How to Plan Your Half Day Hanoi Walking Tour

Are you visiting Hanoi and looking for a short but immersive experience to explore the city? A half-day walking tour might be just what you need. This tour takes you to some of the most historic and beautiful spots in Hanoi, which you might not discover otherwise. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your half-day walking tour to make the most of your time in Hanoi.

Booking

To start the process of planning your half day walking tour, you’ll first need to book your tour. You can find a lot of tour operators online, but we recommend using Getyourguide. They offer the tour at a reasonable price, and their online booking system is hassle-free.

Meeting Point

The tour guide will meet you at your hotel or accommodation in the Old Quarter at 7.30 am. If you’re staying outside the Old Quarter, you’ll need to make your way to the Old Quarter to meet the guide. The tour operator will confirm the exact meeting time and location via email after you book the tour.

Highlights

The Half Day Hanoi Walking Tour covers some of the most historic and attractive places in Hanoi.

Hoa Lu Temple

The tour starts with a visit to Hoa Lu Temple, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here you’ll explore the two ancient temples of King Dinh and King Le that date back to the 10th century. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of this capital city and its significant role in the development of Vietnam.

Boat Trip Through Limestone Mountains

After visiting the Hoa Lu Temple, you’ll be taken to a pier to board a traditional Vietnamese sampan boat. Here you’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip and pass through the limestone mountains, which are an iconic part of the Ninh Binh province. You can expect to see some breathtaking views of this region from the boat.

Climbing Mua Cave

The next stop of the tour is Mua Cave, a beautiful cave with 486 stone steps that offer a panoramic view of the area from the top. This is the highlight of the tour, and climbing up to the top is nothing short of an adventure. The panoramic view of limestone mountains from the top of the cave is breathtaking.

Itinerary

Here is a full description of the itinerary of the tour: 7:30 -8:15 am: Tour guide will meet you at your hotel/stay in the Old Quarter. 10:30 am: Visit Hoa Lu Temple. 12:00 pm: Enjoy a buffet lunch. 1:30 pm: Leave for the Trang An complex and board a boat rowed by local people through the caves. 3:30 pm: Climb up to Mua Cave for the panoramic view. 5:15 pm: Return to the bus and travel back to Hanoi. 7:30 pm: Drop off at your hotel or accommodation. Trip ends.

Inclusions

The tour includes the following: – Hotel pickup from the Old Quarter of Hanoi. – English-speaking guide. – Water on bus. – Buffet lunch. – All entrance fees. – Electric car round trip. – Drinks & tips.

Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while planning your half-day walking tour: – Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as the tour involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs. – Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the boat ride as it can get quite sunny out on the water. – Carry some local currency as many places don’t accept credit/debit cards.

Book Your Tour Now

In conclusion, the Half Day Hanoi Walking Tour is an affordable yet memorable way to explore some of the most historic and beautiful parts of Hanoi. By following this step-by-step guide, you can plan your tour with ease and make the most of your time in Hanoi. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today and experience the beauty of Hanoi with your own eyes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanoi

Are you planning a trip to the beautiful city of Hanoi in Vietnam? Here are some frequently asked questions about Hanoi that might be helpful to you:

1. What is the best time of year to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi is from September to November or from March to April. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer tourists than in the peak season. Avoid visiting during the summer months as Hanoi can get quite hot and humid.

2. What are some must-see attractions in Hanoi?

There are numerous must-see attractions in Hanoi, but here are some of the most popular ones: – Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple – Temple of Literature – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Old Quarter – Hanoi Opera House – Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

3. What are some unique experiences to have in Hanoi?

Aside from visiting the must-see attractions, there are also some unique experiences to have in Hanoi. Here are a few: – Try street food like pho, bun cha, and banh mi – Take a cyclo tour around the old quarter – Visit a coffee shop and try egg coffee – Watch a traditional water puppet show

4. What is the currency used in Hanoi?

The currency used in Hanoi is the Vietnamese dong (VND). It’s recommended to have some cash on hand as some places may not accept credit cards.

5. What is the language spoken in Hanoi?

The official language of Hanoi is Vietnamese. However, many people working in the hospitality and tourism industry speak English as well.

