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909 Tours & Activities

Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) Tours
226 Tours & Activities

Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
5057 Tours & Activities
4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Overview
Follow in the footsteps of one of Vietnam’s most famous men as you explore the streets of Hanoi on this small-group adventure tour. Pay a visit to the Temple of Literature and the notorious Hanoi Hilton prison. Follow your expert guide on a walking tour of the Old-Quarter and enjoy the expertise and knowledge that comes from being led by a local.
- Gain insight into the life of Hanoi
- Visit the Temple of Literature and the infamous Hanoi Hilton
- Traveling in a small group, maximum 12 passengers allowing a unique and intimate adventure experience
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Kick things off with a visit to the famous Temple of Literature, which was built by King Ly Thai Thong in 1070 to honor the late Confucius. A university was later added to the original grounds, where children of local aristocrats were educated.
Experience service at a traditional teahouse, where you’ll sample flavored green teas grown in the hills of Vietnam. Listen to thousand-year-old stories and learn about the significance of this drink on local cultures and traditions. Snack on sweetened lotus seeds and green bean cakes as you relax with fellow travelers.
Pay a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed Hanoi Hilton by American pilots during the Vietnam War. This notorious prison was used by French Colonists for political prisoners until the mid-1950s. Your expert guide will share stories and history as you tour the grounds.
After witnessing the horrors of war, take in the beauty of St Joseph’s Cathedral—the largest church in Hanoi. Built in 1886, this stunning structure has been compared to Notre Dame in Paris. Once you’ve explored the interior you’ll follow your guide to Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll get an up close look at The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son temple. Continue to explore the area on your own, or ask your guide for assistance getting a taxi back to your hotel after this cultural tour of Hanoi.
Experience service at a traditional teahouse, where you’ll sample flavored green teas grown in the hills of Vietnam. Listen to thousand-year-old stories and learn about the significance of this drink on local cultures and traditions. Snack on sweetened lotus seeds and green bean cakes as you relax with fellow travelers.
Pay a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed Hanoi Hilton by American pilots during the Vietnam War. This notorious prison was used by French Colonists for political prisoners until the mid-1950s. Your expert guide will share stories and history as you tour the grounds.
After witnessing the horrors of war, take in the beauty of St Joseph’s Cathedral—the largest church in Hanoi. Built in 1886, this stunning structure has been compared to Notre Dame in Paris. Once you’ve explored the interior you’ll follow your guide to Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll get an up close look at The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son temple. Continue to explore the area on your own, or ask your guide for assistance getting a taxi back to your hotel after this cultural tour of Hanoi.
Itinerary
Start the city tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Originally built in honour of Confucius by King Ly Thai Thong in 1070, a university was added to the grounds six years later. The university provided education to the royal family and children of the aristocracy or "mandarins". The University remained here until King Gia Long moved the country's administrative capital from Hanoi to Hue at the beginning of the 19th century.
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Drop into a traditional teahouse to taste some of the best Vietnamese flavoured green teas, and listen to thousand-year-oldstories explaining the significance of tea leaves to local cultures. Tea is even better when served with some authentic snacks such as sweetened lotus seeds and green bean cake.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
We'll head to the Hoa Lo Prison museum. Used by French Colonists for political prisoners till 1954 and later by North Vietnam for American POWs, the prison complex was sarcastically nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton" by American pilots during Vietnam War (1954-1975). Famous ex-prisoners of war include Pete Peterson (the first US ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995), and US Senator John McCain.
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Our next stop will be the largest and oldest church in Hanoi. St Joseph's Cathedral was built in 1886 with an architectural style often compared to the Notre Dame de Paris, this Gothic Revival church is not only a religious site, but is also a popular photo shoot backdrop for local teenagers.
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
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Traveler Tips
- "Small group tour in a comfortable bus with a good guide, eager to answer questions and knowledgeable." See review
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Product code: 5060VUE
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