The Explore Hanoi Luxury City Half-Day Tour (Afternoon) offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore Vietnam’s rich history and vibrant culture. With a range of iconic sites and delightful inclusions, this tour promises an engaging exploration of the capital city. From visiting the Tran Quoc Pagoda to exploring the Temple of Literature, travelers can gain valuable insights into Hanoi’s past and present. Whether opting for a cyclo ride or a water puppet show, this half-day adventure provides a comprehensive introduction to the city’s captivating allure.
Good To Know
- This 6-hour afternoon tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Hanoi’s top attractions, including Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison.
- Priced at $32.94 per person, the tour includes transportation, entrance tickets, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide.
- Guests can choose to add optional activities like a cyclo ride and water puppet show for an additional fee.
- The tour begins with a Vietnamese cuisine lunch at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity to savor authentic flavors.
- Highlights of the tour include insights into Hanoi’s cultural and religious heritage, as well as the opportunity to explore the city’s historical sites.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Hanoi Luxury City Half-Day Tour offers an opportunity to experience the highlights of Vietnam’s capital city. Priced from $32.94 per person, the 6-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Allowing visitors to reserve their spot without immediate payment, the tour covers sights like the Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Optional activities like a cyclo ride and water puppet show are available for an additional fee.
The tour includes transportation, bottled water, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Hanoi.
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Itinerary Highlights
The Hanoi Luxury City Half-Day Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks.
The tour begins with a Vietnamese cuisine lunch, providing a delightful introduction to the local flavors.
Visitors then venture to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi dating back to the 6th century.
Next, they discover the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university founded in 1070.
The final stop is the Hoa Lo Prison, a captivating war museum offering insights into the country’s turbulent history.
Throughout the journey, an English-speaking guide provides valuable commentary, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience.
Pickup and Lunch
At 12:15, the tour begins with a hotel pickup, whisking participants to a local restaurant for a Vietnamese cuisine lunch.
The lunch:
Features a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes, including vegetarian options to accommodate dietary needs.
Provides a chance to savor the flavors of Vietnam in a comfortable setting.
Allows guests to refuel and recharge before continuing the exploration of Hanoi’s cultural landmarks.
After the satisfying meal, the group departs for the next stop on the itinerary, ready to continue their immersive experience in the heart of Vietnam’s vibrant capital city.
Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
After the satisfying lunch, the tour heads to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.
Situated on a small island in the West Lake, the pagoda is renowned for its serene beauty and historical significance. Visitors can admire the intricate architecture, including the unique multi-tiered roof and ornate carvings.
The pagoda’s tranquil atmosphere provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Guests have the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural and religious traditions associated with this iconic Hanoi landmark during the guided tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTemple of Literature Visit
Next, the tour group makes its way to the Temple of Literature, a revered institution founded in 1070 and Vietnam’s first national university.
This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich educational and cultural heritage.
Highlights of the visit include:
Exploring the well-preserved architecture, which blends Confucian and Vietnamese design elements.
Learning about the system of imperial examinations that produced Vietnam’s scholar-bureaucrats.
Visiting the Stelae of Doctors, which display the names of successful exam candidates over the centuries.
Strolling through the peaceful courtyards and gardens, providing a serene respite from the bustling city.
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Hoa Lo Prison Tour
From the serene gardens of the Temple of Literature, the tour group now explores the sobering history of Hoa Lo Prison.
Built in the late 19th century, this former French colonial prison infamously held Vietnamese political prisoners, as well as American POWs during the Vietnam War.
Visitors can tour the eerie cells and interrogation rooms, gaining insight into the harsh conditions endured by inmates.
The prison’s grim past is now preserved as a war museum, offering a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
After this somber visit, the tour returns to the hotel, reflecting on the contrasts of Hanoi’s past and present.
Optional Activities
For those interested in experiencing more of Hanoi’s sights and culture, the tour offers several optional activities to enhance the journey.
Guests can opt for a 45-minute cyclo ride around the historic Old Quarter for $5 per person. Alternatively, they can attend a 50-minute water puppet show for $5 per person. The best recommended times for the water puppet show are 17h20 or 18h30.
There’s also a combo option, where guests can enjoy both the cyclo ride and water puppet show for a total of $10 per person.
These optional activities provide a deeper immersion into Hanoi’s rich heritage.
Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information
The Hanoi Luxury City Half-Day Tour includes a shuttle bus or limousine transportation, bottled water, entrance tickets, an English-speaking guide, and a drink for lunch. However, the tour excludes fees for optional activities like the cyclo ride and water puppet show, as well as tips for the guide and driver, personal expenses, and any holiday surcharges.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|————|————|
| Shuttle bus/limousine | Cyclo and Water Puppet Show fees |
| Bottled water | Tips for guide and driver |
| Entrance tickets | Personal expenses |
| English-speaking guide | Holiday surcharge |
| Drink for lunch | |
The tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old, and the use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited. For customers not having lunch, a $5 deduction applies with pickup at 13h30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a provided lunch and bottled water, and any personal expenses like additional food or drinks are excluded from the tour price.
Are Photography and Videography Allowed at the Sites?
Photography and videography are generally allowed at the sites visited during the tour. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting other visitors or damaging the cultural heritage sites. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions.
Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?
There are restrooms available at the various sites visited during the tour. Customers can use the restrooms at the restaurant, pagoda, temple, and prison museum as needed throughout the half-day experience.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour allows for some customization to preferences. Customers can opt out of activities like the Water Puppet Show or Cyclo ride. They can also choose not to have lunch and just join the tour at 1:30 PM.
How Do I Tip the Guide and Driver Appropriately?
For the guide and driver, a typical tip range is 10-20% of the total tour price. Tipping in cash at the end of the tour is customary and appreciated. Check with the tour operator for their recommended tip guidelines.
The Sum Up
The Explore Hanoi Luxury City Half-Day Tour (Afternoon) offers an immersive cultural experience in Vietnam’s capital. Priced at $32.94 per person, the tour takes visitors to iconic sites, provides a delightful Vietnamese lunch, and features optional activities like a cyclo ride and water puppet show. With an English-speaking guide, guests gain valuable insights into Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant culture, making it a memorable exploration of the city.
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