Hanoi City Tour by Double Decker Bus: The Best Way to Explore the Capital

If you are visiting Vietnam’s capital for the first time, planning a Hanoi city tour can feel overwhelming. The city is rich in history, packed with landmarks, and famous for its vibrant street life. That’s why the Hanoi city tour bus has become one of the most convenient ways to explore the city, especially for travelers with limited time.

If you only have one day or a short layover, the double decker bus Hanoi offers comfort, flexibility, and panoramic views. Let’s explore!

What Is the Hop On Hop Off Bus in Vietnam?

The hop on hop off bus in Hanoi Vietnam is a sightseeing service that follows a fixed circular route connecting major attractions. Your ticket allows unlimited boarding within a set time period.

You can:

• Stay on board for the entire 60-90 minute loop
• Get off at any official stop to explore
• Rejoin the next bus using the same ticket

This makes it one of the most flexible Hanoi day tours, allowing travelers to customize their sightseeing pace without booking multiple separate tours.

Why Choose a Hanoi City Tour by Double Decker Bus?

Hanoi is vibrant and historic, but navigating its busy streets can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. A double decker bus Hanoi experience offers a relaxed and panoramic way to explore the capital from above. From the open top deck, you enjoy 360-degree city views while listening to multilingual audio commentary that explains the history and cultural significance of each landmark.

Double Decker Bus for Hanoi Tour

This type of Hanoi city tour is particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want a clear overview of the city, families traveling with children, senior travelers who prefer minimal walking, couples on a short stay, and business travelers with limited time. Rather than booking multiple small excursions, you can choose a flexible Hanoi city tour 1 day option that efficiently covers the essential highlights.

Main Attractions Covered in the Hanoi City Tour

Key stops typically include:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace: the political heart of Vietnam and an essential site for understanding modern Vietnamese history.
• Temple of Literature: the country’s first national university and a symbol of traditional education and Confucian heritage.
• Hanoi Opera House: an elegant example of French colonial architecture in the city’s historic French Quarter.
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral: a neo-Gothic landmark reflecting European influence in Hanoi’s old town.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: the cultural and spiritual center of the city, surrounded by the lively Old Quarter.
• Long Bien Bridge: a historic Red River bridge offering insight into Hanoi’s colonial and wartime past.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake: a peaceful contrast to the busy city center, showcasing Hanoi’s Buddhist heritage and scenic lake views.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

From the upper deck of the Hanoi city tour bus, you gain elevated panoramic views that are perfect for photography and for understanding how the Old Quarter, French Quarter, lakes, and government district connect within the urban landscape.

Ticket Prices

The ticket price for the Hanoi city tour bus ranges from approximately 150,000 to 650,000 VND per ticket, depending on the selected validity:

• 1 full loop (about 60 minutes): around 150,000 VND
• 4-hour ticket: approximately 200,000 – 300,000 VND
• 24-hour and 48-hour tickets: higher rates, offering maximum flexibility

Children under 6 years old are typically free of charge. With flexible durations and reasonable pricing, the double decker bus Hanoi tour offers strong value for travelers looking for an efficient and comfortable way to explore the capital.

Hanoi City Tour Bus Timetable

The Hanoi city tour bus timetable usually runs daily from morning until late afternoon. Most buses operate approximately every 30-60 minutes, depending on the season.

Bus Timetable

Operating hours typically start around 9:00 AM and continue until 5:00–6:00 PM. Because schedules may change during public holidays or peak seasons, it is recommended to confirm departure times in advance.

Travel Tips Before Booking

Planning ahead will help you get the most value and comfort from your Hanoi city tour experience. Below are practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Choose a Morning Departure

Hanoi can become hot and humid, especially from May to September. Booking a morning departure helps you avoid intense midday heat and heavy traffic. Morning tours also provide softer lighting, which is ideal for photography from the upper deck of the double decker bus Hanoi.

Sit on the Upper Deck for the Best Views

For panoramic views and great photos, the open-air top deck is highly recommended. You will enjoy unobstructed 360-degree perspectives of Hanoi’s landmarks.

Sit on the Upper Deck

However, remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially on sunny days. If the weather is very hot or rainy, the covered lower deck offers a more comfortable alternative.

Check the Weather Forecast in Advance

Weather conditions can significantly affect your experience. On clear days, visibility from the top deck is excellent. On rainy days, sightseeing may be less enjoyable. Checking the forecast before booking your Hanoi city tour bus ticket allows you to plan for optimal conditions.

Temperature in Hanoi

Bring Water and Light Snacks

Although the tour itself may not be long, staying hydrated is important, especially during summer months. Bringing a small bottle of water and light snacks ensures comfort, particularly if you plan to hop off and explore multiple stops.

Confirm the Hanoi City Tour Bus Timetable

The Hanoi city tour bus timetable may vary slightly depending on the season or public holidays. Before arriving at the departure point, confirm operating hours and frequency to avoid unnecessary waiting time. During peak travel season (October to April), booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Plan Your Stops in Advance

Before boarding the Hanoi city tour bus, take a few minutes to review the route map and identify which attractions you would like to explore in depth. Since the hop on hop off bus follows a fixed circular route, knowing your priority stops helps you manage your time efficiently. If you plan to visit sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or Temple of Literature, check their opening hours as well.

Final Thoughts

A Hanoi city tour by double decker bus offers a stress-free way to explore Vietnam’s capital. It combines comfort, flexibility, and cultural insight. Whether you are on a short business trip or beginning your Vietnam journey, this city tour Hanoi experience helps you understand the capital’s layout, history, and highlights in just one day.

Ready to discover Hanoi from above? Book your Hanoi city tour today and enjoy the city in the most comfortable way possible.