Things to do in
West Lake, Hanoi

West Lake, Hanoi: Our most recommended tours and activities

Hanoi: Food, Culture, Sightseeing and Fun – Army Jeep Tour

Hanoi: Food, Culture, Sightseeing and Fun – Army Jeep Tour

Tour Hanoi in a vintage GAZ-69, the classic Army jeep from the 50s and 60s during the Soviet Era. Go on a journey through the city’s many neighborhoods and get to know the Hanoi of the past and of today with a private or shared guide. Start off with pickup at your hotel or at a meeting point in Hanoi Old Quarter. Get a safety briefing from your guide before driving off on an adventure. Begin by diving straight into the labyrinth of backstreets and tiny alleyways to find out what everyday life in Hanoi is really like. Get an honest and authentic insight into the good, the bad, and the weird sides of the city. Next, drive past and visit the must-see sights, including Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the centuries-old Buddhist and Taoist temples of Tran Quoc, the Temple of Literature, the historical train-street, the enchanting French Quarter, the Old Quarter, the romantic West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House and the famous Long Bien Bridge. On the final part of your Hanoi Jeep tour, escape the bustling city to the peaceful and alluring villages around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. Experience first-hand how such contrasting lifestyles can co-exist between the city center and the outskirts. Find hidden tranquil spots beyond the thousands of skyscrapers. Along the way, stop at local restaurants, eateries and food stalls to savor the tastiest dishes Hanoi has to offer. Sample authentic dishes with secret recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Hanoi: Bike Tour Through Hidden Gems and Banana Island

Hanoi: Bike Tour Through Hidden Gems and Banana Island

Hi friends! My name is Sang and I invite you to join me on a wonderful bike tour through Hanoi. I'll take you for a spin and show you Hanoi like you otherwise never experience! We will approximately cover 10 km or 6 miles and visit some of Hanoi's most iconic and inspiring locations. The tour is safe and for all fitness levels! I am passionate about sports, culture, and anything out of the ordinary, whether it be people, things, or concepts. In my free time, I enjoy taking my road bike to explore the greater Hanoi area. I have lived and worked in Hanoi as a local tour guide and storyteller for as long as I can remember. I can't wait to share my passion for Hanoi and my love for cycling with you! Hop on and join the ride Highlights: Visit hidden gem learn more about the daily life of the local people. Join the bustling traffic in Hanoi Discovering Hanoi is very different from tourist destinations Visit hidden area like banana island Enjoying traditional Vietnamese food Itynerary: You will move to the pre-arranged location in the tour I have set up to choose suitable bikes The cycling schedule around Hanoi that you mentioned covers some of the popular tourist spots in and around the city. Here's a brief overview of each location: Banana Island: Located on the West Lake, Banana Island is a small island that can be reached by a short boat ride. It's a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with lush greenery and a beautiful view of the lake. Long Bien Bridge: This historic bridge spans the Red River and was built by the French in 1903. It's a popular spot for photography and offers a stunning view of the river and the surrounding area. Old Quarter: The Old Quarter is the heart of Hanoi and is known for its narrow streets, ancient temples, and bustling markets. It's a great place to experience the city's vibrant street life and sample local street food. Train Street: Located in the Old Quarter, Train Street is a narrow street that has a railway track running through it. Visitors can watch as the train passes through the street, just inches away from the houses and shops on either side. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The mausoleum is the final resting place of Vietnam's revered leader, Ho Chi Minh. It's a grand building made of marble and granite, and visitors can view his embalmed body inside. Lake B52: This lake is named after an American B-52 bomber that crashed into it during the Vietnam War and you can sit and chat with the locals people. Today, it's a peaceful spot where locals come to fish and relax. Finally, we will have lunch with local dishes such as Bun Cha, Banh Mi, Pho Cuon, Pho,.... Cycling around these locations is a great way to see Hanoi and experience its culture and history. However, it's important to be aware of traffic and road conditions, and to wear appropriate safety gear while cycling.

Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour with Lunch and Optional Extras

Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour with Lunch and Optional Extras

Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century. Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique padoga in the world • Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas… • Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. • Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam Special Note : we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes. PM : Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton

Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour

Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour

Head off on a motorbike tour to discover Hanoi like a real local. Hop on the back of the motorbike and let your driver/guide show you the main sights of the bustling city. Begin your tour and stop at landmarks like the historic Opera House, dating back to the 10th century. Move on to the St Joseph Cathedral and continue to Long Bien Brigde, the oldest, rustiest bridge built by the French in Hanoi. Arrive at the Ba Dinh district, with the Tran Quoc pagoda located right near the West Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi. Be overwhelmed by spectacular views, then stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the last resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, and see One Pillar Pagoda. Explore the Temple of Literature and take a short walk on the campus of Vietnam’s first university. Finally, stop by a coffee place and try out Hanoi's infamous egg coffee or simply zoom through the streets in style before tucking into a delicious local meal.

