Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour worth booking?
Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour is a 4-hour experience in Hanoi, Vietnam, from $28 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $28 per person
Explore Vietnam's capital where thousand-year-old traditions blend with French colonial elegance. This half-day private tour reveals Hanoi's landmarks, from temples to Old Quarter streets. Founded in 1010, Hanoi preserves centuries of history through 11th-century buildings alongside colonial residences. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and former residence honoring Vietnam's founding president. Admire the One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple dating nearly a millennium. Discover the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and dedicated to Confucius. Six years later, Vietnam's first university was established here to educate royalty children. This serene complex offers peaceful retreat from busy streets. Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter preserving customs. Walk streets named after guilds like Sugar Street, Tin Street, and Paper Street, where traditional commerce thrives. Historical homes and temples intertwine with shops creating paradise for souvenir hunters.
What you get
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- Transportation by car / mini-van / coach with professional driver.
- A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide
About this experience
Explore Vietnam's capital where thousand-year-old traditions blend with French colonial elegance. This half-day private tour reveals Hanoi's landmarks, from temples to Old Quarter streets. Founded in 1010, Hanoi preserves centuries of history through 11th-century buildings alongside colonial residences. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and former residence honoring Vietnam's founding president. Admire the One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple dating nearly a millennium. Discover the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and dedicated to Confucius. Six years later, Vietnam's first university was established here to educate royalty children. This serene complex offers peaceful retreat from busy streets. Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter preserving customs. Walk streets named after guilds like Sugar Street, Tin Street, and Paper Street, where traditional commerce thrives. Historical homes and temples intertwine with shops creating paradise for souvenir hunters.
What's included
Included
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- Transportation by car / mini-van / coach with professional driver.
- A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide
Not included
- Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
- Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
- Compulsory Christmas and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
- Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
- Transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations, otherwise supplementary charges will be applied
- Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
- Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
What you'll see and do
Hanoi
Transfer from your hotel in Hanoi with your private guide and friendly driver to start this half-day excursion through Hanoi and visit the renowned sights and landmarks of the millennium-old capital of Vietnam. This tour offers both morning and afternoon departures with slight modifications for afternoon departures with the Mausoleum of the late Ho Chi Minh. Hanoi was founded in 1010 and became the official capital of independent Vietnam in 1954. Today, ancient crumbling buildings dating from the 11th century lie scattered among grand French colonial residences, while shrines and monuments to the country's first president, Ho Chi Minh, sit in the shadow of modern high-rise buildings.
Pass by without stopping
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Your day will include stops at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and his former residence, the One-Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. The temple was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Six years later, Vietnam's first university was founded; here to teach the children of royalty and aristocracy (generally called mandarins). It is a serene retreat from the busy streets outside.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Old Quarter
Finally, have a short walk in Hanoi's famous Old Quarter. The streets of the Old Quarter preserve age-old customs, where trade takes one back half a century, and temples, pagodas and monuments reflect the historic character of Vietnam. This densely populated corner of the city was once a centre of commerce where trading good was the talk of the town under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of sellers today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Historical homes and temples are intertwined with stores in this souvenir hunter's paradise! After getting a sniff of what Hanoi's Old Quarter is all about, we will bring you back to your booked hotel.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Asian Trails LTD
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
- Child pricing can be applied for only 1 child per booking. All other travelers pay adult rates
- Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Hanoi city centre. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the capital, harbour and the Hanoi International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
- The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh City is closed very afternoon, on Mondays and Fridays and during the months of October and November. Visits to the Mausoleum are restricted to outside visits only and/or alternative sightseeing may need to be offered.
- Customers are advised that during the TET celebrations (celebration of Vietnamese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal. We appreciate your understanding on this.
- This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users.
- Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
- We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
- Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
- It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A little disappointing. Our guide...
<p>A little disappointing. Our guide was more interested in checking her phone and talking to the driver. Only found out as we did the tour that Ho Chi Minhs mausoleum is closed on Fridays, would have been good to have found that out earlier. Took us to shops to look at things we weren't really interested in, we got the impression the shop was owned by her friend. We were hoping for a tour of Hanoi, to learn about the city, not shop</p>
via Viator
Really enjoyed the afternoon tour...
<p>Really enjoyed the afternoon tour, only slight problem, the Ho Chi Min Mausoleum is not open in the afternoon</p>
via Viator
The tour was fine, but we were told...
<p>The tour was fine, but we were told to confirm the booking and advise the pickup hotel location 24 hours before the tour - but the tour provider was closed over the weekend - somewhat inconvenient for an 8AM Monday tour! Viator was useless in locating the tour provider, in the end our hotel was able to find an after hours number and sorted everything out on our behalf - credit to VinPearl, they were fantastic!</p>
via Viator
Our guide was fantastic! We had a great...
<p>Our guide was fantastic! We had a great tour! He was very knowledgeable and friendly!</p>
via Viator
A great tour that hit all the...
<p>A great tour that hit all the highlights we wanted to see in Hanoi even on the day before Tet, when many tours were not operating!. Our guide, Vanessa, was absolutely fantastic -- she made the experience personal, fun, informative, and she shared beautiful photos taken during the tour. Highly recommended!</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 2+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $28 to $112
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Asian Trails LTD, who run 116 experiences we rank across 24 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.1.
See everything Asian Trails LTD runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hanoi.
How much does Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour cost?
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Prices start at $28 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hanoi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hanoi is not rushed.
Is Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hanoi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 2. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 4-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hanoi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hanoi and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hanoi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hanoi?
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On Outty we rank every Hanoi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ha Giang Loop 3-Day Small Group - from Hanoi, (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR, Incense Village Quang Phu Cau, Hat Village and Hanoi City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour?
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Included: All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description; All applicable taxes and service charges; Transportation by car / mini-van / coach with professional driver; and A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Not included: Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour descrip; Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and o; Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement; and Compulsory Christmas and/or New Year dinner at included hotels. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 516 listed pickup locations in and around Hanoi. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitab. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hanoi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Authentic Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter and Temples Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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