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Hanoi Shore Excursion is the perfect opportunity for cruise ship passengers arriving at northern Vietnam ports like Cai Lan Port to uncover the historical and cultural gems of Vietnam’s capital city in just one day. With over 1,000 years of rich history, Hanoi boasts a unique blend of ancient traditions, elegant French colonial architecture, and vibrant modern life. you’ll explore iconic landmarks, including:
Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius, and a symbol of the country’s intellectual heritage.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader, Ho Chi Minh, surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
One Pillar Pagoda: A striking pagoda built over a single pillar, symbolizing a lotus rising from the water, representing purity.
Quan Thanh Temple: An ancient Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vu, the god of the north, with intricate architecture and spiritual significance.
Hanoi Hilton Prison Museum: A powerful reminder of Vietnam’s struggle for independence, where both Vietnamese revolutionaries and American prisoners of war were once held.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: A peaceful oasis in the heart of Hanoi, steeped in legends, and connected by the iconic red Huc Bridge.
This shore excursion provides an enriching journey through Hanoi’s past and present, giving travelers a profound sense of the city’s historical depth and vibrant culture.
With over 16 years of experience in organizing Vietnam tour packages or Hanoi Tours for international customers, lalatour offer a local perspective that ensures a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your family. Explore our suggested Vietnam Shore Excursions to discover the best of what Vietnam has to offer. If you don’t find an itinerary that suits your needs, feel free to reach out to our Vietnam travel experts. We’ll work with you to customize a unique Halong bay Shore Excursion from Cai Lan Port – Tuan Chau Port, tailored exclusively for you and your group.
Ha Noi Shore Excursions from Cai Lan Port or Tuan Chau Port: 10 summary you should remember
- Port: Cai Lan Port / Tuan Chau port
- Pickup location: Ha Long (Cai Lan Port / Tuan Chau port)
- Drop-off location: Ha Long (Cai Lan Port / Tuan Chau port)
- Shore excursion duration: 8 – 10 hours
- Transportation: New Private car from 4 – 7 – 16 seater with good air-conditioner
- Tour Type: Hanoi shore excursions – Cai Lan port shore excursions
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Restriction: Should take on long arm shirt and trousers (to visit temple or pagoda)
- Allergy: Tell us which food you get trouble allergy with it
- Another note: if you need us notice anything, please take note for us
it is very good recommendation, you can take only 1 minutes to fill this form to help us to understand about your requirement tour and you here Tailor-made tour requirement
Ha Noi shore excursions itinerary
Your Hanoi Shore Excursion plan sounds wonderful! The full-day private tour includes some of Hanoi’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks. Here’s a quick summary and timeline based on your itinerary:
08:00 AM: Pick-up at Cai Lan Port, Halong Bay, by your tour guide and driver. Begin your journey to Hanoi, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way.
Temple of Literature: Your first stop in Hanoi is this ancient complex, home to Vietnam’s first university, established in the 10th century. You’ll explore its rich history and culture.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (photo stop): Afterward, you’ll visit the mausoleum where Vietnam’s national hero, Ho Chi Minh, rests. This stop includes taking photos of the mausoleum from outside, followed by exploring his former residence, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and Quan Thanh Temple.
Hanoi Hilton Prison Museum: Delve into the historical significance of this prison, especially during wartime, to gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s past.
Lunch: A break at a local restaurant to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Afternoon – Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake: After lunch, you’ll experience a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s bustling 36 streets (Old Quarter), then visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic Ngoc Son Temple.
Return to Cai Lan Port: After a full day of exploration, you’ll be transferred back to your cruise ship.
Tour Includes
The English or Thai-speaking accompanying guide except during free time
All travel according to the program by private vehicle except during free time
Fees for entry to the sites to be visited
Lunch in program (if have)
File fees
Taxes
All logistical services required for the organization of the program
Tour Excudes
International airport flights and taxes from/to your country (see FAQ)
Visa fees (if have) (see FAQ)
Tips for guides and drivers (for the guide, to be provided for between 5 and 12 USD per day per traveller and half for drivers if you are happy with their services)
Drinks and other meals not mentioned in “the price includes”
Bottle of water (possibility of buying it locally)
Telephone, personal expenses
All the small tips of rowers, porters, baggage handlers, etc. These will be regulated by your guides (see FAQs)
Any other service not mentioned in the section “The price includes”.
