Ha Long is well-known for its stunning seascapes and towering limestone karsts, but the city itself offers plenty to explore beyond the water. While many travelers come for the famous Bay cruises, there’s a surprising variety of city-focused tours that reveal local life, history, and culture. Our favorites include options that range from a private day trip to Hanoi to relaxed hop-on hop-off sightseeing, each providing a different way to experience Ha Long’s urban charm. For example, the Ha Long: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a flexible, budget-friendly way to see the city’s highlights at your own pace.
If you’re docking in Ha Long and only have a day, the private tour to Hanoi (from HaLong cruise Port: Private tour visit Hanoi city) makes it possible to explore Vietnam’s capital without stress. Or, if you prefer a guided deep dive into local life and landmarks, the half-day guided tour (Halong City: Half-Day Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup) brings you to cultural hotspots and scenic views, perfect for a quick but enriching experience. For those who want a more adventurous perspective, the Jeep city tour (Hanoi: Half–Day Jeep City Tour) offers a vintage ride through alleyways and neighborhoods — a fun way to see Hanoi’s charm from a different angle.
Below, you’ll find detailed insights into each of these excellent options, helping you decide which fits your interests, time, and budget.
1. From HaLong cruise Port: Private tour visit Hanoi city
At number 1, the private tour to Hanoi stands out for its flexibility and personalized approach. If you’re arriving to Ha Long via cruise and want to make the most of your limited time ashore, this is a highly practical choice. The tour is customizable to meet your group’s expectations and includes pick-up and drop-off directly at Ha Long International Cruise Port. The driver and guide will tailor the day to your interests, whether that’s visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, exploring the bustling Old Quarter, or discovering historic landmarks like the One Pillar Pagoda. The highlight is knowing you’ll be back on time—cruise schedules are strict, and this tour ensures you won’t miss the boat.
This experience costs around $177 per person and has received a perfect 5/5 rating from three reviews, emphasizing its reliability and personalized service. It’s ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, private experience with a focus on convenience and customization. The tour’s main appeal is its ability to give you a full day exploring Hanoi without the stress of organizing transportation or timing.
Bottom Line: If your cruise schedule is tight but you still want an in-depth visit to Hanoi, this private tour is worth the splurge for its flexibility and peace of mind.
2. Hanoi Full-Day City Group Tour with Lunch and Guide
Number 2 on our list offers a comprehensive group experience at a very reasonable price—just $45 per person. This full-day tour covers the core sights of Hanoi with an expert guide, ensuring you gain insight into the city’s rich culture and history. You’ll start with the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi, then move on to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda. The Ethnology Museum provides a fascinating look at Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, adding depth to your understanding of the country.
Included is a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring 8 different local dishes, offering a taste of authentic cuisine. The tour also visits the Hoa Lo Prison, commonly called the “Hanoi Hilton,” to learn about Vietnam’s complex history. The small-group setting ensures a more intimate experience, and reviews highlight the quality of guides who make the history come alive.
This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a structured, educational experience with all the key sights covered in one day. The price includes lunch, making it a great value.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want an engaging overview of Hanoi’s top landmarks without breaking the bank.
3. Hanoi: Half-Day Jeep City Tour, Landmarks & Local Food
Number 3 brings a fun, vintage twist to city touring with the half-day Jeep tour. For around $65 per person, you’ll ride a vintage Vietnam Army Jeep, exploring Hanoi’s hidden alleyways, iconic landmarks, and local neighborhoods. This tour offers a hands-on experience that captures the city’s authentic daily life, taking you to spots often missed on traditional bus tours.
Highlights include visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Train Street, and lesser-known local areas. Along the way, you’ll enjoy authentic Vietnamese food and famous egg coffee, a must-try local specialty. You can choose to do the tour in the morning, afternoon, or evening, which provides flexibility depending on your schedule.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a small-group, immersive experience with a bit of adventure. The reviews note how fun and informative the experience is, especially for those eager to see Hanoi from a different perspective.
Bottom Line: A lively, memorable way to explore Hanoi’s sights and tastes, especially if you enjoy a bit of excitement and authenticity.
