Hanoi: Full-Day City Highlights Tour With Hoa Lo Prison

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, beckons travelers to uncover its rich history and captivating culture. This full-day city highlights tour promises an immersive experience, from the iconic Hoa Lo Prison to the serene Tran Quoc Temple. Explore the nation’s past, marvel at the architectural wonders, and savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll embark on a journey that showcases the city’s diverse heritage, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s enduring charm.

Good To Know

• This full-day tour in Hanoi provides an overview of the city’s iconic sites, including Tran Quoc Temple, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the historic Hoa Lo Prison.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch, priced at $34.77 per person.
• Visitors can explore the Ethnology Museum to learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups and stroll through the vibrant Old Quarter for local culture and shopping.
• Modest dress is required for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.
• The tour offers insights into Hanoi’s rich history and cultural heritage, with opportunities to visit significant landmarks and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s past.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day city highlights tour in Hanoi offers visitors an opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.

Priced at $34.77 per person, the tour includes pickup from hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs in the Hanoi Old Quarter, air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

Guests can expect to visit iconic sites like the Tran Quoc Temple, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Hoa Lo Prison.

The tour also includes a stop at the Ethnology Museum and a stroll through the vibrant Old Quarter.

Comfortable shoes and modest attire are recommended.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights Vietnam’s rich cultural and historical offerings.

Visitors will explore the Tran Quoc Temple, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist sanctuaries. They’ll then venture to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

The Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton," offers a somber glimpse into the nation’s past. The Ethnology Museum showcases Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.

The Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton," provides a somber glimpse into Vietnam’s past. The Ethnology Museum celebrates the country’s diverse ethnic heritage.

A stroll through the bustling Old Quarter allows immersion in local culture and shopping. A traditional Vietnamese lunch completes this comprehensive sightseeing experience.

Tour Details and Inclusions

The tour provides air-conditioned transportation throughout the day. This ensures a comfortable journey as visitors explore the city’s highlights.

The tour also includes:

• Entrance fees to all the sites mentioned in the itinerary, allowing seamless access to each attraction.

• An English-speaking guide who provides insightful commentary and navigates the group through the various locations.

• Bottled water to stay hydrated during the tour.

However, personal expenses and tips for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price.

Holiday surcharges may also apply for specific dates in 2025 and 2026.

Important Information

When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, visitors should dress modestly.

Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the various sites.

Smoking and flash photography aren’t allowed inside the vehicles.

It’s important to inform the tour provider of any dietary restrictions in advance.

Participants should be prepared for outdoor activities and check the weather forecast. This will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the full-day city highlights tour in Hanoi.

The tour includes diverse cultural and historical sites, so proper attire and preparation are essential.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Tran Quoc Temple: One of Hanoi’s Oldest Buddhist Temples

Tran Quoc Temple, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples, stands gracefully on a small island in the West Lake. This 6th-century pagoda boasts a unique architectural style, blending Vietnamese and Indian influences.

• The temple’s centerpiece is a 11-story tower adorned with ornate carvings and intricate designs, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

• Visitors can explore the temple’s serene gardens, which feature a tranquil pond and lush greenery, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

• The temple’s religious significance is palpable, with devout worshippers offering incense and prayers to the revered Buddha statues housed within its walls.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda

After exploring Hanoi’s historic Tran Quoc Temple, the tour continues to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

The grand, marble mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revered founding father. Visitors must dress modestly and remain respectful during the visit.

Next, the tour explores the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple built in 1049 atop a single stone pillar in the shape of a lotus blossom.

This picturesque structure is one of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks, offering insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the Hoa Lo Prison, the "Hanoi Hilton"

The tour then takes visitors to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton". This notorious prison, which once held American prisoners of war, now stands as a haunting reminder of Vietnam’s turbulent past.

Visitors can explore the grim cells, corridors, and courtyard, learning about the harsh conditions and brutal treatment endured by the prisoners. The experience offers a somber and thought-provoking look into a dark chapter of history:

• Visitors can see the tiny cells where American POWs were kept, including the famous "Alcatraz" section.

• The prison museum features exhibits and artifacts that provide insights into the prisoners’ daily lives and struggles.

• Guided tours explain the prison’s history and the role it played during the Vietnam War.

Discovering Vietnam’s Ethnic Diversity at the Ethnology Museum

What does the Ethnology Museum have to offer visitors seeking to discover Vietnam’s ethnic diversity? The museum showcases the country’s 54 recognized ethnic groups through engaging exhibits and displays.

Visitors can explore traditional costumes, handicrafts, and cultural artifacts from the diverse communities that call Vietnam home. Exhibits highlight the unique customs, languages, and ways of life found across the country, providing a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.

Whether it’s learning about the vibrant textiles of the Hmong people or the unique architecture of the Cham minority, the Ethnology Museum offers an immersive experience in Vietnam’s remarkable ethnic diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s group size is not specified in the provided details. The tour includes pickup from hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs in Hanoi Old Quarter, suggesting a group tour rather than a private experience.

Does the Tour Include Any Free Time for Independent Exploration?

The tour includes time for independent exploration, allowing guests to wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter and discover local culture and shopping at their own pace. The itinerary balances guided visits with free time for a personalized experience.

Are Child Discounts Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any child discounts. The pricing is provided per person, and there’s no indication of reduced rates for children or families. The tour seems tailored for individual adult travelers.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

The tour can be customized to include additional sites for an extra fee. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator to create a personalized itinerary that meets their interests and needs.

Is Audio Equipment Provided for the Guided Portions of the Tour?

The tour does not provide audio equipment. However, the English-speaking guide leads the group and provides commentary at each site, ensuring participants can hear and understand the explanations during the guided portions of the tour.

The Sum Up

Exploring Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant culture on this full-day city highlights tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Vietnam’s capital. From the iconic Hoa Lo Prison to the diverse Ethnology Museum, visitors will enjoy the local heritage while enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch and comfortable transportation. This tour offers an exceptional value for those seeking to discover the essence of Hanoi.

You can check if your dates are available here: