Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour and Water Puppet Show

Experience an unforgettable day exploring Hanoi on a guided tour with lunch in the Old Quarter. Visit museums, pagodas, temples, and much more. Enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Your day starts with a visit to Hanoi’s iconic landmarks, where you’ll get a deep dive into the city’s fascinating history. Explore the Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene and central spot in Hanoi, known for its historical significance and legend of the giant turtle. From there, venture into the narrow alleys of the bustling Old Quarter, where colonial-era architecture blends with vibrant street life. As you stroll, you’ll also pass ancient temples, markets, and local shops, offering you a genuine feel of Hanoi’s culture. This part of the tour will immerse you in the city's beauty, old-world charm, and modern energy all in one go.

After the Old Quarter, you will visit some of Hanoi’s historical treasures, including the renowned Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel with spiritual significance. You’ll learn about Vietnam’s royal history, Confucian values, and the country’s reverence for education. The highlight of this section is undoubtedly the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, lies in state. The imposing building and its surroundings are both awe-inspiring and significant to the national identity.

Hanoi's Old Quarter is a treasure trove of traditional Vietnamese crafts. As you walk through its 36 streets, each named after the goods historically sold there, you’ll experience the colorful street markets where vendors offer everything from silk clothing to handcrafted souvenirs. Your guide will take you to local workshops, where you can see artisans in action, crafting ceramics, embroidery, and other traditional Vietnamese goods. The busy streets, filled with motorbikes, street food vendors, and shops, make for an exciting atmosphere that showcases the vibrant life of Hanoi.

A truly unforgettable experience of Hanoi is the traditional Water Puppet Show. This ancient art form, originating in northern Vietnam, is performed in a pool of water with puppeteers standing behind a screen and controlling the wooden puppets with rods. The show is a fantastic representation of Vietnamese rural life, with lively performances depicting daily activities such as fishing, rice planting, and traditional folklore. Accompanied by live traditional music, this show is an essential cultural experience that adds a magical touch to your day in Hanoi.

After your day of exploring Hanoi, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese meal. Whether you prefer classic dishes like Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) or spring rolls, your guide will ensure you get a taste of the city’s authentic food scene. After the tour, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, known for its strong and distinctive flavor, or perhaps a refreshing local drink like egg coffee, which is a must-try in Hanoi. This culinary experience is the perfect way to end a day filled with exploration and discovery.