4. Hanoi: 3 Day – Hanoi City Tour – Lan Ha Bay 5 Star Cruise & Balcony
Number 4 is a luxurious three-day adventure combining Hanoi city highlights with a five-star cruise in Lan Ha Bay. For $401 per person, this tour offers an elegant balance of cultural sightseeing and relaxing time on the water. It includes visits to famous destinations from Ha Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay, along with activities such as kayaking, swimming, and a sunset party onboard.
The cruise features great Vietnamese and Western dishes, including options for vegetarians, with onboard hospitality and scenic viewing from the balcony. During the trip, you’ll enjoy a cooking class, relax on the sundeck, and even go night fishing. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a more comfortable, in-depth experience that combines land and sea.
Rated 4.7/5 from six reviews, guests appreciate the comprehensive itinerary and luxury experience. This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a mix of culture, comfort, and adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a luxury, multi-day escape that combines city sights with a scenic cruise, ideal for special occasions or those indulging in a longer stay.
5. Ha Long: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Number 5 offers a budget-friendly, flexible way to explore Ha Long city at your own pace. For just $19, you get a one-day pass on a hop-on hop-off bus with multilingual audio commentary. The route covers key spots like Sun World Halong Complex, Ha Long Market, and the Ha Long Flower Park—vital for a quick overview of the city’s sights.
This tour is best suited for independent travelers who prefer to explore on their own schedule. It’s convenient, with both mobile and printed vouchers accepted, making it easy to hop on or off throughout the day. The reviews mention that the audio commentary adds valuable context, and the ability to visit multiple attractions for one price is a smart way to maximize your time.
This tour’s strength lies in its low cost and flexibility, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer a self-guided experience.
Bottom Line: A practical, easy way to get an overview of Ha Long’s main attractions without committing to a full guided tour.
$19 per person
6. Halong City: Half-Day Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup
Number 6 offers a half-day guided experience for $54 per person. It covers cultural landmarks, with hotel pickup included. You’ll drive across the Bai Chay Bridge for sweeping views and visit the Bai Tho Mountain for panoramic vistas of Ha Long Bay. The tour also takes you into the city market and a local seafood market, giving a glimpse into daily life.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a compact but insightful look at Ha Long’s cityscape and local culture. The reviews note a friendly guide and well-paced itinerary, ideal if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful introduction.
It’s a good choice if you prefer a small-group setting with a mix of sightseeing and culture, without the full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: A practical, well-rounded half-day tour perfect for travelers wanting to see the highlights and experience local life.
$54 per person
How to Choose the Right City Tour in Ha Long
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re short on time or arriving by cruise, the private Hanoi visit (from HaLong cruise Port) provides a hassle-free full day. For a budget-friendly overview, the hop-on hop-off bus (Ha Long: City Sightseeing) allows flexible exploration.
Travelers seeking a more immersive experience might enjoy the Jeep tour (Hanoi: Half–Day Jeep City), which combines sightseeing with food and fun. If you prefer a luxury experience, the 3-day cruise (Lan Ha Bay Cruise) offers scenic relaxation and cultural activities. Lastly, if you want a quick cultural fix, the half-day guided tour (Halong City: Half-Day Guided) hits many highlights efficiently.
Consider your budget, time available, and interest in local culture or scenery. Booking early is advisable, especially for the longer or private tours, to secure your preferred schedule.
Final thoughts
Ha Long offers a variety of city tours that suit different travel styles and interests. Whether you prefer a luxury cruise, an adventure-filled Jeep ride, or a budget-friendly hop-on hop-off experience, there’s a tour that fits your needs. For cruise passengers, the private Hanoi day trip is a standout for its convenience. Budget travelers will appreciate the affordable hop-on hop-off bus, while those seeking a more personalized or adventurous experience might prefer the Jeep tour.
No matter which option you choose, booking in advance will help ensure you make the most of your time in this fascinating corner of Vietnam. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to explore beyond the water—Ha Long’s city streets and cultural sites have plenty to offer.