Lonely Planet Private: Hanoi Highlights
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, join this Hanoi tour which covers the historic hot spots, must-see monument, and special spaces that you'd kick yourself for missing.
From 6 Sep - 5 Dec 2014, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed by local authorities for annual preservation. All other activities on this tour will be running normally. Your guide will still take you to the front of HCM Mausoleum for photos and information before ..
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Highlights
- See where 'Uncle Ho' lived, worked, and declared national independence
- Wander ancient pagodas and French colonial buildings
- Explore the country's first university at the Temple of Literature
- Indulge in a pho lunch at a local restaurant
- Gain insight into cultural diversity at the Museum of Ethnology
- Experience traditional street life in Hanoi's old quarter
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Schedule details
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Meeting point:
Pick up at centrally located hotels in Hanoi.
- Starting time: 6.00 AM-6.30 AM, 8.30 AM-9.00 AM
- Ending point:
At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Language: English
Inclusions: 111111111Local English speaking guide, transportation, entrance fees as indicated, lunch.
Exclusions: 22222222Items 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 your Hanoi tour with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex on the site where he declared Vietnam's independence in 1945, and see the reverence with which Vietnamese people treat their "Uncle Ho".
Other sites that we will visit on this Hanoi tour include:
- House 54 - Ho Chi Minh lived and worked here between 1954 and 1958
- Stilt House - Ho Chi Minh moved from House 54 to the Stilt House in 1958, and worked and lived there until his death in 1969
- Presidential Palace - originally built by the French at the start of the 20th Century to house the French Governor-General of Indochina. Following his "Declaration of Independence" Ho Chi Minh refused to move into the building due to it's connection with the countries colonial past.
- One Pillar Pagoda - a unique wooden structure originally built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Thong of the Ly Dynasty. The current structure is a replica of the original.
Continuing on our Hanoi city tour we'll head to the Temple of Literature. Originally built in honour of Confucius by Emperor Ly Thanh 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 Emperor Gia Long moved the country’s administrative capital from Hanoi to Hue at the end of the 18th century and start of the 19th century.
After our visit to the Temple of Literature, we head to a local restaurant for a delicious local lunch - "Pho" or Noodle Soup, a popular choice amongst locals and a dish that's gaining popularity abroad.
After lunch, we visit the Museum of Ethnology, to learn more about the cultural diversity of Vietnam's ethnic minorities. Established by the Vietnamese government in 1997, the museum provides us with a fascinating insight into the diverse cultures, customs, and lifestyles of the 54 ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam.
We finish our ultimate historical Hanoi tour with a wander through Hanoi's hectic old quarter. See how Hanoians live out their lives on the streets, sitting and eating together on the sidewalks and bartering for wares. Visit the Hang Be or Dong Xuan local markets before finishing at Bia Hoi corner where you can freshen up with a local beer (not included) and have the opportunity to swap stories with local people eager to practice their language skills.
At the end of our Hanoi city tour, you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
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Additional information
Inclusions: 111111111Local English speaking guide, transportation, entrance fees as indicated, lunch.
Exclusions: 22222222Items 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.
Your Trip: This tour is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
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.
Closure of sites: From 6 Sep - 5 Dec 2014, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed by local authorities for annual preservation. All other activities on this tour will be running normally. Your guide will still take you to the front of HCM Mausoleum for photos and information before paying a visit to HCM House and Museum.
Child Policy: Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusive.
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Dietary Notes
"Dietary Notes" :
lease note that swimming is not permitted in line with new regulations introduced by the local authority concerning the section of Halong Bay we visit
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Local contact
Office phone number: 0902 662 530
Email address: thuywhlmpo@gmail.com
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