Temple of LiteratureHoa Lo PrisonSlide into the afternoon Hanoi tour and let the city flex its greatest hits in just a few hours. Ancient pagodas glowing over West Lake, timeless courtyards at Vietnam’s first university, and the raw stories of Hoa Lo that stay with you long after. It’s fast, rich in culture, zero stress, and max payoff. If you want a short trip that still feels iconic, this is your sign to lock it in.
Temple of LiteratureHoa Lo PrisonSlide into the afternoon Hanoi tour and let the city flex its greatest hits in just a few hours. Ancient pagodas glowing over West Lake, timeless courtyards at Vietnam’s first university, and the raw stories of Hoa Lo that stay with you long after. It’s fast, rich in culture, zero stress, and max payoff. If you want a short trip that still feels iconic, this is your sign to lock it in.
Hanoi has this special rhythm where old streets, lakeside temples, and colonial corners all blend into one living story. If you only have a few hours, a Hanoi half day tour is an easy way to catch the city’s best highlights without rushing. You get a mix of calm pagodas, historic landmarks, and real cultural insight, all wrapped into a smooth afternoon trip that shows you why Hanoi feels both ancient and alive at the same time.
Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest lakeside pagoda, rich with Buddhist heritage.
Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university with timeless courtyards and history.
Hoa Lo Prison – Former “Maison Centrale,” telling powerful stories of Vietnam’s past.
Tran Quoc Pagoda – Temple of Literature – Hoa Lo Prison
Sightseeing
Local dining
Photography
12:15 – 12:30 PM | Hotel Pick-Up
Start your afternoon tour with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the restaurant.
12:30 – 12:45 PM | Lunch Experience
Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at our restaurant. Vegetarian dishes are available.
Note: If you choose not to have lunch with the tour, our bus will pick you up at your hotel around 1:30 PM.
1:30 PM | Tran Quoc Pagoda
Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Built in the 6th century, it is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and a beautiful spiritual landmark of the city.
2:30 PM | Temple of Literature
Continue to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first university founded in 1070. This historic complex is one of the most important cultural sites in Northern Vietnam.
3:30 PM | Hoa Lo Prison
Explore Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French between 1886 and 1901 during the French Indochina period. Once known as “A Hell on Earth,” the site now serves as a war museum telling powerful stories of Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
4:30 PM | Return to Hotel
Our bus takes you back to your hotel. The tour concludes here.
Optional Activities
Cyclo and/or Water Puppet Show can be arranged upon request with an additional fee.
-
Option 1:
Cyclo ride 45 minutes (5 USD/person) around Hanoi Old Quarter after visiting Hoa Lo Prison. -
Option 2:
Water Puppet Show 50 minutes (5 USD/person).
Recommended time: 4:10 PM or 5:20 PM -
Option 3:
Cyclo 45 minutes + Water Puppet Show 50 minutes (10 USD/person).
Recommended time for Water Puppet Show: 5:20 PM or 6:30 PM
Shuttle Bus/Limousine during the trip
A bottle of water/person
Entrance tickets
English-speaking guide
Vietnamese lunch
Drink for lunch
Cyclo (USD 5/person)
Water Puppet Show (USD 5/person)
Tips for the tour guide & driver
Personal expenses or anything not mentioned above
SPECIAL NOTES
- For Half-day city tour, if customers don’t have lunch we will deduct USD 5/person and pick up at the hotel at 13h30.
- Should bring the necessary things such as: cash, cellphone or cameras, raincoat/ umbrella, suncream, etc (depending on the weather).
- The order of the itinerary can be changed depending on the situation.
-
Free Cancellation:
If a cancellation request is made at least 7 days before the departure date, you will receive a 100% refund of your deposit or payment. -
Cancellation Within 3 to 7 Days:
If cancelled between 3 to 7 days prior to the departure date, a cancellation fee of 50% of the total tour cost will be charged. -
Cancellation Within 3 Days:
For cancellations made less than 3 days before the departure date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour cost will be applied.
Duration:1 Day0 Night
Activities:
SeesightingLocal dining Photography
Non refundable •The free cancellation window has closed for the date selected