View AllThis premium private full-day tour focuses on Hanoi’s essential historical and cultural landmarks. Your dedicated guide will tailor the experience to your pace, starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex which closes early in the day.
Hotel Pickup: Flexible between 08:00 – 09:00 AM directly at your hotel in central Hanoi (within 10 km radius of Hoan Kiem Lake).
09:00 – 10:30: Begin your tour at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Visit the Mausoleum to pay respects to President Ho Chi Minh and explore the historic stilt houses where he lived and worked, along with the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.
10:45 – 11:45: Proceed to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, followed by a pleasant stroll along scenic West Lake.
12:00 – 13:00: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a reputable local restaurant.
13:30 – 14:30: Visit Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first national university founded in 1070. Wander through its serene courtyards and historic pavilions.
14:45 – 15:45: Tour Hoa Lo Prison, a powerful historical site known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.
16:00 – 17:00: Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple on the small island, then take a guided walk through the vibrant Old Quarter.
17:15 – 18:15: Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour traditional cyclo ride through the ancient 36 streets.
18:30 – 19:00: Experience highlights of the famous Water Puppet Show – a spectacular traditional Vietnamese art form.
Private drop-off: By 19:00 PM directly at your hotel. Tour concludes.
Professional private English-speaking guide (Vietnamese also available as default; other languages upon request with additional fee)
Delicious Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant
Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the whole day
All entrance fees to listed attractions
1-hour traditional cyclo ride in the Old Quarter
Water Puppet Show ticket
Mineral water (1-2 bottles per person)
Drinks other than mineral water
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Surcharge for Lunar New Year (if applicable)
For this Private Tour, our dedicated guide and private vehicle will pick you up directly at your hotel within a 10 km radius of Hoan Kiem Lake. Exact pick-up time will be confirmed upon booking.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun hat / cap
Camera
Sunscreen
Modest clothing suitable for temples and cultural sites
Not allowed
Shorts, short skirts, tank tops or revealing clothing at religious and historical sites
Know before you go
This Private Full Day Essential Historical Landmarks Tour is available Tuesday to Sunday (Ho Chi Minh Complex/Mausoleum closed on Mondays and Fridays).
The itinerary starts with the Ho Chi Minh Complex due to early closing time.
Children Policy: Child 5–11 years old = 75% of adult rate. Child under 5 years old = Free of charge (FOC, sharing seat and meals with parents). Children taller than 1 meter will pay full entrance fees where applicable.
All sites and activities in this tour are open on the operating days.
The tour is suitable for all ages with moderate walking involved.
If you are traveling with friends on separate bookings, please share your booking details with us at least 24 hours in advance.
