Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and its second-largest city, has been the heart of the nation for nearly a thousand years. This long history has made it one of Vietnam’s main cultural centers, with imprints left by numerous dynasties.
Unlock Vietnam’s rich history in its capital and cultural center. Join a half-day highlights tour with a local Hanoi guide to discover some of the city’s most popular sights and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and heritage.

8:30 am: Pick up at your hotel or chosen location to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Here, you’ll view the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed on Mondays and Fridays). Following this, visit the wooden stilt house that served as his residence from 1954 until his death.
Next, you’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This pagoda has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.
Continue to West Lake and visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, dating back to the Ly Dynasty. Then, take a walk to visit Quan Thanh Temple, another significant cultural and historical site in the area.
Your final stop will be the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Initially used by French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, it was later used by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this period, American POWs referred to it as the “Hanoi Hilton.”
Wrap up the tour by walking through the bustling Old Quarters of Hanoi. Here, you’ll see how local people make a living, with vibrant street markets, traditional shops, and a myriad of activities that showcase the daily life and industrious spirit of Hanoi’s residents.
This itinerary offers a rich blend of history, culture, and local experiences, ensuring a memorable visit to Hanoi. If there’s anything else you’d like to add or modify, just let me know!
*The Ho Chi Minh Complex is only open for visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Tour includes:
Round-trip transfer
Tours and activities as stated above
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Available:
Daily
Duration:
3.5 – 4 hours
Tour excludes:
Travel Insurance
Extra food and beverages
Tips and personal expenses
Departure time and location:
8:30 AM or 1:30 PM; from the lobby of your hotel
Return time and location:
12 PM or 5:30 PM, to the lobby of your hotel
Note:
Children younger than age 2 may participate for free. This private tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

To assist you with your booking of the Half-Day Hanoi Private City Tour and to finalize your holiday plans, please fill out the form below with your details. I will contact you directly to ensure everything is arranged perfectly.
Day Tours
Day Tour Crafts Villages of Hanoi
Duong Lam ancient village and cycling
Experience of visiting Quang Phu Cau incense village
Explore the charming Hanoi capital in a day
Half-Day Hanoi Private City Tour
Halong Bay private day trip cruise from Hanoi
Hanoi in a day from Halong for cruisers
Hanoi Military Tour for Half day city
Hanoi Street Food Adventure Tour
Hoa Lu Tam Coc Ninh Binh Day Tour
Mountain day trip to visit Muong ethnic people
Mua Cave and Trang An adventure day
Perfume pagoda day tour from Hanoi
Private day tour of Mai Chau hill tribe from Hanoi with cycling tour
Van Giang Village Private Tour with Cooking Class from Hanoi
Yen Tu Pagoda & Halong bay cruise from Cruise Harbor
- Package Tours
- 2 days private tour Mai Chau Pu Luong nature reserve from Hanoi with cycling tour
- Best glance 5 days tour in the North of Vietnam
- Best of North Vietnam 8 Days
- Halong – Hanoi – Halong from Cruise Harbour
- Highlights of 4 days tour around Hanoi
- Vietnam Highlights Sapa Extension
- Vietnam Myths and Mountains 6 days 5 nights
- Vietnam Northern Classic Family Tour 9 days tour