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Popular double-decker sightseeing bus tour visiting famous spots in Hanoi, Vietnam ~ the very cute red Hop On Hop Off Hanoi City Tour ~

2026.07.09   4,775PV


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\r\n Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a historic city with a nostalgic atmosphere. Many tourist attractions are concentrated in the Old Quarter area.\r\n

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\r\n However, the attractions are fairly spread out and far apart, so it can be a bit difficult to cover them on foot. For getting around Hanoi’s sights, we recommend the eye-catching and very cute red double-decker sightseeing bus, “Hop On Hop Off Hanoi City Tour.”\r\n

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\r\n In this article, we’ll share plenty of information about the Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus, recommended for those who want to see Hanoi’s highlights efficiently and comfortably.\r\n

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\r\n Make good, efficient use of the Hop On Hop Off Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus and enjoy views of Hanoi from a perspective different from your usual one. It’s a fun sightseeing bus that makes a full loop around the city’s highlights. You might discover something new you hadn’t noticed before!
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\r\nFeatures of the Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus\r\n\r\n

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\r\n Source: Official website Hop on Hop off Vietnam\r\n

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\r\n The key feature of this bus is that you can freely get on and off at all 13 stops on the route.\r\n

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\r\n Get off at the stop for the place you want to see, visit the attraction, and then simply hop on the next bus that comes — it’s a great system.\r\n

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\r\n Then repeat by getting off again at the next stop to look around.\r\n

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\r\n Being able to move at your own pace and choose where you want to go makes for very efficient sightseeing.
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\r\n Structure of the red double-decker bus\r\n

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\r\n Source: Official website Hop on Hop off Vietnam
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\r\n The red color of the bus really stands out, so you can spot it quickly at the departure point or around town. The vehicle’s design is very stylish!\r\n

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\r\n Once aboard, there are seats on the first and second floors. As a double-decker, it has plenty of seats. Seating is unassigned, so sit wherever you like.\r\n

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\r\n The first-floor seats are air-conditioned! If you’re sensitive to heat or plan to get on and off the bus many times, the first-floor seats are recommended.\r\n

 

The seats on the second floor are elevated, so you get a great view from above. Seeing from a different vantage point makes the scenery look different from usual and really lifts your spirits. You can feel great even before departure.

Very convenient audio guide system

 


Source: Official website Hop on Hop off Vietnam

 

On this bus, you can listen to an “audio guide” for each sightseeing spot! Each seat is equipped with a panel for the audio guide system, which is very convenient.

They lend you dedicated earphones, so you can wear them and sightsee while listening to the audio guide.

What’s even more impressive is that it supports 12 languages! It’s great that they’re well prepared to accommodate visitors from all over the world.

Of course, Japanese is fully supported as well.

You can also borrow a non la (Vietnam’s traditional conical hat)!

 

Moreover, on this bus you can borrow Vietnam’s iconic non la (traditional conical hat).

Ride the bus wearing a non la and visit Hanoi’s famous sightseeing spots to instantly feel the Vietnam vibe. When viewing from the second-floor seats, we recommend sightseeing with a non la on.
 

Where to buy tickets for the Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus

One thing to note when boarding the sightseeing bus is that the ticket booths differ between weekdays and weekends.

 

Also, the place where you purchase your ticket will be the starting boarding point. When buying, be sure to confirm whether you will ride on a weekday or on the weekend before purchasing your ticket.
 

On weekdays, buy at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square【Quảng trường Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục】

Weekday ticket purchase and bus stop: Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square

 

On weekdays from Monday to Friday, buy your sightseeing bus tickets at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square.

 

The ticket booth is a cute red building along Hoan Kiem Lake in the square.

 

The boarding point and the start of the sightseeing route are also at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square.

 

Address

7 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Map

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

 

On weekends, purchase near the Hanoi Opera House【Hanoi Opera House】

Ticket purchase and bus stop on weekends :Near the Hanoi Opera House

 

On Saturdays and Sundays, buy sightseeing bus tickets near the Hanoi Opera House.