You may be interested in Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions, Nha Trang Shore Excursions or Da Nang Shore Excursions, Ha Long Shore Excursions when you travel to Vietnam with your Vietnam Shore Excursions.
Why should choose our Ha Noi shore excursions?
- Reliable Tour Operator: Highly recommended by many customers, Private Tour Guides.
- Quality: Experienced, reliable local guides
- Convenient: Port pick-up and drop-off with high quality private car rental services
- Personalized: Fully tailor-made tour itineraries, at your own pace
- Service: 24/7 Customer Support
- Food we serve: All kinds of food are selected carefully and safely
How many ways to book Ha Noi shore excursions from lalatour
It is very simple to book Hanoi shore excursions from Cai Lan Port via:
- Step 1: please help us to fill tailor-made tour requirement form or email: [email protected]
- Step 2: Contact from lalatour adviser
- Step 3: Send quotation and confirmation
- Step 4: start your trip
here is detail about Lalatour booking procedure
Terms & Conditions
We require a 50% deposit upon receipt of our PayPal invoice to secure your Ha Noi shore excursion. The remaining balance can be paid at the end of your tour in cash (USD or VND at the current exchange rate) or in advance online via PayPal, credit, or debit card. Your booking will be instantly confirmed upon payment.
Please note: A 3% fee will be added to the deposit or total payment if made via PayPal, credit, or debit card to cover bank service charges.
Deposit Cancellation Terms:
If customers cancel some or all portions of their booking, regardless of the reason, the following cancellation fees will apply:
- 40 days or more before arrival: Full deposit refund.
- 39 – 30 days before arrival: 10% of the full payment will be charged.
- 29 – 15 days before arrival: 30% of the full payment will be charged.
- 14 – 7 days before arrival: 50% of the full payment will be charged.
- 6 – 2 days before arrival: 75% of the full payment will be charged.
- Less than 2 days before arrival: 100% of the full payment will be charged.
Travelers are good to know
Important notice when travel in Ha Noi
Hanoi is generally considered a safe city for travelers. However, as with any major urban area, it’s wise to stay vigilant to avoid common issues like pickpocketing. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Safety Tips
Keep Copies of Important Documents: Have photocopies of your passport, visa, and other important documents in case they get lost or stolen.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and markets.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep your valuables like passports, money, and electronics secure. Use a money belt or a crossbody bag that you can easily keep an eye on.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Don’t flaunt expensive items or large amounts of cash in public.
Use Reputable Services: Stick to well-known transportation services and tour operators. Be cautious when using street taxis or motorbike taxis; opt for reputable companies or apps.
Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets, especially at night.
Roaming and 4G 5G tourist vietnam sim card
Travelers should take precautions and arrange Tourist SIM card roaming at least one day before starting their Vietnam shore excursions. This will make it easier to stay in touch with your tour guide or the Lalatour tour manager via app or phone. Keep in mind that phone signal strength can sometimes be unreliable when using international roaming in Vietnam. For better connectivity, we recommend contacting us in advance to register for a 4G or 5G SIM card. We can send you a QR SIM card one day before your trip, which is easy to set up and provides better signal quality during your travels.
Food and Drink
Absolutely! Hanoi is renowned for its vibrant street food scene and rich historical legacy. Here’s a brief overview:
Street Food
Hanoi’s street food is legendary, offering a wide variety of flavors and dishes:
- Pho: is famous over the world that is Iconic noodle soup with beef or chicken, flavored with aromatic herbs and spices such “Pho Thin”, “Pho Khoi Hoi”…
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a savory dipping sauce. Former President of USA Obama and many famous people used to have “Bun Cha” in Ha Noi such “Lien huong”, “Hang Manh”.
- Banh Mi: is called national dish – Vietnamese baguette filled with a mix of meats, pickled vegetables, and condiments.People can eat “Banh Mi” every time within day (breakfast, lunch, dinner…)
- Nem Ran (Spring Rolls): Crispy rolls filled with meat, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles, often served with dipping sauce.
