City Tour (Half day)
Hanoi Free Private City Tour (Half Day)
Itinerary:
Discover the soul of Vietnam’s capital with our Hanoi Free Private City Tour, guided by local student volunteers. In just half a day, you’ll explore two of Hanoi’s most meaningful landmarks: the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, the historic Hoa Lo Prison, or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Each site reveals a different side of Hanoi’s rich past, from education and leadership to resilience and national pride.
Come with us and let our energetic, friendly buddies from Hanoi e.Buddies show you around and get a better understanding of Hanoi – our one-thousand-year-old capital city.
Tour Information:
- Duration: 4-hour tour (you can choose the starting time)
- Transportation: On foot/ Taxi/ Bus
- Suitable for: whether you are on a couple/ single/ family trip
- Language: English
- Itinerary
Our friendly buddy will pick you up at your hotel and we will depart immediately.
1. Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam
Located just south of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature is one of the most meaningful stops on any Hanoi City tour. Built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to honor Confucius, it later became home to the Imperial Academy – Vietnam’s first university. Initially reserved for royal elites, the school opened its doors to exceptional commoners by 1253. Over the centuries, it nurtured generations of scholars and mandarins who shaped Vietnam’s history.
Today, the site offers more than just history. As you walk through its peaceful courtyards, you’ll see stone steles dating back to 1484, engraved with the names of doctorate laureates. Each pavilion and structure reflects the nation’s deep respect for learning. More importantly, the temple remains a lasting symbol of Vietnam’s educational spirit – so iconic that its Khue Van Pavilion appears on the 100,000 VND banknote. No Hanoi City tour is complete without a visit to this cultural treasure.
Hanoi e.Buddies and guests at the Temple of Literature, where knowledge meets culture in the heart of every Hanoi City tour.
2. Hoa Lo Prison
Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison – often known by the nickname “The Hanoi Hilton” – is a historical site that offers a powerful glimpse into Vietnam’s turbulent past. Originally built by the French colonial government in 1896 to detain Vietnamese political prisoners, the prison later held American pilots during the Vietnam War.
From history to hilarity, our Hanoi e.Buddies tours at Hoa Lo Prison (Maison Centrale) always come with unforgettable stories and even more unforgettable smiles “Welcome to prison!”.
Today, it stands as a museum that preserves the stories of resilience, sacrifice, and patriotism. Through its preserved cells, haunting exhibits, and personal artifacts, Hoa Lo Prison invites visitors to reflect on the struggles for independence and the strength of the human spirit. It is a must-visit stop on any meaningful Hanoi City tour.
3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex:
As one of the most meaningful highlights of a Hanoi City tour, the Ho Chi Minh Complex stands on the west side of the Old Quarter and serves as an important pilgrimage site for Vietnamese people. Ho Chi Minh, also known as Uncle Ho, was the first President of Vietnam and a national liberation hero. Born on May 19, 1890, he devoted his life to the country’s independence. In recognition of his contributions, UNESCO honored him as a world cultural figure.
To express gratitude, the Vietnamese government built the Ho Chi Minh Complex in Hanoi after his passing. Notably, workers began constructing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on September 2, 1973, at Ba Dinh Square, where he declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945. They completed the mausoleum on August 22, 1975, with support from the Soviet Union.
Walking through history at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex with Hanoi e.Buddies
Today, the complex includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Every day, both locals and international visitors come here to pay respect. Moreover, the visit allows you to learn about Uncle Ho’s simple life and his vital role in Vietnam’s history. As a result, the Ho Chi Minh Complex remains a powerful and essential stop on any Hanoi City tour.
Special note:
+ Make sure you have a shoulder-covered shirt & over-knee pants when you get to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
+ No lighter, no sharp things when you get into the complex
Lunch/Dinner/Drink
After visiting the two destinations, the tour will end with a meal (lunch/dinner, etc) or drink depending on your preferences. There are various local food and drink options near the two attractions for you to choose from. For example, regarding food, you can have Bun cha, Banh goi, Banh Xeo, Banh tom, Pho, etc. As to drink, suggestions could be Che (Vietnamese pudding), coffee, sugar cane juice, coconut water, etc.
Pricing: $0
Include & Exclude:
1. Include:
- English-speaking Student Guide
- All destinations included in the itinerary
2. Exclude:
- Personal expenses
- Expenses for entrance fees, food, or transportation during the tour
Pricing: $0
1. Include:
- English-speaking Student Guide
- All destinations included in the itinerary
2. Exclude:
- Personal expenses
- Expenses for entrance fees, food, or transportation during the tour
Other tour you might consider
Hanoi Train Street Tour
Hanoi Free Walking Tour (Halfday Tour)
