HANOI CITY TOUR

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logo-email Tran Quoc Pagoda - Ho Chi Minh Complex - One Pillar Pagoda - Vietnam's Ethnology Museum - Temple of Literature - Hoa Lu Prison
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Tour Highlights :

Discover Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, Tran Quoc, beautifully set on Golden Fish Island in West Lake.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and One Pillar Pagoda, learning about Vietnam’s most iconic leader and spiritual traditions.

Gain insight into Vietnam’s diverse culture at the Ethnology Museum and its academic past at the Temple of Literature.

Overview

Explore the timeless charm of Hanoi, Vietnam’s ancient capital set along the banks of the Red River. This full-day city tour takes you through the heart of the city’s history, culture, and spirituality — from ancient pagodas and colonial landmarks to fascinating museums and local life.

From : $288

Itinerary

Your friendly local guide will collect you from your accommodation before beginning your journey through the rich history and culture of Hanoi.

 

Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. Located on Golden Fish Island in the tranquil West Lake, it offers a serene start to your exploration.

 

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pay respects to the revered leader. Wander through the peaceful gardens to see his former residences and visit the One Pillar Pagoda — a symbol of purity and one of Vietnam’s most unique structures. (Note: Dress modestly; the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and for maintenance between 15 June – 15 August.)

 

Learn about the fascinating cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through exhibits and artifacts. On Mondays, the itinerary switches to the Women’s Museum, celebrating the role of women in Vietnam’s history and culture.

 

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch featuring eight authentic local dishes at a traditional restaurant.

 

Step back in time at Vietnam’s first university, founded in the 11th century, and admire its beautiful courtyards, pavilions, and ancient stone steles.

 

End your journey with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison Museum, a powerful historical site that tells the stories of political prisoners under French rule and American POWs during the Vietnam War.

 

The tour concludes as you return to your hotel, filled with a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s remarkable past and enduring spirit.

 
 

All You Need To Know

Inclusions

Round trip transportation from your accommodation inside of the Hanoi Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District).

English speaking guide.

A bottle of water.

All entrance fees and activities listed in the itinerary.

Traditional Vietnamese lunch.

Exclusions

Additional drinks.

Tips/souvenirs.

Travel insurance/visa.

8% VAT.

 

What the FAQ?

The Ha Giang Loop is a motorcycle loop around Ha Giang, one of the northernmost provinces of Vietnam and 310 km from Hanoi. The loop begins and ends in Ha Giang city, about 5 hours North of Hanoi. The loop takes about 3-4 days to complete and offers breathtaking mountain and cliff views. You will find here many of the foremost stunning stretches of road in Southeast Asia, all of which are surrounded by towering mountains, lush rice fields, and flowing rivers. Visitors are also fascinated by the ethnic group tribe culture that’s authentically visible as they travel by motorbikes.
The Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and stunning landscapes. Ha Giang Loop ranks 25th in New York Times’s list of 52 best places to travel in 2023. It is also considered as The Forgotten Wonder of the world. Ha Giang Loop still keeps its nature and wilderness because of lack of tourist development and has to offer remarkable natural beauty, epic mountain passes and unique tribe culture from various ethnic minority groups. So take your time, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey now before it is too late!
Ha Giang is beautiful all year round, but the weather and natural scenery changes according to the season. Since Ha Giang is strongly divided in various types of topography and located in northern Vietnam, it has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry. However, the weather can vary depending on the month as well as altitude, since much of the Ha Giang Loop is along mountainous terrain. + From January to March (average temperature of 17°C and 18°C), spring comes with blooming flowers. + From April and May (average temperature of 24°C): Warmer weather, yet pleasant. + May: Hot with some rain and at the irrigation period. + From June to August: Peak heat and rain - good time for swimming at the waterfall. + From September to October: Harvest time with gorgeous golden rice fields. + November: Pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall with the typical buckwheat flowers. + December: Pleasantly dry and cool, painted in a yellow tone with rapeseeds.
Ha Giang is beautiful all year round, but the weather and natural scenery changes according to the season. Since Ha Giang is strongly divided in various types of topography and located in northern Vietnam, it has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry. However, the weather can vary depending on the month as well as altitude, since much of the Ha Giang Loop is along mountainous terrain. + From January to March (average temperature of 17°C and 18°C), spring comes with blooming flowers. + From April and May (average temperature of 24°C): Warmer weather, yet pleasant. + May: Hot with some rain and at the irrigation period. + From June to August: Peak heat and rain - good time for swimming at the waterfall. + From September to October: Harvest time with gorgeous golden rice fields. + November: Pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall with the typical buckwheat flowers. + December: Pleasantly dry and cool, painted in a yellow tone with rapeseeds.
To get to Ha Giang from other countries apart from Vietnam, you would need to first arrive in a major city like Hanoi. We have our head office at Vietnam Cheers Hostel in Hanoi and you can take a bus to Ha Giang from here, which is the most popular way to reach Ha Giang. We also provide transportation directly from Hanoi to Ha Giang. If you are in Sapa, it is recommended to go directly to Ha Giang instead of going back to Hanoi. Please contact us for a better transportation arrangement in advance.
The loop itself says most of the parts are mountain passes, especially with hundreds of twists and sharp turns in steep. Though the road now broadens to lessen the risk of accidents, there’s some quite bumpy and unpaved. The most extremely rugged is from Mau Due – Du Gia – Quan Ba where you should put the same gear level (level 1 or 2) up and down slopes. Drive slowly and watch out for vehicles from opposite directions through curved mirrors on the next blind turns. So make sure to visit a number of stops on route to relax and cherish the beauty of the scenery. It’s a really long way so there’s no need to rush. If you’re not sure about the road condition or not confident in your driving skills, consult your local guide before heading off the loop.
There are a few essential items you should bring along. Make sure you have a small backpack for 3 or 4 days. Since there will be waterfalls along the way, don't forget to bring a swimming suit to take a dip. Hiking shoes are also recommended for those who want to explore the mountains. As you will be in a rural area, it's important to bring some medicine, a first aid kit, and mosquito repellent. You may need a sim card for communication purposes. Bring your camera or GoPro to capture the beauty of nature, and don't forget to have some cash on hand, as ATMs may not be readily available.
If you're planning to ride the Ha Giang Loop, you'll need to consider whether to drive on your own or hire an Easy Rider. While some experienced riders have successfully completed the loop, it is generally not recommended for inexperienced riders. The loop is known for its challenging road conditions and difficult terrain, making it potentially dangerous for beginners. Much of the Ha Giang Loop route may be a pass with jaw-dropping twists and turns and steep heights. Many of the roads are still extremely rugged – some even unpaved – with many obstacles to avoid due to an influx of tourism.Big lorries, buses, and other motorbikes zip along the roads – often with little or no regard for who they’re sharing the road with – forcing drivers to be extremely attentive. Wandering eyes to the gorgeous scenery may make more fatal mistakes if one isn’t careful. In fact, it may even be illegal to drive yourself if you don’t have an international driving license. If you can hire an experienced local motorbike driver, you’ll have your own personal local tour guide. A guide can take you to hidden spots and ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. It’s time just to sit at the back, giving no care about directions and soak up the atmosphere. Plus, since they’re locals, they can give you loads of insight on daily life and culture in Ha Giang. If you’re driving yourself, who will be there to answer all your burning questions?

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