During a month in Vietnam’s capital, we enjoyed some of the best tours in Hanoi. They all offered an incredible mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, which made our visit an unforgettable one.
I’ll admit that we are a bit addicted to booking tours, especially in places like Hanoi where we had never been before but always dreamed of exploring. Booking excursions before we arrived, we had the chance to experience some of the best Hanoi tours firsthand.
From cruising through Ha Long Bay to discovering hidden street food spots, the trips in this article provided us with the perfect way to dive deep into everything the city and its surroundings have to offer. If you’re planning a visit, check out Three Months in Vietnam for my tips on making the most of your time.
Tips for Booking Hanoi Tours
Before we get into it though, here are a couple of tips and things to consider before booking any Hanoi tours.
- Book early – The best tours in Hanoi, especially Ha Long Bay cruises, sell out fast. Book ahead of time with an online agent like Viator.
- Check group size – We always opt for small groups when possible. Smaller tours create a more personal experience.
- Review what’s included – Look for packages with transport, meals, and entrance fees. Be aware you may need to spend extra if they’re not included.
- Be prepared for the weather – Hanoi’s climate can impact outdoor tours, so plan accordingly.
- Read reviews – A knowledgeable guide and experienced organizer can make a huge difference in your experience.
- Check your insurance – Your travel insurance might not cover some tours especially if they involve ‘dangerous’ activities. Always check!
Ha Long Bay All-Inclusive Cruise
Hands down one of the best things we did in Vietnam was visit the iconic waters of Ha Long Bay. Sailing around it was one of our favorite experiences to date. We spent two days exploring the emerald waters, kayaking through hidden caves, and watching the sunset from our boat’s deck.
We booked our trip to coincide with Hannah’s birthday but due to our own transport mix-up, we almost missed the tour altogether. Read all about it in The Hanoi Birthday Dash. Thankfully we just made it and Hannah had a wonderful birthday.
The overnight cruise was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with delicious Vietnamese meals and a peaceful night under the stars. This tour is perfect for anyone wanting a scenic escape from the city and a chance to see one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. Click here for the tour we booked.
Hanoi Half-Day City Tour
Going to a city you’ve never visited before can be a bit overwhelming. So, a half-day tour was a great way to get familiar with Hanoi’s crazy streets, while learning about its history and culture. Our knowledgeable guide gave us lots of insights into restaurants and bars that most tourists don’t stumble across.
We visited key landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter, all while learning about the city’s past from a local expert. We did this tour during our first few days and the things we learned put us in good standing for the rest of our trip.
If you’re short on time or want a solid introduction to Hanoi before exploring on your own, this tour is an excellent choice. It also includes a visit to the world-famous Train Street. Click here for more information and booking
Ninh Binh Private Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave
A day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh gave us some of the most breathtaking views in Vietnam. We took a boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone karsts, explored the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and climbed to the top of Mua Cave for an incredible panoramic view.
This was the final tour we did while in Hanoi and after a bit of back and forth over whether we should do it, I’m so glad we ended up going. It was something a little different from the others we had done. It mixed true Vietnamese culture with a slice of the great outdoors.
It’s an ideal tour for nature lovers and anyone looking for a more peaceful escape from the city. Click here to learn more.
Hanoi Street Food Tour
Food is one of the highlights of any trip, it certainly is for us! This food tour introduced us to some of the best street eats in Hanoi. We wandered through the bustling Old Quarter, sampling dishes like bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee while learning about the city’s culinary traditions.
Spending a month in Hanoi meant we got to revisit some of the places we discovered on the tour. Going in with a little knowledge is very helpful when the menus are all written in Vietnamese!
This tour is perfect for food lovers who want an authentic taste of Hanoi’s street food scene. Click here for more information on Hanoi street food tours.
Hanoi Cooking Class and Local Markets
After falling in love with Vietnamese food, we decided to take a cooking class to bring a piece of it home with us. The experience started with a visit to a local market to pick out fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen to prepare classic dishes like pho and fresh spring rolls.
Vietnam is such a vast country that each city has its own take on the traditional dishes. It was interesting to learn all about how and why these dishes are made differently.
The hands-on experience and welcoming atmosphere made this one of the best Hanoi tours for food enthusiasts and anyone looking to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine. Click here for more information and booking.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed my article on the best tours we did in Hanoi. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise, an adventurous day trip, or an immersive food experience, these tours offer something for everyone.
Booking in advance ensures you get the best options, especially for popular excursions like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. With so many incredible Hanoi tours available, there’s no better way to explore this incredible city and its surroundings. Happy travels!
Heading elsewhere in Vietnam? Check out my insider tips for making the most of your Vietnam adventure.
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