Hanoi Full Day City Tour: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem & Incense Village

Summary

Discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Temples & Local Life in a Day

You’ll walk Hanoi’s storied streets with a local guide, visit ancient temples and colonial landmarks, hear legends at Hoan Kiem Lake, try real Pho Bo—and even sip coffee beside live train tracks in the Old Quarter. This tour packs in history, culture, food and those little moments that make Hanoi unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt cool as we lined up outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum—locals and visitors alike, all quietly shuffling forward. There’s a certain hush here, broken only by the soft instructions from uniformed guards. Our guide, Mr. Tuan, reminded us to cover our knees and shoulders before we entered. Inside, it’s dim and chilly; you can almost hear your own breath as you pass Uncle Ho lying peacefully in his glass case. I’d read he wanted to be cremated, but here he is—preserved for generations. The whole thing takes maybe 15 minutes, but it sticks with you.

Right next door sits the One Pillar Pagoda. It’s smaller than I expected—almost delicate—perched on its single stone pillar above a pond of lotus flowers. The scent of incense drifts through the air as people come to pray for luck or children. Mr. Tuan shared the old story about Emperor Ly Thai Tong dreaming of a baby on a lotus flower and building this pagoda out of gratitude. You’ll spot locals lighting joss sticks and bowing at the altar to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy.

We wandered over to the Temple of Literature next—a leafy oasis tucked behind busy streets. This place goes way back to 1070 and was Vietnam’s first university. You walk under red gates into courtyards shaded by ancient trees. Stone turtles carry steles engraved with names of scholars who passed their exams centuries ago. Kids in graduation robes were snapping photos by the Well of Heavenly Clarity when we visited; apparently that’s good luck for exams.

Hoa Lo Prison is a different mood entirely. The old French gatehouse stands heavy with history—inside are grim cells and displays about both Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POWs (they called it the “Hanoi Hilton”). There’s even a poem scratched into one wall by Nguyen Chi Thien, a political prisoner. It’s sobering stuff but important to see.

By midday we were ready for lunch—a steaming bowl of Pho Bo at a tucked-away spot near St. Joseph’s Cathedral (if you don’t eat beef, they’ll swap in chicken). The broth was rich and fragrant; I could taste hints of star anise and fresh herbs. Locals slurped noodles beside us while scooters zipped past outside.

After lunch we strolled around Hoan Kiem Lake—the heart of Hanoi. Elderly men played chess on benches while couples posed for wedding photos under banyan trees. If you’re lucky (we weren’t), you might spot one of the legendary giant turtles surfacing near Turtle Tower. On Jade Island sits Ngoc Son Temple, reached by that bright red Huc Bridge everyone photographs. Inside there’s an altar to Tran Hung Dao and even a preserved turtle weighing over 200 kilos—it looks almost mythical behind glass.

We finished up at Hanoi Opera House—its creamy yellow façade rising above busy Trang Tien Street. You can’t go inside unless there’s a show on, but just standing outside you get why people call it Hanoi’s most beautiful colonial building. Our last stop was Train Street in the Old Quarter—a narrow alley where real trains barrel through just inches from tiny cafés. We grabbed egg coffees at Café Ga Dong Duong while waiting for the afternoon train; locals pulled in laundry and kids waved as the train rumbled past with barely any warning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi City Highlights Tour

• Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Explore One Pillar Pagoda
• Tour Temple of Literature
• Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum
• Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
• See Temple of the Jade Mountain
• View Hanoi Opera House exterior
• Experience Hanoi Train Street
• Taste Pho Bo noodle soup

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The pace is relaxed with plenty of breaks and shade along the way. Just note there are some steps at temples and museums.

What should I wear for visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?

Please cover your knees and shoulders—no shorts above knee length or sleeveless tops allowed inside the mausoleum area.

Is lunch included? What if I don’t eat beef?

Lunch is included at a local restaurant—Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) is standard but chicken or vegetarian options are available if you let us know ahead.

Can I take photos everywhere?

You can take photos almost everywhere except inside Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum itself (bags/cameras must be checked before entry).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, all entrance tickets, an English-speaking local guide who really knows their stuff, air-conditioned bus transfers between sites, bottled water to keep you cool, and lunch at a trusted local spot serving authentic Pho Bo (or alternatives if needed).