our tour to make sure we saw what we wanted to see. He did a great job talking us through the historical context of locations we visited.
And the icing on the cake was that he was a accomplished photographer and we got so many good pictures thanks to him. good service
Tour was very informative and well done. A/c I van was nice and they supplied water also. Gave a good over view of many of the main things to see in Hanoi
Our tourguide is Mr.Chuong. He's a great history teacher. Mr.Chuong is also very patient and attentive to visitors who came with small kids or at advanced age. Unlike the description, our tour included a visit to Hoa Lo prison instead of train street and Dong Xuan market. I think it's a good change, fits the theme of the trip. All activities are well-timed: we didn't stay at any attractions for too long. I appreciated the choice of visiting a lacquer art centre. It's a great place to purchase a durable and Vietnamese-unique souvenir at reasonable price.
Very informative tour providing a great baseline of information about Hanoi and Vietnam. We covered many locations across Hanoi and enjoyed a delicious lunch with our guide Ken. Our driver Quynh was extremely professional on all pickups and drop-offs without delay. I wish we had taken this tour at the start of our trip to Vietnam because it was such a great overview that explained many things we had seen earlier in the trip! The booking company was also great about customizing the tour to match our specific interests in Hanoi and focus on sights we had not seen yet.
The tour was a great experience! We were punctually picked up by Roberto, who was our English speaking guide, and a very nice driver. We were driven around in a van that had great A/C, something essential in this weather. We visited Ho Chi Min's Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and several other places, stopping for lunch in a local place. It was very enjoyable, and Robert was extremely helpful and friendly.
We searched online and decided book this Hanoi Full Day Private Tour with Paradise Indochina Travel because we saw so good recommendations though reviews. My family was so happy with the tour. It was out of our expectations. The guide was so informative, professional and the itinerary is also nice, covering all places we love to see, especially the TRAIN STREET. Our driver was so friendly too. Everything was perfect. I really recommended!
My group did Hanoi City Half-Day Tour with local tour operator and we had great experience. Our tour guide was very knowledgable, helpful. We got a lot of Hanoi culture, history...I loved it!!
I had a great experience with my tour guide. We saw many things within 4 hours. It was so impressive. I warmly recommend it.
I did Half-day Hanoi tour and it was nice, i got many things to see. My tour guide was profesional. The trip was awesome. I had a very good experience in hanoi. I will definitely recommend others to take a tour. #Hanoi
What we expect more? A half-day tour? Oh my god I cannot believe it was a half day tour. We saw so many places. We also saw a famous TRAIN STREET. It was so unique!!!!!!!
My tour guide was a great, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The Hanoi Half-Day tour is wonderful, we saw many famous sights within 4 hours. Would recommend to others if you are looking for something to do in Vietnam!
We booked online for this Hanoi Half-Day tour. Easy to book, quick response from staffs and they were so patient. We got a very nice trip indeed. It was our good memory of Hanoi.
Booked a half day tour but we visited more than full day. We had a wonderful time in Hanoi with Anna, our beautiful Vietnamese tour guide. She was so helpful, smart. She gave us a lot of information about Hanoi history, its people…Really recommended this tour
I did this tour and I highly recommend this if you only have a limited time in Hanoi. Within 4 hours or so but our guide took us to visit many famous places. He did a great and outstanding job showing me the highlights of Hanoi! Very impressed with TRAIN STREET. Loved so much this time.
It was our very visit to Hanoi. We had a great time with our good tour guide and good driver. It was great to see local markets, walking in the street way in Hanoi Old Quarter, see Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the lake, temple. Highly recommended.
Booked two private rides with this company. They have excellent communication, great prices, and are very friendly. I highly recommend.
Our group did this trip and we really enjoyed. It as a nice discovery of hidden Hanoi. We saw real Hanoi, understood real life, real culture. Really recommend!
If you're going to Hanoi, I highly recommend using this service around Hanoi. The crew and staff are friendly. I can help you consulate your destination in Hanoi. To hanoi. Order their services again.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email