Hanoi: Half-Day Guided City Tour on Vintage Minsk Motorbike

Hanoi: Half-Day Guided City Tour on Vintage Minsk Motorbike

The tour starts by picking up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or the meeting point. Choose to have a private guide or go on a fun group tour. You will be greeted by the guide and driver for a safety briefing and introduction to your Soviet-era Minsk bike. Then, begin your urban adventure to the best sights, neighborhoods, and food spots in Hanoi. Dive into the real Hanoi and visit the more hidden parts of the city. Taste a slice of Hanoian life in the maze of backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, and markets, experiencing where and how locals live, work, and play. Next, move onto the second part of the tour, where you’ll pass by and stop at the must-see sights. You’ll see many places, including: Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (which is considered the Mecca of the Vietnamese), The 1000-year-old Buddhist and Taoist temples of Tran Quoc, the Temple of Literature, the historical training track, the enchanting French Quarter, the hustling and bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes of Hoan Kiem, West Lake, the Hanoi Opera House, and the famous Long Bien bridge. You will also visit the poetic and peaceful villages and floating community along the Red River. Enrich your experience with the harmonious contrast between the city and the countryside of Hanoi. The last part of your Hanoi Motorbike Tours is all about food! We’ve got authentic, healthy and organic Hanoi Food at the Hidden Gem Cafe where we savor the tastiest dishes of Hanoi. And if you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t worry – our menu has ample options for everybody.

Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta Cycling Half Day Tour

Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta Cycling Half Day Tour

The ultimate Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta 1/2 day cycling tour. Morning tour commences at 8.00am till 12pm / Afternoon tour commences at 1.30pm am till 5.30pm Meet up at 7:45am or 13:15am at our office located at 24 Hang Buom Street for a brief introduction of the trip as well as safety instructions on how to navigate safely through Hanoi on a bicycle. We set off towards the famous Street Murals, along the Train Street and our journey starts. On this cycling tour we will take you through the most interesting parts and markets of the Old Quarter. Our ride will take us through some very old street so you can get a real feel of how life has been here for centuries. We continue along beautiful treelined streets and breath in the fresh air around the West Lake area, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Truc Bach lake. Experience how tranquil and peaceful it is just 15-minutes from the buzzling Old Quarter of Hanoi. We adventure on narrow paths through impressive banana plantations and vegetable gardens on Banana Island that cover the fertile grounds of the Red River Delta. The noisy city suddenly seems to be so far away. We will B52 lake and pass the Mausoleum of (former) President Ho Chi Minh and visit the North Gate. We admire the old train railway with impressive old heritage buildings Hanoi is so famous for. The trip winds down with a local home-made egg coffee at the popular Giang café and will end whilst cycling back through the Old Quarter. Should you wish to include and experience a local Hanoian food (pho) or lunch (bun cha), our guide can accommodate this at an additional cost (to be paid directly to the restaurant). Tour ends at 24 Hang Buom about 12.00 pm in the morning and 17.00 pm in the afternoon.

Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour and Water Puppet Show

Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour and Water Puppet Show

Start with pickup by your guide and begin your exploration of Hanoi. Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island at West Lake. Then visit THE Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where one worships the Goddess of Mercy. Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. Enjoy some Vietnamese cuisine for lunch Continue to visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century. Enjoy a final stop at the Water Puppet Theater where you will get to witness a 50-minute show. The puppet theater is right near the Sword Lake, in the center of the Old Quarter.

