Full-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour in Hanoi

Exploring Hanoi on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Honest Review and What to Expect

If you’re thinking about seeing Hanoi’s highlights without the hassle of navigating busy streets or booking multiple tickets, a full-day hop-on hop-off bus tour might catch your eye. We’ve looked into one popular option that offers a 24-hour pass, perfect for soaking in the city’s top sights at your own pace. While it’s not a perfect fit for everyone, it offers some real advantages — especially if your time in Hanoi is limited or you prefer a flexible way to explore.

What we like most? The 14 stops give you a well-rounded overview of Hanoi’s cultural and historical gems, and the audio guide in multiple languages helps bring each site to life. Plus, the price at just $20 per person seems quite reasonable for such a comprehensive tour, especially considering the included amenities like WiFi, bottled water, and a city map. However, one potential drawback is that the route and schedule might be affected by traffic or unforeseen delays, which could mean missing out on parts of the tour or longer waiting times.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, flexible way to see Hanoi, particularly if you’re short on time or prefer to avoid the hassle of public transportation or taxi-hopping. If you’re someone who values detailed guided tours or has specific interests, you might find it a bit too generic. But for those wanting an overview or a good beginning to Hanoi’s many sights, it could work well.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with 14 stops and a 24-hour ticket.
• Multilingual audio guides help you understand the significance of landmarks.
• Comfortable transportation with WiFi, air conditioning, and amenities.
• Affordable price point at only $20, offering good value for the range of sights.
• Potential schedule variability due to traffic or unforeseen delays.
• Not including food or personal gratuities, so plan accordingly.

What’s Included in the Tour

For just $20, you get a mobile ticket that grants you access to a bus that covers many of Hanoi’s key sites. The tour includes air conditioning, WiFi, and a city map to help you navigate. They also supply a raincoat and a conical hat, which is handy considering Hanoi’s unpredictable weather. Plus, insurance for passengers on the bus ensures some peace of mind.

You’ll also receive bottled water during your journey, a small but appreciated gesture, especially on hot days. All fees and taxes are included, so there are no hidden costs when you purchase your ticket in advance.

What’s Not Included

Keep in mind, food and drinks are not covered, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to buy something at stops. Many of the sites have entrance fees, which are not included — including places like the Temple of Literature (30,000 VND) and Hoa Lo Prison (30,000 VND). Gratuities are optional but customary in many service settings.

How the Tour Runs

The tour is designed to run throughout the day, with a total duration of about 1 day. While the exact timing can shift due to traffic or weather conditions, the 24-hour validity gives you freedom to hop on and off as you wish. The stops are well spread out, covering historical, religious, and cultural attractions.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Dinh Tien Hoang (7 P. inh Tiên Hoàng)

This is the designated meeting point and ticket box, located at Dong King Nghia Thuc Square. It’s a convenient central spot to start your journey and pick up your ticket.

Stop 2: St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Built in 1884, this church resembles the famous Notre Dame de Paris and is the oldest church in Hanoi. While you won’t need to pay an entrance fee, it’s worth noting that the architecture and the atmosphere make it a peaceful place for a quick stroll.

Stop 3: Vietnam Military History Museum

Here, you’ll find the Flag Tower of Hanoi, almost 200 years old and a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience. The museum provides insights into Vietnam’s military past, offering a mix of history and architecture.

Stop 4: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

This is one of the most visited sites in Hanoi. The mausoleum houses the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh, and while the exterior is impressive, be prepared for a respectful, slow-moving process if you decide to enter.

Stop 5: One Pillar Pagoda

Built in 1049, this uniquely designed pagoda rests on a single stone pillar. It’s an iconic symbol of Vietnam and offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of Hanoi, with no entrance fee to worry about.

Stop 6: Tran Quoc Pagoda

As Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, dating back over 1,500 years, it’s a must-see for history buffs and those interested in Buddhism. Expect tranquil surroundings and beautiful views.

Stop 7: Cua Bac Parish Church

Constructed in 1932 by the French, this church adds to Hanoi’s diverse religious architecture. It’s a major church in the city and worth a quick visit.