 

There is a red ticket booth here as a landmark, so it’s easy to find.

 

The bus boarding point and the start of the sightseeing route are also near the Hanoi Opera House.

 

Address

1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Map

Hanoi Opera House

 

Ticket prices for the Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus

 

There are several types of bus tickets; please buy the one that suits your schedule.

 

Each ticket type has a time limit, but you can still hop on and off freely!

 

「Daily City Tour」

4-hour ticket

300,000VND(Japanese yen approx. 1,800 yen)

1-day (24-hour) ticket

450,000VND(Japanese yen approx. 2,700 yen)

2-day (48-hour) ticket

650,000VND(Japanese yen approx. 3,900 yen)

 

Bus operating hours are 8:30-17:00, with departures every 30 minutes.

There’s even a night bus tour!

 

The sightseeing bus tour also offers a night city tour called “Night City Tour.”

 

Recommended for those who prefer not to go out during the hot daytime… The nighttime darkness and lighting create a lovely atmosphere for Hanoi’s night views.

 

On this night tour, you cannot get on or off at stops along the way. It is a ride-only loop tour.

 

「Night City Tour」

Loop ticket

150,000VND(Japanese yen approx. 900 yen)

 

Buses depart every 30 minutes between 17:30 and 21:30. The ride takes about 50 minutes.

 

Operating route of the Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus


Source: Official website Hop on Hop off Vietnam

 

It thoroughly covers Hanoi’s famous spots, from the Old Quarter to the West Lake area.

 

Looking at the map, you can see the sightseeing area is quite extensive.

 

Of the 13 stops, here are some recommended attractions we especially suggest visiting.

 

② Stop Hanoi Cathedral【St. Joseph's Cathedral】

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a landmark standing on the west side of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake. Its presence is overwhelming.

 

The interior of the church is open to visitors, and the beauty of the stained glass said to have been imported from Venice, Italy, is captivating. In its dreamy and solemn atmosphere, you may find yourself losing track of time.

 

At the front of the square stands a statue of Mary, as if watching over the city of Hanoi.

 

Address

40 P. Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 

Hours

8:00 AM~11:00 AM 

2:00 PM~5:00 PM

Closed

None

Admission

Free

 

③ Stop Vietnam Military History Museum【Vietnam Miltary History Museum】

 

The Vietnam Military History Museum is a compelling museum that offers a clear understanding of the history of the Vietnamese military. It displays many weapons, bombs, and other artifacts used during the Vietnam War.

 

You can also visit the dignified brick-built Flag Tower. This tower is part of the walls of the former Hanoi Citadel.

 

Learning about the history of the country you visit is a precious opportunity, so be sure to stop by.

 

Address

28A Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Hours

8:00 a.m.~11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.~4:30 p.m.

Closed days

Mondays and Fridays

Admission

Adults: 40,000VND (approx. 240 JPY)

Children: 20,000VND (approx. 120 JPY)

 

④ Stop: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum【Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum】

 

The remains of former President Ho Chi Minh—revered as the founding father and cornerstone of Vietnam—are preserved in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

 

The marble mausoleum, shaped like a lotus flower, is so beautiful you could gaze at it forever.

 

People from all over Vietnam come here to pay their respects, so it is always crowded. It’s best to visit right at opening time.

 

There is strict security screening at the entrance. Photography is prohibited, and cameras can be checked. In addition, entry is not permitted if you are wearing revealing clothing.

 

Closed for renovations from June to August 2024. It closes every year around this time for maintenance.

 

Address

1 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Opening hours

【April–October】7:30 a.m.~10:30 a.m. (until 11:00 a.m. on Sat, Sun, and public holidays)

【November–March】8:00 a.m.~11:00 a.m. (8:30 a.m.~11:30 a.m. on Sat, Sun, and public holidays)

Closed days

Mondays and Fridays

Fee

Free

 

Stop 6: Tran Quoc Pagoda (鎮国寺)【Quan Thanh Temple】


Source: Google Map

 

Tran Quoc Pagoda, standing on the shore of West (Tay) Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Vietnam. Various deities such as Shakyamuni and bodhisattvas are enshrined here.

