Top Hanoi Shore Excursions, Day Trips & Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers
Step into the heart of Northern Vietnam through our Hanoi shore excursions from Halong international cruise port. Operated by Shore Excursions Asia, these carefully crafted experiences invite you to explore ancient temples, quiet lakes, and the charming Old Quarter at a gentle pace. Ideal for senior travelers, our day tours from Hanoi combine cultural richness, comfort, and flexibility, offering some of the best tours from Hanoi with the care of local experts.
Explore the Rich History
Discover key historical sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison.
Immerse in Vietnamese Culture
Visit iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter.
Admire Architectural
Enjoy French-colonial gems like the Hanoi Opera House and Saint Joseph's Cathedral, along with the historic One Pillar Pagoda.
Authentic Hanoi Shore Excursions with Trusted Local Experts
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Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 11 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Nguyen Art Gallery, Vietnamese coffee experience, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Museum
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 10 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: French Quarter, Railway Train Tracks, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Huu Tiep Lake, West Lake, Truc Bach Lake, An Duong Market, Kumquat Farms, Long Bien Bridge
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 10 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Port
- Highlights: Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, West Lake
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 11 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Cyclo tour, Train Street of Hanoi, tasting Hanoi’s iconic street food and local specialties.
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 2 days
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Boat trip in Halong Bay, Thien Cung – Heaven Cave, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Old Quarter
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 11 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Fine Art Museum, the Temple of Literature, Nguyen Art Gallery
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 12 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Dong Ngac Cultural village - Temple of Literature - Hoa Lo Prison Museum
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 12.5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Bat Trang Ceramic Village
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
How to Choose the Best Hanoi Shore Excursions
For cruise passengers stopping at Halong Bay, picking the right Hanoi shore excursion is essential for a comfortable and memorable day. With limited time, a well-planned tour should match your interests and pace.
1. Check the Port Distance
Cruise ships dock about 2.5 to 3 hours from Hanoi. Choose tours that include round-trip transport, English-speaking guides, and efficient routes to maximize your time.
2. Focus on What You Enjoy
Tailor your day around your favorite themes:
- History: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature
- Culture: Old Quarter, Train Street, Ethnology Museum
- Scenic spots: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple
- Local craft: Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Private tours offer more flexibility for personal interests.
3. Consider Walking Requirements
Some sites involve uneven paths or long walks. Choose tours that suit your comfort level. Many Hanoi excursions are senior-friendly and include support options.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes on Hanoi Shore Excursions
A highlight of many Hanoi shore excursions is the chance to taste the city’s most beloved local dishes. Hanoi is known not only for its historical charm but also for its elegant, time-honored cuisine that reflects Northern Vietnam’s delicate flavors.
Phở bò (Beef Noodle Soup)
Bún chả (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
Chả cá Lã Vọng (Turmeric Fish with Dill)
Bánh cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Nem rán (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)
Cà phê trứng (Egg Coffee)
On your day tour from Hanoi Vietnam, don’t miss these must-try specialties:
- Phở bò (beef noodle soup): the iconic national dish, born in Hanoi
- Bún chả: grilled pork served with vermicelli, herbs, and dipping sauce
- Chả cá Lã Vọng: turmeric-marinated fish sautéed with dill and spring onions
- Bánh cuốn: steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms
- Nem rán (Vietnamese fried spring rolls): crispy, golden, and flavorful
- Cà phê trứng (egg coffee): a Hanoi original, rich and creamy
Exploring Hanoi’s food is more than a tasting experience. It offers insight into the rhythm of daily life, where generations gather over simple yet refined meals. Enjoyed at a street-side stall or a quiet family-run restaurant, these dishes add warmth and authenticity to your Hanoi shore excursion.
Highlights of Hanoi Shore Excursions
Located inland from Halong Bay, Hanoi welcomes cruise travelers with its timeless beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. Our Hanoi shore excursions offer a convenient and enriching way to explore the capital’s highlights with well-planned day tours from Hanoi Vietnam that begin right from the cruise port.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A must-see on many Hanoi shore excursions, this complex includes the mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and gardens, reflecting Vietnam’s modern legacy.
Old Quarter Walking Tour
Experience the lively streets of the Old Quarter with local markets, historic shops, and street food. A popular part of many Hanoi excursions.
