11 Top-Rated Half Day Tours in Hanoi, Vietnam
Looking for half day tours in Hanoi?
You’ve come to the right place! With so much to see and do in Hanoi, I took one of these short but informative tours that have left me with lasting memories! Let me tell you about some of the best half day tours in Hanoi!
Hanoi is a beautiful and vibrant city, steeped in history and culture. From its bustling markets to the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi is a great location for travel.
With “36 blocks” to explore and walk through, a local guide who knows the historic city can make your trip an unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore all that it has to offer without missing any of the important sights or experiences.
Half day tours give an ideal opportunity to experience Hanoi’s unique atmosphere while still leaving time for sightseeing on your own or enjoying other activities in the area.
Let’s jump in!
Quick Guide: Half Day Tours in Hanoi
11 Best Half Day Tours in hanoi
1. Hanoi Jeep Tours: Food+ Culture + Sight + Fun
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🛻 BOOK NOW
With Hanoi Jeep Tours, travelers can explore Hanoi’s highlights and hidden gems in a vintage GAZ-69, making this a fun and unique way to see the city.
Enjoy an amazing experience while learning about Vietnamese history and culture from your experienced guide. Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening departures to suit your schedule.
Indulge yourself in a delicious street food meal accompanied by drinks at the fantastic rooftop bar. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover all that Hanoi has to offer with 5 star-rated half day jeep tour in Hanoi!
“Our guide, Leo, was great and very informative. We saw many of the important sights of Hanoi. Great way to tour Hanoi in open Jeep.”
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The most interesting part of this half day tour in an open Jeep is that your guide will take you to the city’s backstreets to see wet markets, residential homes, and local life.
Get to know Hanoi in a different way!
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
2. Hanoi Motorbike Tours: FOOD + CULTURE + SIGHT +FUN
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🛵 BOOK NOW
If a Jeep tour isn’t what you’re looking for, check out a motorbike tour instead. With Hanoi Motorbike Tours, tourists can explore Hanoi’s landmarks and hidden gems like a local.
Take in the city’s unique sights, sounds, and smells as you cruise along on your vintage motorbike. Your experienced guide will take you to some of the most interesting spots that regular tourists would not know about.
“Our guide, Jim, was brilliant, during our many stops, he gave us lots of interesting information about life in Hanoi, we spent time walking through the back streets and markets and had a fantastic lunch. My rider spoke excellent English and she chatted to me whilst also maneuvering safely through the busy Hanoi traffic”
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Learn about the local culture, customs, and history as you tour around Hanoi. You’ll visit important landmarks like the French Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the infamous Train Street, Hoan Kiem lake, and so much more!
On top of seeing the sights of Hanoi, you’ll be taken to local street vendors to try out authentic Vietnamese food, too!
One best-selling aspect of this tour? The tourists know the best places and times to get you to Train Street so you can grab that Instagram photo of this iconic area!
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
3. Hanoi Countryside Motorbike Tours Led By Women
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 5 hours | 🛵 BOOK NOW
Experience an exciting and unique journey through the countryside of Hanoi with a countryside motorbike tour! Led by experienced female riders, you can explore beyond the touristy sights of Hanoi Old Quarter and venture further into the suburban villages of northern Vietnam.
“Anh and Audrey were so knowledgeable, flexible, and so very professional. Throughout the tour, we got to see so much of the countryside which was a nice reprieve from the city. Would highly recommend supporting these women tour guides!”
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Visit the Co Loa Citadel which is one of the oldest sites in Vietnam and learn about the area’s history while admiring its beautiful architecture. The tour will also take you to Long Bien Bridge and provide you with a delicious meal by Truc Bach Lake.
You’ll also stop by a bonsai garden, meet a family living in a 200-year-old house, and see some picturesque rice paddies. Get to know the locals in a whole different way with this countryside motorbike tour!
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
4. Half Day Bicycle Tours Hanoi Countryside
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🚴 BOOK NOW
Take control of getting around Hanoi’s countryside by booking a half day bicycle tour. Get your body moving as you cycle around and enjoy the scenery of northern Vietnam.
You won’t get lost with a local guide and they will provide interesting insights into local culture and introduce you to some picturesque villages that are off the beaten track.
“The local family and straw market visits were the most extraordinary to me. Thank you Hoa and Minh for the special treatment!”
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Bike along the Red River to a local family who owns a bonsai garden and then onward to a wet market to see how the locals live.
Then you’ll head over to Co Loa Ancient Citadel for a delicious Vietnamese lunch with egg coffee and learn more about this historic site from 200 BC.
