Discover Hanoi’s iconic sights with double-decker bus tours from Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore routes, pricing, schedules, and Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours. Book your adventure now!
Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural heart, welcomes over 18 million visitors annually, offering a blend of 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage and vibrant urban life across wards like Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Tây Nguyên. Double-decker bus tours, starting from Hoan Kiem Ward’s iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, provide an open-top, eco-friendly way to explore over 20 landmarks, from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the Temple of Literature, with tickets costing $7–$13 (175,000–325,000 VND). These tours offer 360° views, making them ideal for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive city overview.
Operated by companies like Anh Viet Hop On Hop Off, these buses meet Euro 4 emission standards, reducing environmental impact and aligning with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, set in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours complement these bus experiences, ensuring a green, immersive journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward, Ba Đình District as Ba Đình Ward, and Tây Hồ District as Tây Nguyên Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. Our tours integrate with double-decker bus routes, using low-impact transport like electric cyclos or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share historical insights, navigation tips, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Hanoi responsibly!
Introduced in 2018 by Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco) and Anh Viet Hop On Hop Off, Hanoi’s double-decker buses offer hop-on, hop-off flexibility, covering 15–20 stops across 25–30 streets in a 90-minute loop. These open-top buses, seating up to 80 passengers, feature multilingual audio guides (English, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, and more) and amenities like free Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and city maps. Routes traverse key wards, connecting Hoan Kiem’s Old Quarter to Ba Đình’s historic sites and Tây Nguyên’s serene lakes. Eco-friendly features, including Euro 4-compliant engines and digital ticketing, reduce emissions, supporting Hanoi’s goal of cutting CO2 by 122,177 tons annually, making these tours a sustainable way to discover the capital’s 1,000-year legacy.
These iconic stops, accessible via bus routes, offer cultural immersion with minimal costs ($0–$2 for entry):
The tour’s starting point, best at 8:30 AM, free, with serene lake views and Ngoc Son Temple nearby ($1.50 or 37,500 VND entry).
Cost: Free; temple entry $1.50.
Hours: 24/7; temple 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walkable area; supports local vendors.
Tip: Photograph the red Húc Bridge; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A historic site honoring Vietnam’s leader, best at 9:00 AM, free entry (closed Mondays/Fridays), with nearby One Pillar Pagoda.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday–Sunday, 7:30 AM–10:30 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital guides reduce paper; respect queues.
Tip: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Historical Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Vietnam’s first university, best at 10:00 AM, with $1.20 (30,000 VND) entry, showcasing Confucian heritage.
Cost: $1.20/adult; $0.60 (15,000 VND)/student.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable tickets; local guides.
Tip: Capture the Khue Van Pavilion; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A French colonial masterpiece, best at 11:00 AM, free exterior views or $4 (100,000 VND) for guided interior tours.
Cost: Free exterior; $4/interior.
Hours: Exterior 24/7; tours by appointment.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walk from bus stop; support local artisans.
Tip: Shoot from Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Night Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on West Lake, best at 3:00 PM, free entry, offering serene lakeside views.
Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable incense; respect rituals.
Tip: Photograph the red tower at sunset; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Spiritual Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Hanoi’s double-decker bus tours operate two main routes, with slight variations between weekdays and weekends, managed by Anh Viet Hop On Hop Off:
Route 1: Hanoi City Tour (Hop On Hop Off)
Starting Point: Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square (Hoan Kiem Ward, weekdays); Hanoi Opera House (Hoan Kiem Ward, weekends).
Key Stops (15): Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Flag Tower, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Cua Bac Church, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Post Office, Lý Thái Tổ Statue, Đồng Xuân Market.
Schedule: Weekdays 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, every 30 minutes; weekends 9:00 AM, 10:45 AM, 2:30 PM, 4:15 PM, ending at 5:00 PM. Full loop: ~90 minutes.
Pricing: $7 (175,000 VND)/4 hours; $10 (250,000 VND)/24 hours; $13 (325,000 VND)/48 hours. Children under 6 free; students $5 (125,000 VND)/4 hours with ID.
Eco-Friendly Note: Euro 4-compliant buses; digital tickets via apps reduce paper waste.
Route 2: Thang Long Hanoi City Tour (Vietnam Sightseeing)
Starting Point: Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square (Hoan Kiem Ward).
Key Stops (13): Hoan Kiem Lake, Lê Thái Tổ Statue, Sofitel Metropole Hotel, Vietnam Military History Museum, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi Cathedral, Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House.
Schedule: Daily 9:15 AM–5:15 PM, every 30 minutes. Night tours: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM (music-themed, drinks included). Full loop: ~90 minutes.
Pricing: $7 (175,000 VND)/4 hours; $10 (250,000 VND)/24 hours; $13 (325,000 VND)/48 hours. Night tour: $10 (250,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-emission engines; biodegradable cups for night tour drinks.
Note: Schedules may vary during festivals like Tet (January/February) or Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10), with special tours like the “Tinh Hoa Ao Dai” free rides for áo dài wearers. Confirm via operator apps or ticket counters.
Tour from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), ideal for open-top views. The rainy season (May–October) risks wet seats, requiring rain gear. Early morning departures (8:30–10:00 AM) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds (50–100 passengers/day) than afternoons (200–500), especially during weekends or festivals (1,000+). Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) avoid peak tourist traffic (100,000–200,000 vehicles daily in Hoan Kiem Ward). Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) for smoother rides; night tours (7:00 PM) provide cooler, illuminated cityscapes.