Stop 8: Quan Thanh Temple

Built during Emperor Ly Thái To’s reign, this Taoist temple is dedicated to Tran Vu, the Deity of the North. It’s part of Hanoi’s sacred four-temple system, designed to protect the city.

Stop 9: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Constructed in the 11th century, this site marks Hanoi’s independence and features remnants of ancient Vietnamese power structures, spread over a vast area.

Stop 10: Temple of Literature

Built in 1070 as Vietnam’s first university, this temple honors Confucius and scholars. It is a peaceful, historic site that provides context about Vietnam’s educational traditions.

Stop 11: Hoa Lo Prison

Known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War, this former French prison turned museum offers sobering insights about Vietnam’s colonial and wartime past.

Stop 12: Vietnamese Women’s Museum

This museum showcases the contributions of Vietnamese women through artifacts, exhibits, and social projects. It’s an eye-opening look at gender roles in Vietnamese society.

Stop 13: Hanoi Opera House

Constructed by the French between 1901 and 1911, this colonial-era building is a beautiful example of Hanoi’s architectural history and cultural scene.

Stop 14: Hanoi Post Office

Over 125 years old, this neo-classical building is a city landmark with a charming, vintage feel. It’s a great spot for postcards or just to admire the architecture.

What Real Travelers Say

The reviews are mixed but tell a clear story. One traveler mentioned, “Once on board, the crew was great and the tour was informative and interesting,” but also noted frustrations about missing parts of the schedule due to trouble locating stops. That highlights one potential downside: timing and route disruptions.

On the upside, others found it to be the best way to get an overview of Hanoi, with one saying, “This is a worthwhile experience and you can get on and off as many times as you like.” The flexibility seems to appeal to many, but a few pointed out that the buses can be dirty or that the audio guides aren’t always perfectly synced with the stops, which is worth keeping in mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re short on time, want a cost-effective way to see many of Hanoi’s key sights in one day, or prefer the convenience of a guided route without the hassle of navigating public transportation, this tour could be a good fit. It also suits travelers who appreciate having an audio guide in multiple languages, making the experience more educational.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth, personal, or highly curated experience, you might find this tour a bit too broad or rushed. Also, those who prefer to explore sites at their own pace, without scheduled stops, may want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

This hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a practical way to cover Hanoi’s highlights without breaking the bank. Its 14 stops make it a rundown, and the 24-hour ticket provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The comfortable transport with WiFi and the inclusion of essentials like bottled water make it a convenient option for travelers looking for a hassle-free introduction to the city.

While some travelers have experienced delays or felt that the route could be better organized, many appreciate the value for money and the chance to see a mix of historic, religious, and cultural sites in one day. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Hanoi who want a solid overview.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided commentary and the freedom to hop on and off, this tour can be a smart choice. Just be prepared for possible schedule hiccups and remember to budget for entrance fees at some stops.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts about 1 day, with a 24-hour ticket that allows you to hop on and off at any of the 14 stops.

• What’s included in the price?
  The ticket covers transportation on the bus, WiFi onboard, a city map, bottled water, and basic insurance. Entrance fees to sites are separate.

• Can I use the ticket multiple times?
  Yes, the ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can hop on and off as often as you like within that window.

• Are there any amenities on the bus?
  Yes, the bus is air-conditioned, has WiFi, and supplies a raincoat and conical hat, which are useful in Vietnam’s unpredictable weather.

• Are there any additional costs?
  You’ll need to pay for entry to specific attractions if you want to go inside, such as the Temple of Literature or Hoa Lo Prison.

• Is the tour suitable for families or children?
  While not specifically advertised as family-friendly, the route and stops are generally suitable for most travelers. Keep in mind the itinerary involves some walking and waiting.

• What should I bring?
  Bring your own reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and some cash for site entrance fees if you plan to go inside any attractions.

Exploring Hanoi with a hop-on hop-off bus can be a neat way to get oriented and see many highlights without the stress of planning every step. It’s a practical choice for those who want a broad overview and the flexibility to design their own day in this vibrant city.