Exploring the historic heart of Vietnam’s vibrant capital, this private Hanoi city tour offers a captivating blend of culture and sightseeing delights. Visitors will discover iconic landmarks, witness the mesmerizing water puppet show, and glide through the charming Old Quarter on a traditional cyclo ride. Led by an English-speaking guide, this comprehensive experience provides a well-rounded introduction to Hanoi’s rich heritage, all while enjoying convenient inclusions like lunch and coffee breaks. Whether seeking an in-depth exploration or a convenient way to hit the city’s highlights, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Hanoi’s captivating past and present.
Key Points

- This private Hanoi city tour showcases the city’s top attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- The tour includes a captivating water puppet show, which is a quintessential Vietnamese art form depicting traditional stories and folklore.
- Visitors will experience a leisurely cyclo ride through the charming Old Quarter, providing a unique perspective of the city’s lively street scenes.
- The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, sightseeing fees, and an English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
- Additional options are available for German or Spanish-speaking guides at an extra cost.
Tour Overview

The Hanoi City Tour offers a private sightseeing experience that showcases the city’s key highlights, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Travelers will enjoy a water puppet show and a cyclo ride through the charming Old Quarter.
The tour also includes a Vietnamese lunch and coffee break. Pickup and drop-off at the hotel, sightseeing fees, and an English-speaking guide are all included.
For those requiring German or Spanish guides, an additional fee of $40 per day applies.
With over 56 positive reviews highlighting the guide’s knowledge, transportation, and overall experience, this tour provides an immersive introduction to the vibrant capital city of Hanoi.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Hanoi
Key Highlights
Highlights of the Hanoi City Tour include visiting the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where travelers can pay respects to the former Vietnamese leader.
The tour explores the serene Temple of Literature, a well-preserved Confucian sanctuary dating back to the 11th century.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.
A water puppet show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form featuring wooden puppets dancing on the surface of a pool.
A cyclo ride through the charming Old Quarter, providing a leisurely way to soak in the sights and sounds of this historic neighborhood.
Water Puppet Show

Although a unique and quintessentially Vietnamese art form, the water puppet show offers visitors a truly captivating cultural experience.
Performed on a pool of water, the show features puppets manipulated by skilled performers who bring to life traditional Vietnamese stories and folklore.
Expect to see colorful and imaginative scenes depicting rural life, 农村生活, with themes ranging from harvesting crops to dragon dances.
The mesmerizing performance, accompanied by live music and narration, provides a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about this centuries-old art form during your Hanoi city tour.
Cyclo Ride
Private Tour: Hanoi City Tour Including Water Puppet Show and Cyclo Ride
For many visitors, the cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers a delightful and intimate glimpse into the vibrant local life. Gliding through the narrow streets aboard these three-wheeled pedal-powered rickshaws, travelers can admire the bustling markets, historic architecture, and everyday activities of the city’s residents.
The cyclo ride is an iconic Hanoi experience that allows you to:
- Observe the lively street scenes and chaotic traffic from a unique vantage point
- Discover hidden alleys and charming corners of the Old Quarter
- Interact with the friendly cyclo drivers and learn about their daily lives
This leisurely paced cycle tour is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the heart of Hanoi.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Hanoi city tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, sightseeing fees, a cyclo ride, and a water puppet show performance. It also covers an English-speaking guide and a Vietnamese lunch. However, the tour does not cover gratuities, and there’s an additional fee of $40 per day for German or Spanish-speaking guides.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and drop-off | Gratuities |
| Sightseeing fees | Additional fees for German/Spanish guides ($40/day) |
| Cyclo ride | |
| Water puppet show | |
| English-speaking guide | |
| Vietnamese lunch |
The tour offers a comprehensive package, ensuring a hassle-free sightseeing experience in Hanoi.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Hanoi
- PRIVATE TOUR HALONG BAY ONE DAY With Cave, Kayaking, Bamboo Boat
- Hanoi Private Walking Tour: Street Food
- Private Cooking Class With 5 Dishes of Your Choice
- Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City
- Noi Bai Airport Pick-up (Private Ride Airport to Hanoi Hotels)
- Best Seller-Private Full Day Tour to Ninh Binh Depart From Hanoi
Tour Structure