Both routes start in Hoan Kiem Ward, near Hoan Kiem Lake, reachable in 5–60 minutes:
By Walking: 5–10 minutes within Hoan Kiem Ward (e.g., from Ngoc Son Temple to Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, 200m). Free, eco-friendly.
By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND) for 1–2 people.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 1–5 km rides (e.g., Ba Đình to Hoan Kiem), 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 08, 09, 36 to Lý Thái Tổ stop (200m walk), 5–10 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–10:30 PM. Use Tìm Buýt app.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Bicycle: Rent from Old Quarter shops ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 5–10 minutes. Eco-friendly; park at Hàng Đào ($0.20–$1.20 or 5,000–30,000 VND).
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people.
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 28 km. Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then walk; direct taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600). Navigation Tip: Save “Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me); use Hoan Kiem Lake as a landmark. Pedestrian zone restricts vehicles Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, VinBus, or cyclos reduce emissions; carpool for private cars.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets near Hoan Kiem Lake; secure valuables. Confirm fares via apps.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun protection on open-top deck.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Tìm Buýt app, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Photography Gear: Camera or smartphone for cityscape shots; extra batteries.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Earphones for audio guides; cash for food and tips.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for food ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), tips ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND), or parking ($0.20–$1.20); secure valuables on open-top deck.
Tour Tickets
Hanoi City Tour (Hop On Hop Off): $7 (175,000 VND)/4 hours; $10 (250,000 VND)/24 hours; $13 (325,000 VND)/48 hours. Students $5 (125,000 VND)/4 hours; children under 6 free.
Thang Long Hanoi City Tour: $7 (175,000 VND)/4 hours; $10 (250,000 VND)/24 hours; $13 (325,000 VND)/48 hours; night tour $10 (250,000 VND).
Attraction Entry: Hoan Kiem Lake (free), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (free), Temple of Literature ($1.20 or 30,000 VND), Hanoi Opera House ($4 or 100,000 VND interior), Tran Quoc Pagoda (free).
Street Food (e.g., Phở, Bánh Mì): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Bia Hơi, Coffee): $0.30–$1.50 (7,000–37,500 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Handicrafts): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND/day).
Transportation to Starting Points (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Walking: Free.
Cyclo: $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND).
Xe Ôm: $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Xanh SM Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Private Car: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Walk: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).
Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus tour 4 hours, walking, street food).
Mid-range: $25–$40 (bus tour 24 hours, cyclo, attraction entries).
Luxury: $50–$80 (bus tour 48 hours, Xanh SM taxi, guided tour).
Tip: Budget for bus tickets ($7–$13), transport ($0.60–$8), and food ($1–$2); carry VND for vendors (some accept mobile payments).
Timing: Start tours at 8:30–10:00 AM for cooler weather; November–April for dry conditions. Weekdays avoid heavy crowds (50–100 vs. 200–500 on weekends). Check festival schedules (e.g., October 10 Liberation Day) for special routes.
Booking: Buy tickets at Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square (weekdays) or Hanoi Opera House (weekends) counters, or online via operator apps; show e-tickets on smartphones. Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided integration.
Sustainability: Opt for digital tickets to reduce paper; bring reusable bottles. Support Old Quarter vendors for snacks ($1–$2) or crafts ($1–$5) near bus stops.
Navigation: Save “Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use Hoan Kiem Lake as a landmark. Monitor bus times via apps to avoid long waits (30 minutes).
Safety: Secure valuables on open-top decks; avoid leaning over railings. Watch for pickpockets at stops like Đồng Xuân Market; confirm fares for connecting transport via apps.
Weather: Dry season ensures clear views; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for rain or fog.
Cultural Respect: Greet guides with “xin chào”; tip $0.20–$0.50 for excellent service (not mandatory). Dress modestly at sites like the Temple of Literature (cover shoulders/knees).
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer. Wear masks for air pollution (AQI up to 130) in winter.
Our eco-friendly tours enhance your double-decker bus experience:
Hanoi City Bus Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Combines 4-hour bus tour with electric cyclo ride to Hoan Kiem’s Old Quarter and street food tasting ($2–$5) at 8:30 AM. Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Cultural Bus Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): 24-hour bus tour, VinBus to Tây Nguyên’s West Lake, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Bus Adventure ($250–$400/person, 3 days): 48-hour bus tour, private car to Ninh Bình’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Hanoi’s double-decker bus tours, starting from Hoan Kiem Ward’s Đồng Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, offer an eco-friendly way to explore over 20 iconic sites for $7–$13 (175,000–325,000 VND), captivating 18 million visitors yearly. From Hoan Kiem Lake to Tran Quoc Pagoda, these open-top buses with Euro 4 engines and digital ticketing reduce environmental impact, showcasing Hanoi’s 1,000-year heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours integrate these routes, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience filled with immersive cultural exploration. Whether marveling at the Hanoi Opera House or tracing Thang Long’s history, these tours promise an unforgettable journey. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly Hanoi adventure today!
Ready to explore Hanoi’s landmarks with a double-decker bus tour from Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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