Hanoi Excursion With Culinary Experience

Tour Overview

Experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and authentic flavors of Vietnam’s capital on this immersive full-day Hanoi shore excursion from Halong International Port. Travel through the scenic countryside to Hanoi and discover the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and the bustling Old Quarter. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch, explore the city by cyclo, and relax with Hanoi’s famous coffee culture before returning comfortably to your cruise ship.

Who This Tour Is For:

• Cruise passengers docking at Halong International Port for more than 14 hours
• First-time visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to Hanoi
• History and culture enthusiasts
• Food lovers interested in authentic Vietnamese cuisine
• Travelers who enjoy local experiences such as cyclo rides and café culture

Full Itinerary

Port Pick-up & Departure

Meet your English-speaking guide and private driver at Halong International Port. After a warm welcome, depart for Hanoi by private vehicle. Enjoy a scenic drive through northern Vietnam's countryside (approximately 2.5 - 3 hours).

Temple of Literature

Your first stop is the Temple of Literature, one of Hanoi’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it later became Vietnam’s first national university. Wander through its peaceful courtyards, ancient pavilions, and beautifully preserved architecture while learning about Vietnam’s long-standing educational traditions.

Hoa Lo Prison

Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, a significant historical site built during the French colonial period. Often referred to as the "Hanoi Hilton" by American prisoners of war, the prison provides fascinating insight into Vietnam’s colonial history, wartime experiences, and the resilience of those who were held here.

Traditional Vietnamese Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, where you'll have the opportunity to sample authentic Vietnamese dishes and experience the rich culinary traditions of northern Vietnam.

1-Hour Cyclo Ride Through Hanoi Old Quarter

After lunch, experience Hanoi from a unique perspective aboard a traditional cyclo. Relax as your driver navigates the bustling streets while you admire some of the city's most recognizable landmarks, including:

• St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Hoan Kiem Lake
• The Huc Bridge (Sunbeam Bridge)
• Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple)

This leisurely ride offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing and photography.

Water Puppets Show

*This experience is special arranged for Diamond Princess cruise guests on Feb 23 2027

Next, we complete the experience with a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets Show, a traditional art form of Vietnam with Hanoi heritage.

Hanoi Cuisine Experience

Depending on your ship’s schedule, you will enjoy one of the following two Hanoi cuisine experiences: a Café Experience or a Street Food Experience.

Hanoi Coffee Experience

*This experience is arranged for HAL-ms Westerdam cruise guests

Take a break at a local café and immerse yourself in Hanoi’s famous coffee culture. Choose between traditional Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk (Bac Xiu) or the city’s iconic egg coffee, a unique specialty loved by locals and visitors alike.

Street Food Tasting

*This experience is arranged for Diamond Princess cruise guests

Before return to the port, our guide and driver will take you out to visit all the culinary hotspots of Hanoi. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our taste buds with one choice of main dish at a local eatery among below meals for lunch:

• Fresh rice noodles with grilled pork and herbs (bún chả - Obama approved!)
• Steamed Rice Rolls (bánh cuốn)
• Noodle soup dishes such as Chicken/Beef Pho (Phở)
• Noodle soup with shredded chicken, eggs, steam pork cake (bún thang)
• Crab paste Vermicelli Soup (bún riêu cua)

Return to Halong International Port

Depart Hanoi and travel back to Halong International Port. Arrive in time to rejoin your cruise ship after a memorable day exploring Vietnam’s capital city.

Special Notes

• The tour itinerary may vary depending on traffic and port schedules.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for village paths and cave exploration.
• This excursion involves moderate walking on uneven sidewalks and historic sites.
• Recommended for cruise ships with a docking time of 13 hours or longer due to the travel distance between Halong and Hanoi.
• Vegetarian meal options available upon request

Inquire about this tour now with Japan Shore Excursions - Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!