6. What is the transportation like in Hanoi?

Transportation in Hanoi can be chaotic and overwhelming for some. However, there are various options available such as: – Taxis – Grab (ride-hailing service) – Motorbike rentals – Public buses – Cyclos

7. What is the food like in Hanoi?

The food in Hanoi is a culinary delight. The city is known for its street food, which includes dishes like pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee. There are also many high-end restaurants that offer traditional Vietnamese cuisine as well as fusion dishes.

8. What is the weather like in Hanoi?

Hanoi has a tropical climate with four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be quite chilly. The best time to visit Hanoi is from September to November or from March to April when the weather is mild and pleasant.

9. What is the culture like in Hanoi?

The culture in Hanoi is a mix of traditional and modern influences. The city has a rich history and is known for its traditional architecture, cuisine, and crafts. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Vietnam, so it’s common to see many temples and pagodas around the city.

10. What should I wear when visiting Hanoi?

When visiting Hanoi, it’s best to pack for the weather. During the summer months, light and breathable clothing are recommended. During the winter, warm layers are necessary. When visiting temples or pagodas, it’s important to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating city that attracts tourists from all over the world. With a rich history, ancient temples, a bustling street culture, and delicious food, there is no shortage of things to see and do here. In this guide, we will take a closer look at some of the best ways to spend your time in Hanoi.

1. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a must-visit for anyone visiting Hanoi. It is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founder and leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The mausoleum is a large granite structure that houses his embalmed body, which is on display to visitors. Inside the mausoleum, visitors are required to dress formally and maintain silence as a sign of respect for the dead. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs or carry bags inside. The mausoleum is open in the mornings from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends.

2. Explore the Old Quarter

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a charming area filled with narrow streets, traditional shops, and historic buildings. It is a great place to get a glimpse of old Hanoi and experience the local culture. Visitors can stroll through the streets, stopping to try street food or shop for souvenirs. One of the most famous streets in the Old Quarter is Hang Ma, which is known for its paper products, including traditional Vietnamese paper fans, lanterns, and calligraphy. Other notable streets include Hang Bac, which is known for its silver products, and Hang Gai, which has a wide range of silk and clothing shops.

3. Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a historical site that dates back to the 11th century. It was the first university in Vietnam and was dedicated to Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher. The temple has five courtyards, each with a different purpose, including the worship of Confucius, the performance of examinations, and the study of literature. Visitors can explore the courtyards, admire the traditional architecture, and learn about the history of Vietnamese education. The Temple of Literature is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

4. Try the Street Food

No visit to Hanoi is complete without trying the street food. The city is known for its delicious and affordable food, which can be found all around the city. Some of the must-try dishes include pho, a rice noodle soup with beef, bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, and egg coffee, a sweet coffee topped with a whipped egg mixture. Visitors can find street food vendors all around the city, especially in the Old Quarter. While the street food is safe to eat, it’s important to choose vendors that look clean and have a steady stream of customers.

5. Watch a Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a traditional form of Vietnamese entertainment that dates back to the 11th century. The puppets are made from wood and are controlled by puppeteers who stand waist-deep in water. The shows tell stories of Vietnamese folklore and history, with music, poems, and dance. Visitors can watch water puppet shows at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which is located in the Old Quarter. Shows are performed daily, with tickets available for purchase at the theatre.

6. Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

The Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, is a museum that tells the history of the prison, which was used by French colonists in the 19th century and later by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War to house American prisoners of war. Visitors can learn about the harsh conditions the prisoners endured, see the cells where they were held, and view exhibits that document the history of the prison. The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

7. Take a Cooking Class

Vietnamese cuisine is delicious and healthy, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn more about the food culture of Hanoi. Visitors can take classes that teach how to make classic Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, pho, and banh mi. Cooking classes are available at several venues around the city, including the Hanoi Cooking Centre, which is located in the Old Quarter. Classes usually last for a few hours and include a trip to a local market to purchase ingredients.

Book Your Tour Now

Hanoi is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, food, and entertainment. From visiting historic sites to trying street food and watching water puppet shows, there is no shortage of things to do. With this guide, visitors can make the most of their time in Hanoi and experience everything the city has to offer.