Ngoc Son Temple & Hoan Kiem Lake
This peaceful spot is often included in Hanoi shore excursions, offering scenic views, the red bridge, and a quiet escape in the city center.
Why Choose Our Hanoi Shore Excursions?
Our Hanoi shore excursions are designed for cruise travelers who want a seamless and enriching day trip from Halong port. With expert local guides, well-paced itineraries, and comfortable transport, you’ll have the chance to explore the highlights of Vietnam’s capital without feeling rushed. From the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the vibrant Old Quarter and traditional craft villages, every detail is crafted for a smooth and memorable experience.
Personal travel consultant
Easy-paced experiences
Private & small group tours
Full support at your port call
Our Hanoi shore excursions are led by local experts who offer authentic insights into the city's culture, history, and lesser-known sites. Rather than sticking to typical tourist paths, we take you deeper into Hanoi with unique local experiences. From winding alleys in the Old Quarter to hidden landmarks, you'll see Hanoi as a true insider.
When you book one of our tours, you can expect:
✔ Tailored itineraries designed to match your pace and interests.
✔ Comfortable and reliable transport for a smooth journey.
✔ Intimate group sizes that allow for a richer travel experience.
✔ Meaningful local knowledge that brings Hanoi’s story to life.
Our day trips from Halong Bay to Hanoi go beyond just sightseeing, they’re about connection and cultural depth:
✔ Step into local life by exploring markets and family-run cafés.
✔ Discover artisan villages where you can try traditional crafts.
✔ Savor regional flavors from long-standing culinary traditions.
✔ Enjoy heritage performances like folk music and water puppetry.
When Is the Best Time for Hanoi Shore Excursions?
Hanoi offers a different experience in every season. Spring brings cool breezes and light drizzle, creating a calm setting for visits to places like the Temple of Literature or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Summer is hot and humid, making it more comfortable to explore shaded attractions or indoor sites with air conditioning. Autumn is often considered the most beautiful time to visit, with golden foliage, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures that suit walking tours around the Old Quarter and historic lakeside temples. Winter arrives with dry, crisp air and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for museum visits and slower-paced exploration.
Cruise ships dock at Halong Bay year-round, and our Hanoi shore excursions are thoughtfully scheduled to match seasonal conditions. With well-planned timing and comfortable transport, each tour allows you to explore Hanoi’s highlights in a way that feels relaxed and enjoyable.
Things to Do & See in Hanoi Excursions from Cruise Ship
The capital of Vietnam includes several iconic attractions such as One Pillar Pagoda, Vietnam Military History Museum, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoa Lo Prison, and so on. Soak in the serene but bustling atmosphere of the city, lost in Dong Xuan market with lines after lines of souvenir and handicraft shops, food stalls, clothes stores. Asia Shore Excursions would like to recommend some attractions to see and activities to do in Hanoi shore excursions.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Temple of Literature
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Hoa Lo Prison
Hanoi Old Quarter
Due to over 1000 years being the capital of this country, Hanoi shore excursions have a plenty of things to do and explore, especially French-colonial architecture buildings with a long history in the Old Quarter. Located in the hustling Hoan Kiem district, the Old Quarter is one of the most popular attractions of the city.
Lost in the bustling streets, admire the ancient colonial architecture style, old temples, and pagodas the Old Quarter located in the heart of the city. The special fact that can surprise you is these streets have all the names according to their original businesses dating back over 1000 years ago. As part of your Hanoi shore excursions, immerse yourself in this living tapestry of history and modernity. While some streets have evolved to offer modern amenities and services, many still retain their ancient charm, preserving the cultural heritage of generations past. Explore the labyrinthine alleys and hidden gems, and let the stories of Hanoi's Old Quarter unfold around you.
Temple of Literature
Van Mieu - The Temple of Literature is one of the most famous attractions that almost all visitors coming to Hanoi have to visit. It was originally built nearly 1000 years ago dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages. There are various ancient sites including the Well of Heaven Clarity, Turtle Steles, Pavilion of the constellation, courtyards, passageways and a late of literature. Admire the classical architecture that featured in Ly and Tran Dynasty where thousands of doctors had graduated.
