The comparison
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Indicative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided half-day tour with transfers (small group or private) | 4 to 8 h | 4.8 / 5, 458 reviews | from about $32 | First visit, good value |
| Private half-day "City Highlights and Hidden Gems" | about 4 h | 4.3 / 5, 108 reviews | from about $26 (lunch extra) | Small budget, private |
| City tour with train street and hidden gems | 4 h | 4.9 / 5, 79 reviews | from about $50 | Those who want the train street |
| Private half-day with car | 4 h | 4.1 / 5, 31 reviews | about $65 | Families, comfort |
| City tour half or full day | 4 h or full day | to check | to check | Choose the length when booking |
| Small-group Old Quarter cycling tour | 4 h | 4.9 / 5, 128 reviews | from about $32 | Active travellers, street life |
One review says a tour described as private added fees: reread what is included before paying.
To book ahead, see also the water puppet show in Hanoi.
Half-day or full day?
- A half day covers the essentials: mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, opera house, Old Quarter. Enough if you have 2 days.
- A full day adds the Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison or a craft village. With 3 days or more, build it yourself: see Hanoi in 1 day, 2 days and 3 days.
- On your own or guided? The sites are close together: a guide mainly helps with history and with skipping the queue at the mausoleum.
Check before you book
- The meeting point and whether hotel pickup is included (some tours list pickup in the Old Quarter).
- Entrance fees: are they included? See the Temple of Literature, the mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison.
- The day: avoid Monday and Friday if the mausoleum matters to you.
FAQ
Which city tour should I choose in Hanoi?
The small-group half-day tour with transfers is the most booked and best rated in its category.
How long does a city tour last?
From 4 to 8 hours depending on the option.
Is the mausoleum visited?
On many tours, but it is closed on Mondays and Fridays and for several weeks in summer.