 

Viewed from the lakeside, the 15-meter-tall stupa together with the surrounding greenery creates a scene that “looks just like a painting,” making it a popular sightseeing spot in Vietnam.

 

It’s also lovely to ride a pedal swan boat and take a stroll on the waters of West Lake.

 

Address

46 Đ. Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội

Hours

7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Closed days

None

Fee

Free

 

Stop 8: Thang Long Ruins【Thang Long Imperial Citadel】

 

The Thang Long ruins were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2010; they are the remains of a citadel where you can feel the grandeur of successive dynasties.

 

This complex of ruins was discovered in 2002 and has since become one of Hanoi’s most popular attractions. Spanning 900 years from the 11th to the 19th centuries, it is an important site for telling the history of the capital that once stood here, with many highlights to see.

 

You can climb up to the Đoan Môn Gate. The panoramic view over the site is spectacular.

 

Many people visit to take important commemorative photos such as graduation, family, and wedding pictures, making the place lively.

 

Address

19c Hoàng Diệu, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Hours

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Closed days

None

Admission

70,000VND(approx. 420 JPY)

 

⑩ Stop: Hoa Lo Prison【Hoa Lo Prison Relic】

 

Hoa Lo Prison was built by the French during the late 19th-century colonial period and is said to have held more than 2,000 prisoners at times.

 

Much of the site was rebuilt for redevelopment, and today the central part of the building is preserved as a museum.

 

Its quiet presence in the city center evokes the history of the time and gives the place a somewhat solemn atmosphere.

 

Address

1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Hours

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Closed days

None

Fee

50,000VND (approx. 300 JPY)

 

Stop 11: Vietnam Women's Museum【Vietnamise Women's Museum】


Source: Official website Vietnamise Women's Museum

 

The Vietnam Women's Museum focuses on women living in Vietnam and provides a detailed introduction to the roles and achievements of Vietnamese women throughout history.

 

It presents the roles of women in Vietnamese households and women in history through numerous exhibits and materials.

 

The charm of Vietnamese women abounds in this museum!

 

Address

36 P. Lý Thường Kiệt, Hàng Bài, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Hours

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Closed days

None

Admission

30,000VND(approx. 180 JPY)

 

Stop 12: Hanoi Opera House【Hanoi Opera House】

 

The Hanoi Opera House is an opera house in the heart of Hanoi that retains the colonial style from the French period and stands as a symbol of the city. It is a historic building with a beautiful yet powerful presence.

 

Spending an elegant time at the Opera House while enjoying classical concerts, plays, and operas is also recommended.

 

On days when there are performances at the theater, the building is illuminated from around 7 p.m., creating a dreamy atmosphere. This is also well worth seeing.

 

Address

1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Opening hours

Vary by performance

 

⑬ Stop: Hanoi Post Office【Hanoi Post Office】

 

At first glance it looks like an old hotel, but this building is the Hanoi Post Office. Inside, it is very spacious, clean, and comfortable!

 

A highlight here is that you can easily purchase Vietnam-themed stamps and postcards. It would be lovely to send a postcard to close friends in Japan!

 

Address

6 P. Đinh Lễ, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

Opening hours

8:00 a.m.~12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.~6:00 p.m.

Closed days

Saturday and Sunday

 

Lastly


Source: Official website Hop on Hop off Vietnam

 

As introduced above, the Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus lets you visit Hanoi's attractions to your heart's content, so it's a bus tour you can enjoy with a very fulfilling itinerary!

 

Even if you don't get on and off and just stay on the bus watching the scenery, you can spend a pleasant time, so you can enjoy it in your own way.

 

If you have time to spare, first do one loop by bus to get a feel for the atmosphere and how things are, then hop on and off at the spots you want to visit… it seems you can really make full use of the Hanoi City Tour sightseeing bus.

 

Be sure to make good use of it for your Hanoi sightseeing!

Author of this article

Editor of Gurutto Vietnam