The tour begins with a leisurely cyclo ride through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, allowing visitors to enjoy the bustling street life.
The tour then proceeds to key historical and cultural sites, including:
- A visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where guests can learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam’s revered leader.
- An exploration of the stunning Temple of Literature, a well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
- A stop at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where guests can gain insights into the country’s diverse ethnic groups and their cultural traditions.
After these enlightening visits, the group will enjoy a refreshing Vietnamese coffee break before continuing on to the final highlight: a captivating water puppet show.
Reviews

According to reviews, the Hanoi City Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and engaging activities.
Reviewers consistently note the guide’s expertise, highlighting their deep understanding of Hanoi’s history and culture. The tour’s variety of experiences, including the cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and the captivating water puppet show, have also been widely applauded.
Travelers appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the included Vietnamese lunch. The Hanoi City Tour seems to deliver an immersive and enjoyable introduction to the vibrant capital, with many reviewers recommending it as a must-do activity during their Vietnam trip.
Pickup and Drop-off

A key convenience of the Hanoi City Tour is the included hotel pickup and drop-off service, which ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.
This hassle-free transportation allows you to:
- Avoid the stress of navigating the city on your own and finding your way to the tour’s starting point
- Have the flexibility to be picked up directly from your hotel, regardless of its location within Hanoi
- End your tour comfortably back at your hotel, without the need to arrange separate transportation after an engaging day of sightseeing and cultural experiences.
This added layer of convenience is just one of the many benefits that make the Hanoi City Tour an excellent choice for exploring the highlights of Vietnam’s vibrant capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
This is a private tour, so the group size is typically small, usually 1-4 people. The tour is tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the private group, providing a more personalized experience than larger group tours.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour can be customized. Customers can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary and focus on specific sites or experiences that interest them most, within the tour’s overall structure and duration.
Are the Water Puppets Handcrafted?
The water puppets are indeed handcrafted, as they are an ancient Vietnamese art form. The intricate puppets are made of wood and controlled by puppeteers who perform behind a screen, creating a unique and mesmerizing display.
How Long Is the Cyclo Ride Through the Old Quarter?
The cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter typically lasts around 30 minutes. This traditional mode of transportation allows visitors to experience the bustling streets and sights of the historic district up close.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests can take photos during the tour. The tour allows ample opportunities for guests to capture the sights, including the Old Quarter and water puppet show. However, photography may be restricted in certain areas like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Recap
This private tour of Hanoi offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors will explore iconic landmarks, witness a captivating water puppet show, and take a leisurely cyclo ride through the charming Old Quarter.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, the tour provides a well-rounded experience, with lunch and coffee breaks included.
It’s an excellent way to take in Hanoi’s vibrant history and traditions.
More City Tours in Hanoi
- Ha Noi City Tour And Quang Phu Cau Incenses Village Full Day
- Hanoi: Private City Half-Day at Night & Street Food Tour
- Hanoi Private City Highlights Tour With Hotel Pickup
- Hanoi: Guided Jeep Half-Day City Tour With Lunch, Egg Coffee
- Hanoi: Half-Day City Tour With Water Puppet Show Options
- Hanoi: 1 Round Hanoi City Hop on Hop off Vietnam Bus Tour
More Tours in Hanoi
More Tour Reviews in Hanoi
- Hanoi: Historic Jeep Tour
- Hanois Destination: Incense, Hat Making, Lacquer Villages
- Ha Noi City Tour And Quang Phu Cau Incenses Village Full Day
- Hanoi: Customized Private Tour With a Local Guide
- Hanoi: Incense, Hat and Lacquer Local Artisanal Tour
- Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Tour – Apollo Cruise, Jacuzzi, Buffet
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Hanoi we have reviewed
- Hanoi: Historic Jeep Tour
- Hanois Destination: Incense, Hat Making, Lacquer Villages
- Ha Noi City Tour And Quang Phu Cau Incenses Village Full Day
- Hanoi: Customized Private Tour With a Local Guide
- Hanoi: Incense, Hat and Lacquer Local Artisanal Tour
- Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Tour – Apollo Cruise, Jacuzzi, Buffet
- Hanoi Street Food Tour With Danny – Ha Noi By Night
- Ninh Binh Luxury Tour: Hoa Lu, Mua Hike, Tam Coc Boat
- Hanoi: Pottery Class in the Bat Trang Village
- Hanoi: Guided Street Food Tour for Small Groups
- Hanoi: Halong Bay Day Tour With 5-Star Cruise & Transfer
- Hanoi: Experience True Authentic Vietnamese Coffee Workshop
