Hanoi: Private Museum Tour, Hoa Lo Prison & Tire Sandal Workshop

Summary

Stories of Hanoi’s past at museums, Hoa Lo Prison and hands-on crafts

You’ll walk through Hanoi’s big historical sites with a local guide who brings real stories to life — from Ho Chi Minh’s simple stilt house to the haunting cells of Hoa Lo Prison. Try making tire sandals if you’re up for something hands-on, or dive into powerful exhibits at the Women’s Museum. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up right from our hotel in the Old Quarter — which was honestly a relief because Hanoi traffic is its own beast. Our guide, Linh, was waiting outside with this gentle smile and a tiny flag (I guess so we wouldn’t get lost in the morning crowd). First stop was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. The air felt heavy there, like everyone was holding their breath a little. There were school kids in matching hats lining up quietly, and I caught the scent of incense drifting from somewhere near the stilt house. Linh told us how President Ho Chi Minh wanted to live simply — you can actually see his wooden house on stilts tucked behind all that gray stone.

Next up was Hoa Lo Prison. I’d read about it before — “Hanoi Hilton” and all that — but walking through those cold corridors hits different. There’s this old iron door that creaks when it opens (not sure if it’s meant to or just hasn’t been oiled in years), and I remember touching the rough wall, thinking about all the stories trapped inside. Linh didn’t rush us; she let us linger by the displays about Vietnamese revolutionaries and American POWs. She pointed out some graffiti left behind by prisoners — I tried to make out the words but my Vietnamese is hopeless. It’s not an easy place but it feels important.

The tire sandal workshop came after — optional, but honestly one of my favorite parts. The shop owner showed us how they used old tires to make sandals during wartime (I still can’t believe how tough those things are). My first attempt looked more like a flip-flop disaster than anything else, and Li laughed when I tried to say “dép lốp” in Mandarin — probably butchered it. Even if you skip this bit, just hearing why these sandals matter is worth it.

If you have time, don’t miss the Vietnamese Women’s Museum either. It’s not flashy but there are these beautiful fabrics everywhere and stories about women who shaped Vietnam in ways I’d never heard before. We ended back where we started, feet sore but heads full of new things to think about — especially that moment standing in silence at Hoa Lo Prison. That stays with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hanoi's historical landmarks

• Pick up and head to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
• Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and Presidential Palace
• Tour Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda
• Visit Hoa Lo Prison museum
• Optional: Make tire sandals at workshop
• Optional: Visit Vietnam Women’s Museum

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Hanoi museum tour?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter.

What museums are visited on this private tour?

The main stops are Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and optionally the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

Can I join the tire sandal workshop during this day trip?

Yes, participation is optional; you pay the workshop fee directly if you want to join.

Are entry fees included in this Hanoi museum tour?

The tour includes a private guide and transport; entry fees for workshops are extra if you choose them.

How long does the private museum tour last?

The schedule is flexible depending on your interests; most tours last several hours.

Is there a dress code for visiting museums or mausoleums?

No tank tops or shorts above the knee are allowed at certain sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Which days are Hanoi museums closed?

Museums are closed every Monday and Friday; plan accordingly when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup and drop-off within Hanoi Old Quarter, a friendly private guide who shares local stories along each stop, plus flexible timing so you can linger where you want — just note that any hands-on workshops like tire sandal making aren’t covered in advance but can be paid for directly on site if you decide to join in.