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
5. Hanoi Highlights: Half-day City Tour
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 4 hours | 👣 BOOK NOW
Explore Hanoi in an incredible and unique way with the Hanoi Highlights: Half-day City Tour. On this tour, you’ll get to experience the city’s vibrant culture, delicious street food, and stunning sights like never before!
From the French Quarter and Opera House to traditional temples and religious sites, this walking tour has it all. You’ll also explore bustling street markets and narrow alleyways, which offer a glimpse into the daily life of Hanoians.
“We loved our tour with Bruno! He knew all the interesting facts and showed us some amazing places! We really appreciated him taking the time to explain and answer all our questions carefully and were blown away by his knowledge of this city. Thank you so much (especially for the nice pics as well)!”
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Your guide will provide you with interesting facts about each destination and share insights about Vietnamese culture and history. Plus, the small group size ensures that you get plenty of personal attention from your guide.
So don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover what Hanoi has to offer in just a half-day! Book now for the ultimate Hanoi experience.
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
6. Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 3 hours | 👣 BOOK NOW
Hanoi is a vibrant city full of delicious street food and unique sights. Enjoy an unforgettable experience with Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie!
This tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the city’s bustling streets, filled with tantalizing aromas, lively vendors, and interesting local culture.
Join a local guide through some of the city’s best street food stalls, where you can savor delicious snacks like banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), fried noodles, and spring rolls.
At local family restaurants, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch or dinner. Follow your guide to explore some of the most vibrant parts of Hanoi while gaining insight into the culture and history of the area.
“We had such a great time with “Jack” on our recent food tour. We had quite a variety of dishes that were complimented by Jack’s great storytelling….he was very personable and spent time talking to each person on the tour. A fun evening!”
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This tour is great for adventurous foodies who want to get an authentic taste of Hanoi. So, treat your taste buds and book this half day tour in Hanoi now!
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
7. Small-group Cooking Class + Market Visit
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 4.5 hours | 🤤 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive experience in Hanoi, then the Small-group Cooking Class + Market Visit is the perfect tour for you.
This 4.5-hour tour takes small groups of 10 people on a journey to explore the vibrant culture, exciting flavors and sights of Vietnam.
You’ll start off your culinary adventure by visiting a local food market, where you’ll learn about the traditional ingredients used to make authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Your guide will also provide insights into local culture and customs while teaching you how to choose the freshest produce.
“Amazing experience with Ruby and other travellers ! Class was informative and superb !! Market visit was amazing too. Boeing vegetarian, the class instructor was careful about hygiene and cooked different dishes for both veg and non-veg.”
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The fun continues as your cooking class begins! You’ll have the chance to learn how to cook four iconic dishes: Banana Flower Salad (nộm hoa chuối), Obama Noodles – BBQ Pork with Dipping Sauce (bun cha), Fried Spring Rolls (nem rán), and Egg Yolk Coffee (ca phe trung).
When it’s time to leave, you get a recipe book to take home so that you can re-create these delicious meals when you return!
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
8. 5 Traditional Dishes Hanoi Cooking Class with Market Trip
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 3.15 hours | 🤤 BOOK NOW
Looking for different Vietnamese dishes and a shorter time in a cooking class? Then this is the tour for you!
This class offers travelers the chance to learn how to prepare 5 traditional dishes: pho bo, a famous beef noodle soup, Hanoi BBQ pork noodles (bun cha), papaya salad, fried spring rolls (nem ran), and egg yolk coffee (ca phe trung).
Start your culinary journey with a local expert guide at Hanoi’s largest market. Learn about the fresh ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking and pick up some of the necessary ingredients for your class.
Once you’ve got all your supplies, a professional chef will teach you how to prepare each dish from scratch until everything is ready for dinner. Then, enjoy the amazing food that you made.
At the end of the class, you’ll also get a cookbook to take home and re-create these delicious recipes. You’ll also get a certificate for completing the class!
“The class was excellent from beginning to end. Jane took us to the market and then instructed us on preparing all the dishes for our lunch. The class concluded with our presentation of a cookbook and certificate for class completion. All the ingredients were so fresh and different than what my husband and I were accustomed to preparing. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience!”
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Private Half Day Tours in Hanoi
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
9. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 3 hours | 👣 BOOK NOW
Experience the vibrant culture of Hanoi on this fantastic private half-day tour in Hanoi! You’ll get to explore the hidden gems and highlights of the city and learn about local culture and history from a local guide.
Visit an ancient book store and a secret temple that many locals don’t know about either. Then sip a delicious Vietnamese egg coffee in a traditional café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
“Liem introduced us to egg coffee! We never would have discovered the tiny shop without her!! It’s still the talk of our trip! Excellent guide who knows all the great, off-beat places!!”
