Private Hanoi: Morning Highlights of the City
Hanoi, Vietnam
From USD 89.00
Office phone number: +84 (0) 904 193 308
Private Hanoi: Morning Highlights of the City
Hanoi, Vietnam
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Just arrived in Hanoi? Need an introduction to this buzzing city? Leaving soon and haven't seen any of the highlights yet? Never fear, take a private tour of Hanoi and ensure you cover the historic hot spots, must-see monument, and special spaces that you'd kick yourself for missing.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Highlights
- Explore the 1,000-year-old university at the Temple of Literature
- Discover the soul of Vietnam in its traditional tea arts.
- Visit the so-called “Hanoi Hilton” – the infamous Hoa Lo Prison that housed POWs during the Vietnam War
- Stroll along the legendary Sword Lake to admire the reflections of its stunning bridge and Ngoc Son temple
- Marvel at the largest and oldest church in Hanoi, famous for its resemblance to the Notre Dame de Paris
- Eat lunch like the locals do and taste our traditional Pho
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours
- Pickup location:
Pick up at centrally located hotels in Hanoi.
- Pickup time: Various
- Drop off location:
Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem lake.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, one-way transportation, Temple of Literature ticket, Hoa Lo Prison ticket, Ngoc Son Temple entrance fees, Vietnamese green tea with green bean cake, traditional noodle Pho for lunch.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for driver or guide.
Dive in to the sights, sounds, and smells of our bustling city on our Hanoi city tour, a sure way to cross off some of the major Hanoi highlights.
Start the city tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Originally built in honour of Confucius by King Ly Thai Thong in 1070, a university was added to the grounds six years later. The university provided education to the royal family and children of the aristocracy or "mandarins". The University remained here until King Gia Long moved the country’s administrative capital from Hanoi to Hue at the beginning of the 19th century.
Drop in to a traditional teahouse to taste some of the best Vietnamese flavoured green teas, and listen to thousand-year-old stories explaining the significance of tea leaves to local cultures. Tea is even better when served with some authentic snacks such as sweetened lotus seeds and green bean cake.
Continuing on our Hanoi tour, we’ll head to the Hoa Lo Prison museum. Used by French Colonists for political prisoners till 1954 and later by North Vietnam for American POWs, the prison complex was sarcastically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American pilots during Vietnam War (1954-1975). Famous ex-prisoners of war include Pete Peterson (the first US ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995), and US Senator John McCain.
Our next stop will be the largest and oldest church in Hanoi. St Joseph’s Cathedral was built in 1886 with an architectural style often compared to the Notre Dame de Paris, this Gothic Revival church is not only a religious site, but is also a popular photo shoot backdrop for local teenagers.
We’ll continue to the heart of Hanoi - the Hoan Kiem Lake, with its magnificent The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple. Experience the spiritual harmony of different religions coexisting in the same place. We then stop for lunch for a traditional bowl of Pho before ending the tour, which is definitely a must-do while you're in Vietnam.
You may then continue your own exploration of the area or our tour guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
(If you’d prefer to travel as part of a regular group experience, please book our Hanoi Morning Highlights group tour.)
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, one-way transportation, Temple of Literature ticket, Hoa Lo Prison ticket, Ngoc Son Temple entrance fees, Vietnamese green tea with green bean cake, traditional noodle Pho for lunch.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for driver or guide.
Dress standard: Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at your hotel for pick up. Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher. If your details are not correct, it is very important to please email us to confirm your correct pick up hotel using the contact details on the voucher. If you prefer you may also phone the change through to us during business hours.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +84 (0) 904 193 308
Email address: info@hanoiurbanadventures.com
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