Private Tour: Hanoi City Tour Including Water Puppet Show and Cyclo Ride

In the afternoon, we set off on a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, an experience that offered a charming and intimate look at the city’s daily life - the rain couldn't stop us! Sitting back in the cyclo as it weaved through narrow streets, we watched vendors setting up stalls, scooters flowing past like organised chaos, and locals going about their routines with effortless rhythm. The ride was both relaxing and immersive - slow enough to take in every detail, yet lively enough to capture the true spirit of the Old Quarter. Our guide, Mr T, added humour and insight throughout, pointing out hidden gems, sharing stories of Hanoi’s history, and keeping us laughing the entire way. We continued to Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Ngọc Sơn Temple, a serene contrast to the bustling streets. The temple, perched on a small island in the middle of the lake, offered peaceful views and a moment of reflection before the evening’s entertainment. The day concluded with the famous Water Puppet Show, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. The performance was wonderfully quirky - colourful wooden puppets dancing across the water, accompanied by live musicians playing traditional instruments. The humour, storytelling and craftsmanship made it unlike anything we had seen before. Mr T’s explanations beforehand helped us appreciate the cultural significance and made the show even more enjoyable. We returned to our hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi, grateful for a day filled with culture, laughter and exceptional guiding from Mr T - a standout highlight of our time in the city.

Doung was a very knowledgeable guide, extremely passionate about her country. The sites were compelling.

My friend and I had the best time on this tour. Ant was amazing and gave us a delicious and unforgettable experience of Hanoi City! It was one of our favorite nights of the trip. This is a must do in Hanoi... Especially if Ant is your guide!

Our journey through this eclectic city filled with colorful surprises! The local cuisine promises a sensory delight that enchanted our taste buds. Embrace the thrill, savor every moment, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this dynamic and vibrant destination!

Indulging in the captivating ambiance of Mango was an absolute delight! The impeccable service, warm company, and welcoming atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience. Roaming through the vibrant market stands out as a cherished memory, offering an enriching glimpse into diverse culinary traditions. Savoring the decadent Vietnamese egg coffee was a delightful surprise that added an extra layer of charm to the day. The general experience was downright staggering.

The experience lived up to its advertised promises, with a generous and knowledgeable guide leading the way. The lunch provided was enjoyable, adding to the overall experience. However, when competing with other groups, the guide's strained voice made it difficult to hear. To address this, I suggest providing more information while in transit or outside venues, where there's less ambient noise. Despite this minor issue, the tour provided a very comprehensive introduction to Hanoi, and I came away with a deeper understanding of the city.

The young female guide was truly excellent, possessing a commendable command of English and a wealth of knowledge that made our tour engaging and informative. We were fortunate to witness the changing of the guard at the mausoleum, explore Ho Chi Minh's residence and government buildings, and admire the vintage cars he once used. Additionally, our itinerary included visits to the university, temples, and a nearby art gallery, providing a well-rounded cultural experience. To cap off our day, we enjoyed a delightful Vietnamese meal at a charming restaurant near St. Peter's Church in the Old Quarter, conveniently close to my hotel.

We had a fantastic guide who not only ensured we saw all the key sights but also went above and beyond by assisting us with changing hotels—an example of excellent service! The Temple of Literature left us in awe with its impressive architecture and history. However, our experiences at the 'Hanoi Hilton' and War Museum were less impactful. Understandably, historical presentations often reflect the perspective of the victors, and this was noticeable during our visit. Nevertheless, considering the immense suffering endured by the Vietnamese during the 'American War,' this bias is understandable.

It sounds like you had a fantastic experience with Mr. Khoi as your tour guide, complemented by the excellent service from Angie at the agency. Your tour in the city began with a street tour, where Mr. Khoi showed great attention to hygiene and took you to only the finest places, with Banh Mi 25 being a standout highlight. The following day, you embarked on a classic tour that included some of the most iconic sites in the area. Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Museum of Ethnology provided a deep dive into the rich history and culture of Vietnam. Lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, known for its five-spice dishes, sounds like it was a delightful culinary experience. The day was perfectly concluded with a cyclo tour, offering a unique and enjoyable way to see the city. It's great to hear that the tour was well-organized, with no hidden rules or surprises, and that everyone involved had a clear understanding of each other. Your positive review of Mr. Khoi and Angie's services surely makes them highly recommended choices for anyone planning a similar tour.

An absolutely phenomenal tour with Huong from Bravo Indochina as our guide. Her thoughtful gestures, such as surprising us with delightful coffee and coconut pancake stops, and providing refreshingly cool, lemongrass-scented face towels, elevated our experience. The fancy lunch was a delightful treat, and throughout it all, Huong's extensive knowledge and excellent command of English were evident. Her expertise and attentiveness made our trip memorable.