Hanoi: Food and Sightseeing Motorbike Tour with 7 Tastings

Hanoi: Food and Sightseeing Motorbike Tour with 7 Tastings

Rice Paper Grill: Embark on a thrilling scooter paper grill. Let your taste buds dance with joy as you savor this delightful combination of textures and flavors. Obama Bun Cha: Prepare to be enchanted by the famous Obama bun cha, a dish that gained international attention when former US President Barack Obama dined on it during his visit to Hanoi. Join us as we take you to the original eatery that popularized this iconic dish. Let the flavors transport you to a world where tradition meets innovation. Banh Cuon: Considered a food paradise, Vietnam has lots of mouth-watering specialties to offer to tourists, and banh cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice roll) is one of them. It is often served as a dish for breakfast. Make sure that you don’t miss this dish during your Vietnam travel or you will definitely regret it. Mix Noodle Salad (Bun bo tron Nam Bo): Bun bo nam bo is a traditional Vietnamese dish. The name holds a key to its basic ingredients and the location – bun means noodle, bo is for beef, and nam bo refers to the South of the country Grill Pork Sticks Recipe (Nem Nướng): which is an amazing dish in beautiful beach city. Beside grilled pork sticks, one important thing to create its flavor is sauce. Serving with vegetables and this sauce will bring you a spectacular feeling which you ever feel before. Mango Jelly: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a refreshing dessert experience. Indulge in the delightful Mango Jelly, made from luscious ripe mangoes. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors as you take a spoonful of this heavenly treat. Let the sweetness linger on your palate as you bask in the culinary delights of Hanoi. Train Street Cafe: Conclude your scooter tour with a visit to the enchanting Train Street Cafe. Located along the railway tracks, this unique café offers an extraordinary experience. Feel the thrill and excitement as the trains create a vibrant ambiance. Capture memorable moments and stunning photographs in this remarkable setting. Let the Train Street Cafe be the perfect finale to your Hanoi culinary adventure. Join us on this captivating motorbike tour to discover the flavors of Hanoi's vibrant cuisine. From the sizzling rice paper grill to the iconic Obama bun cha, the rich broth of the Southern mixed beef noodle soup, the delectable snail seafood creations of Aunt Tu, the refreshing Mango Jelly, and the unique ambiance of Train Street Cafe, immerse yourself in the diverse and delicious culinary tapestry of Hanoi. Let our knowledgeable guides lead you on this unforgettable journey through the streets of Hanoi, where every dish tells a story and every bite is a moment to cherish.

Half-Day Hanoi Foodie Tour by Motorbike

Half-Day Hanoi Foodie Tour by Motorbike

The tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning. Start your tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, see the famous old buildings up close and feel the atmosphere of the local people doing business. Visit St.Joseph Cathedral and Hanoi Big Opera House. After that, arrive at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you will have a guided tour, on foot, with a professional tour guide to talk you through its history and answer any questions you may have. Afterwards, ride around the city, outside of the Old Quarter, where most tourists don’t visit, past by some of the majestic, historical buildings to the edge of West Lake. And definitely can not miss Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. Followed by this, ride around West Lake, past some of the most expensive real estate in Vietnam, with a number of short stops for photo opportunities. Stop for lunch. Enjoy lunch at a local food store. After lunch you will be taken to an infamous coffee place where they make our Vietnamese traditional egg coffee. Have a sip and the taste will carry you away. End of tour the guide will drop you off at your hotel

Hanoi: Instagram-Worthy Tour of City’s Most Scenic Spots

Hanoi: Instagram-Worthy Tour of City’s Most Scenic Spots

Start the tour while posing at St. Joseph's Cathedral and wandering around the central spots of the Old Quarter. Your professional guide will not only take special and cool shots for you, but also make your picture spectacular and unique. Next to the cathedral, you also can capture a nice shot at the Hanoi House Cafe with its ancient features surrounding you.  After that head on to Hanoi Big Opera House built by the French for 10 years, located near August Revolution Square. And we can't miss out on the Sword Lake with the Temple of Jade Mountain too. The next stop will be the Ceramic Mosaic Mural, the longest and the most colorful street which was built to celebrate 1,000 years of civilization in Hanoi. Keep moving to Long Bien Bridge with its old rustic beauty. Your next scenic spot will be West Lake with the panoramic view of the biggest lake in the city combined with oldest Buddhist temple, the Tran Quoc Pagoda. After that, you will pass by Ho Chi Minh Complex with the noble, sacred mausoleum and the ancient One Pillar Pagoda. Last stop will be the Train street with the train track and coffee shops along the two sides. You can capture some ashtonishing photos here. Some destinations may change or close due to particular reason (weather, holiday,...), but we assure to give you the best photos.

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What people are saying about West Lake, Hanoi

Overall rating

4.8
(194 reviews)

Today we have taken the incredible Jeep tour visiting Hanoi whose driver and our guide Bee are incredible, excellent, wonderful, kind and also hospitable. They have taken us to all the essential places in the city, they have offered us a wonderful experience on the train street, leaving us time for a beer and enjoy. The Jeep experience was excellent, you can get to know the city in a different way. The tour ends with a wonderful local meal, always with Bee's smile and kindness. Thank you very much. 100% recommended.

The tour guide was great. I feel like he had a hard time with a few of the other people on the tour. My wife and I got off before the tour ended. I think for the tour guide maybe really post on the site more often that there is a lot of walking. I saw and was prepared but maybe everyone wasn't. But Mr. Lee was very informative would recommend him to other people.

Lee is an excellent guide. We had a large group and he kept us moving along. His English language is very strong and he knows so much about every site we went to. Great tour!!!

Minh was very thoughtful in finding dishes I had not yet tried. It was a rainy evening but we managed to avoid the worst of the rain. Plenty of food provided

Great tour through Hanoi. Fred and Mr. Tung were the perfect duo for the alleys of Hanoi.