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You’ll visit all the iconic sites in Hanoi Old Quarter like St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Dong Xuan Market, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Since it’s a private tour, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions about the culture, history, and local customs found in Hanoi.
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
10. Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour With Real Foodie
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 3 hours | 🤤 BOOK NOW
Exploring the city of Hanoi with a local foodie guide is an unforgettable experience that any traveler will treasure.
On this private street food tour, you’ll sample delicious food from 10 different dishes prepared by family restaurants and street stands.
“Mint, my guide, was knowledgeable and interesting. We had delicious street food and really good conversation. I liked just about everything. We went for egg coffee but I don’t drink coffee late in the day – so I had egg beer !!! It was much better than it sounds😊”
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Taste traditional flavors like pho bo, bun cha, a rice noodle dish with BBQ/grilled pork, various kinds of donuts, steamed pancake, or Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches.
Food is a wonderful way to get to know the locals and their culture, so your friendly guide will share lots of stories and information about Hanoi’s culinary history.
At the end of the tour, you’ll have a full stomach and unforgettable memories! Book today for an amazing foodie adventure in Hanoi.
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
11. Hanoi Walking STREET FOOD Tours & EGG COFFEE Class
⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | ⌚ LENGTH: 3 hours | 🤤 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a truly unique and authentic experience in Hanoi, then look no further than the Private Walking Street Food and Egg Coffee Class!
This three-hour tour is perfect for any traveler who wants to learn more about the culture and history of Vietnam while sampling some of its delicious cuisines.
It also includes a little more information about coffee in Hanoi–like egg yolk coffee and coconut coffee.
“Had a great experience on a walking food tour. We did our tour with Bryan a knowledgeable and fun guide who took us around the hectic maze of backstreets in the old quarter of Hanoi. As non meat eaters it was good to learn what to ask for at the array of street food vendors. We would highly recommend it not only for the food but also how to navigate yourself around the streets.”
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Your local guide will take you to hidden gems found only in the alleys of Hanoi Old Quarter. You’ll learn about the history and culture behind the foods, and then get a chance to sample 10 different dishes!
You won’t only get to taste the famous Vietnamese egg coffee, but learn how to make it, too! Interact with locals, get to know Hanoi on a deeper level, and enjoy delicious food while you’re at it!
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
Half Day Tours in Hanoi: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go to Hanoi?
The best time to visit Hanoi is generally from October to April when the weather is pleasant and cool. During this time, most of the popular tourist attractions in Hanoi are accessible and open for sightseeing.
Where is the best place to stay in Hanoi?
There are several neighborhoods you can choose to stay in when visiting Hanoi. In my personal opinion, the Old Quarter area has a lot of great options for budget to mid-range travelers.
This area is known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous street stalls, and local eateries. For luxury travelers, there are also many great hotels located near the city center or within walking distance of famous sights.
What should I pack for Hanoi?
When traveling to Hanoi, it’s important to pack for the weather. During the summer months, lightweight clothing and sunscreen are recommended as temperatures can reach up to 100°F and it gets really humid! Keep in mind that some places require you to cover your shoulders and knees.
You should also consider packing insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes for any of these tours you plan to do.
How many days is enough in Hanoi?
If you’re just spending time in Hanoi Old Quarter, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in this historic city. However, you can spend up to 7 days in Hanoi and explore northern Vietnam by taking day trips or overnight trips.
Do I need a visa for Hanoi?
Yes, American citizens need a visa to enter Hanoi. You can apply for a visa online or in person at the embassy. The type of visa required depends on how long you’re staying in Vietnam; if it’s less than 30 days, then you may be eligible for an e-visa.
However, it’s important to check with the Vietnamese Embassy beforehand as some restrictions may apply depending on your country of origin.
Half Day Tours in Hanoi
Final Thoughts: Half Day Tours in Hanoi
Half day tours are a great way to get the most out of your trip in Hanoi. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s history and culture, sample delicious local cuisine, or learn more about traditional coffee-making techniques, you’re bound to have a great time!
The best way to explore a new city is with a local guide who can show you all the things you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. Choose the tour that sticks out to you the most and enjoy your time in Hanoi!
Ready to head to Hanoi? Check out these resources!
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My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources
Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page.
- Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
- Accommodations: I love budget-friendly rentals or booking at a hotel where I can earn points.
- For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
- When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
- For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas.
- Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
- Transportation: Transportation covers car rentals, trains, and buses. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars. They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
- Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
- Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio.
- Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa.
- Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire.
- Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
- Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide.
- Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze!
- Tech: Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
- Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
- What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack. For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.
