Hanoi Excursion with Foodie Trail

UPCOMING SHARED CRUISE EXCURSIONS

Join fellow cruise passengers on these pre-scheduled departures and enjoy a cost-effective, sociable shore experience.

*Note: For other dates, please fill out the INQUIRY FORM BELOW to receive detailed information.

Meeting point: see photo below.

FULL ITINERARY

Port Pickup & Departure

Meet your English speaking guide and private driver at Halong International Port. After a warm welcome, settle into your private vehicle and begin the transfer to Hanoi. Enjoy a comfortable scenic drive through the countryside of northern Vietnam, with views of local towns, rice fields, and everyday life along the way. The drive usually takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and port conditions.

This Hanoi day trip is carefully arranged as part of our Halong Bay shore excursions, designed for cruise guests who wish to explore Vietnam’s capital within a well planned port day.

Temple of Literature

Begin your discovery of Hanoi at the Temple of Literature, one of the capital’s most elegant and meaningful cultural landmarks. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this historic site later became Vietnam’s first national university.

Stroll through tranquil courtyards, ancient gateways, graceful pavilions, and beautifully preserved traditional architecture while learning about Vietnam’s deep respect for education, scholarship, and Confucian heritage.

Hoa Lo Prison

Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, a powerful historical site originally built during the French colonial period. Later known to many American prisoners of war as the Hanoi Hilton, this former prison offers a moving perspective on Vietnam’s colonial past, wartime history, and the endurance of those who were once imprisoned here.

Through its exhibitions and preserved spaces, the visit provides a deeper understanding of the country’s complex history and the resilience that shaped modern Vietnam.

Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the heart of Hanoi on foot as you wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter. This historic district is known for its narrow lanes, traditional shop houses, local markets, family run stores, and vibrant street scenes.

As you walk through the area, experience the distinctive rhythm of Hanoi, where old world charm, local commerce, and daily life come together in one of the city’s most captivating neighborhoods.

Traditional Vietnamese Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, where you can taste authentic Vietnamese dishes inspired by the flavors of northern Vietnam. This is a pleasant opportunity to pause, relax, and experience Hanoi’s culinary traditions in a comfortable local setting.

1 Hour Cyclo Ride Through Hanoi

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely cyclo ride through Hanoi, one of the most charming ways to take in the city’s atmosphere. Sit back as your cyclo driver moves gently through the bustling streets, allowing you to admire historic landmarks, colonial architecture, and local scenes at an easy pace.

Highlights may include:

• St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Hoan Kiem Lake
• The Huc Bridge, also known as Sunbeam Bridge
• Ngoc Son Temple, also known as Jade Mountain Temple

This relaxing ride offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and experiencing Hanoi from a more traditional perspective.

Hanoi Coffee Experience

Take a well deserved break at a local café and enjoy Hanoi’s celebrated coffee culture. Choose from traditional Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, known locally as Bac Xiu, or try the city’s famous egg coffee, a rich and distinctive specialty loved by both locals and visitors.

This short coffee stop adds a warm and memorable local touch to your day in Vietnam’s capital.

Return to Halong International Port

After a full day exploring Hanoi’s cultural landmarks, historic sites, local streets, and culinary traditions, depart the city and return by private vehicle to Halong International Port. Arrive back in good time to rejoin your cruise ship after a memorable shore excursion to Vietnam’s capital.

Thank you for traveling with Shore Excursions Asia. We look forward to welcoming you on another thoughtfully designed shore excursion in Vietnam and across Asia.

Special Notes

• The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic conditions and cruise ship schedules.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for historic sites, Old Quarter streets, and uneven sidewalks.
• This excursion involves moderate walking and some time outdoors.
• This tour is 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 are available upon request.