Two of five courtyards have beautifully landscaped gardens, the third is home to the Well of Heaven Clarity while the fourth one has the name Sage Courtyard with the statue of Confucius and a ceremony house. The last one locates a huge bell and drum that are the traditional symbol of Vietnam.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Just 8 kilometers away from the city center, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is the huge exhibition showing the features and characteristics of 54 ethnic minorities in the whole country. The museum is home to more than 15 000 artifacts and priceless antiques that reveal the tradition, culture, lifestyle and religious rituals of ethnic groups. Hop on a trip to Vietnam to explore every ethnic minority such as Viet, Muong, Tay, Thai, H’mong, Khmer, Hoa…
The outdoor exhibition is a model of Vietnamese houses with featured architectural styles surrounded by peaceful landscapes and serene gardens. Moreover, there are also traditional shows such as Water Puppet Theatre and especially calligraphy art - the ancient writing style of Vietnam. Admire a plenty of priceless artifacts on display including clothes, jewelry, and items relating to weddings, funeral ceremonies, and other religious rituals of 54 ethnic groups to get a glimpse of their history, customs, and cultural identity. For anyone who loves to discover the rich culture of this country, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a must-visiting place in Vietnam shore excursions.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison is an essential spot in any Hanoi shore trip with those who want to have a deep look at the Vietnam War. The prison served as a place for French colonists to keep Vietnamese political prisoners during the War. With huge-scale camp, the prison can keep about 450 prisoners and then increase up to 2000 people.
The prison also has another name “Hanoi Hilton” due to keeping the downed US pilots who ironically called it the Hanoi Hilton. It had the name of Maison Centrale during the rule of French colonial because almost all parts of the prison were destroyed in 1997 to make way for the Hanoi Central Tower building. The museum created on the basis of the old prison shows a lot of tools for torturing and other horrifying instruments solitary confinement cells dating from the French-colonial period.
Dong Ngac Cultural Village
Just 10 kilometers from the vibrant heart of Hanoi lies Dong Ngac Village, nestled along the serene banks of the Red River. This historic village, once the domain of high-ranking mandarins during Vietnam's feudal era, offers a captivating glimpse into the traditions and customs of old Vietnam. As part of your Hanoi shore excursions, immerse yourself in hands-on experiences that unveil the village's rich cultural heritage. Wander through well-preserved relics of the past, gaining insight into the lives of its inhabitants. Dong Ngac Village stands as a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital, inviting travelers to embark on a journey through Vietnam's storied past amidst the vibrant energy of Hanoi.
More than this, Dong Ngac Cultural Village also has a variety of communal houses where the most important events of the village have occurred. These houses provide a huge number of ancient relics that have the age of hundreds of years including a set of old paintings from Le Dynasty (15th - 18th century) which reveal the bumper harvests and daily life of locals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanoi Shore Excursions
Hanoi shore excursions give cruise travelers a chance to explore Vietnam’s historic capital in a single day. To help you plan with confidence, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about timing, transportation, and what to expect on your tour.
1. How far is Hanoi from the cruise port?
Most cruise ships arrive at Halong Bay Port, located about 170 km (105 miles) from central Hanoi. It typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours by car or shuttle. Many Hanoi shore excursions include round-trip transfers to ensure a smooth and punctual experience.
2. How long does a typical Hanoi shore excursion last?
Most tours last around 8 to 10 hours, covering both the drive from the port and sightseeing in Hanoi. Since the distance from Halong Bay or Hai Phong can take several hours, well-planned Hanoi shore excursions are designed to optimize time at each attraction without feeling rushed.
3. What’s the best way to get to Hanoi from the cruise port?
Private car transfers, shuttle buses, and taxis are common options. Private Hanoi excursions provide the most flexibility and comfort, especially for small groups or travelers with specific preferences.
4. Is it worth visiting Hanoi in just one day?
Absolutely. With a carefully crafted itinerary, you can visit top landmarks, taste local cuisine, and experience Hanoi’s rich culture within a day.
5. Are Hanoi shore excursions wheelchair-friendly?
Many tours can be adapted for accessibility. While some attractions have steps or uneven paths, private Hanoi shore excursions can be customized to fit your mobility needs.
6. What is the best time of year to visit Hanoi?
Spring (March-April) and Autumn (October-November) are ideal, offering pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. These seasons are perfect for walking tours and cultural exploration.
Ready to Plan Your Hanoi Shore Excursion?
Let us help you choose the perfect Hanoi shore excursion from Halong Bay. Explore highlights like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Old Quarter with expert guides and well-timed itineraries designed to match your cruise schedule.
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