What tours should you take in Hanoi?

  • 04/10/2026
  • 2 views

???? 1. Inner-city food tour (private guide) – the #1 choice

???? Common formats:

  • walking in the Old Quarter

  • motorbike tours (evening tours)

  • private guide included

???? What you’ll get:

  • try 5–7 iconic dishes:

    • pho / bun cha / banh mi

    • green papaya salad / sweet desserts / egg coffee

  • hear explanations:

    • why each dish is famous

    • how locals actually eat

???? This is the biggest difference compared to exploring food on your own

???? Estimated price:

  • group tour: $25–35/person

  • private tour: $40–70/person

???? Where to book:

  • Airbnb Experiences

  • Klook / GetYourGuide

  • or ask your host/local support

⏰ Best time:

  • 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (cooler + lively atmosphere)

???? 2. Ninh Binh tour – “Halong Bay on land”

???? Main highlights:

  • Trang An / Tam Coc

  • Mua Cave (hiking viewpoint)

  • Bai Dinh Pagoda

???? Transport:

  • limousine or bus: 2–2.5 hours

  • hotel pickup included

???? Price:

  • 800,000 – 1,500,000 VND/person/day

???? Best for:

  • day trips

  • nature lovers (limestone mountains, boat rides)

???? 3. Halong Bay – the classic choice (1–2 days)

???? Experiences:

  • overnight cruise

  • kayaking

  • seafood meals

???? Transport:

  • limousine: ~2.5–3 hours

???? Price:

  • day trip: ~1,200,000 – 1,800,000 VND

  • overnight cruise: 2,500,000 – 5,000,000 VND

???? Tip:

  • 2 days 1 night is much more worth it

???? 4. Cat Ba / Hai Phong – less crowded alternative

???? Highlights:

  • beaches + mountains + trekking

  • more relaxed, chill vibe

???? Transport:

  • bus + ferry (~3.5–4 hours)

???? Price:

  • similar to Halong but less crowded

???? What many travelers don’t know

???? 90% of day tours:

  • include hotel/apartment pickup

  • already have transportation arranged

???? However:

  • hard-to-find addresses → delays

  • staying far from the center → longer pickup times

???? So where should you stay for convenience?

Apartments by Toan Tien Housing & Maison Nha offer key advantages:

  • ???? located in Ba Dinh – near the Old Quarter

  • ???? easy for tour vehicles to pick up

  • ???? clear location on Google Maps

???? Ideal for:

  • evening food tours

  • next-day trips to Ninh Binh or Halong

???? A smooth real experience:

  • food tour in the evening

  • next morning: pickup right at your building

→ no extra travel or hassle

???? Conclusion

If you only have a few days in Hanoi:
???? combine:

  • 1 inner-city food tour

  • 1 day trip (Ninh Binh or Halong Bay)

And for a smoother experience:
???? choose accommodation in a central, easy-to-access location for tour pickup.