- La Vong grilled fish is one of the specialty fish cakes in Hanoi
Sidewalk cafe – an ancient Hanoi tradition
For a long time, drinking coffee has become a beautiful and indispensable cultural feature in the daily life of Hanoi people. The habit of enjoying coffee began to be introduced to Hanoi during the French colonial period. The first coffee shops appeared on the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake
When talking about old town coffee, we cannot help but mention Nhan, Nhi, Di, Giang, Lam coffee… Each coffee brand has its own unique flavor, making everyone enjoy it even once. must remember forever. Now that “Di” coffee is no longer available, it also causes regret for diners.
Cultural and history
Historical Overview
- Foundation and Early History: Hanoi was officially founded in 1010 by Emperor Ly Thai To, who renamed it Thang Long (“Ascending Dragon”). It became the capital of Vietnam under the Ly Dynasty and continued to be the political and cultural center through various dynasties.
- French Colonial Era: From the late 19th to early 20th centuries, Hanoi was under French colonial rule. This period introduced European-style architecture and urban planning, blending with traditional Vietnamese elements. Notable examples include the Hanoi Opera House and the Saint Joseph Cathedral.
- War and Independence: Hanoi was pivotal during the First Indochina War (1946–1954) and the Vietnam War (1955–1975). It became the capital of North Vietnam and later the unified capital of Vietnam after the end of the Vietnam War.
Cultural Highlights: Hanoi has rich cultural site such as Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Old Quarter, Ngoc Son Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi Hilton Prison Museum
Festivals:
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): The most important festival, celebrating the lunar new year with parades, traditional performances, and family gatherings.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated with lanterns, mooncakes, and cultural performances, it’s especially lively in the Old Quarter.
Traditional Arts:
- Water Puppetry: A traditional art form originating in the Red River Delta, featuring puppets performing on water.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Includes performances of Ca Tru (ceremonial singing) and other folk music reflecting Vietnam’s diverse ethnic heritage.
Facilities & Location Cai Lan Port – Tuan Chau Port
Cai Lan Port is a major deepwater port located in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. It serves as a gateway for cruise ships and cargo vessels, providing access to the region’s key destinations. Cai Lan Port is approximately 155 kilometers from Ha Noi and 10 km to Ha Long, making it a convenient entry point for visitors exploring Ha Noi.
In relation to Tuan Chau Port, another popular departure point for cruises around Ha Long Bay, Cai Lan Port is around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away. Tuan Chau is known for its luxury cruise terminals and is closer to many of the popular tourist spots within Ha Long Bay.
The proximity of Cai Lan Port to both Ha Long City and Tuan Chau makes it a strategic location for visitors wanting to explore the natural beauty and attractions of the region.
Transportation
Transportation options from Cai Lan Port – Tuan Chau Port are somewhat restricted. So it is hard to travelers do not have booking plan in advanced. The most convenient options include booking private transport. The journey from Cai Lan Port – Tuan Chau Port takes around an hour and 25 minutes to Ha Noi.
Shopping
There aren’t many shopping opportunities directly at the cruise terminal, but once you reach Ha Noi, the bustling “Dong Xuan Market” or “night walking Market” is a popular destination for locals.
Another famous for shopping center are Lotte center, Aeon Mall, Vincome plaza…
Hanoi famous with Hanoi’s bustling 36 streets (Old Quarter). Each street sell particular good such as “Hang Vai” sell bamboo, “Hang Gai” sell silk products. There are very interesting experience to walk and buy some souvenir in Old Quarter
Ha Noi also features open-air markets and walkable shopping areas such “Hom market”, “Phung hung market”, offering a relaxed shopping experience. It’s a great time to pick up souvenirs for your family during your Ha Noi Shore Excursions.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money
The official currency in Vietnam is the dong (VND) change is recommended for purchasing souvenirs. ATMs are available at Vietcombank branches in Ha Noi. It’s advisable to exchange your money before beginning your Hanoi bay Shore Excursions.
or go to exchange at Ha Trung street
Language
Vietnamese is the official language, and almost old and mid-age, car driver people are not good speak another languages. So Requried Tour guide in English, or others that is comfortable and making it easier for international visitors during their Ha Noi Shore Excursions.
Or You should prepare to translator device or Google translate app that is good to communicate with local people