About this experience
This hop-on hop-off bus tour around Hanoi provides you with a convenient and flexible way to explore famous landmarks and attractions, including the Hanoi Cathedral, Bach Ma Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Hanoi Opera House. The tour covers multiple stops, allowing you to explore the capital of Vietnam at your own pace. With audio guides available in multiple languages, you can learn about its rich history and culture as you travel.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
- 1
Stop 1 – Frog Flower Garden
A pleasant green space that marks the start of the Red Route loop.
- 2
Stop 2 – Hanoi Post Office
A landmark colonial-era building in the heart of the city; note this stop is not available on Friday afternoons, Saturdays or Sundays.
- 3
Stop 3 – Hanoi Cathedral
St Joseph's Cathedral is one of Hanoi's most recognisable French colonial structures, built in the late 19th century.
- 4
Stop 4 – Military History Museum
Home to an extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits tracing Vietnam's military history.
- 5
Stop 5 – Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political centre of Vietnam for over a thousand years.
- 6
Stop 6 – Quan Thanh Temple
One of Hanoi's four guardian temples, dating back to the 11th century and dedicated to the God of the North.
- 7
Stop 7 – Tran Quoc Pagoda
Hanoi's oldest pagoda, set on a small island in West Lake with a striking multi-tiered tower.
- 8
Stop 8 – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The monumental resting place of Vietnam's founding leader, set within a large ceremonial square.
- 9
Stop 9 – Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, and one of the best-preserved historic complexes in Hanoi.
- 10
Stop 10 – Hoa Lo Prison
The former colonial-era prison, known to American POWs as the 'Hanoi Hilton', now a sobering museum.
- 11
Stop 11 – Hanoi Cathedral
A second stop near the cathedral, useful for accessing the Old Quarter on foot.
- 12
Stop 12 – Vietnam Women's Museum
A thoughtfully curated museum celebrating the role of Vietnamese women in history and society.
- 13
Stop 13 – Hanoi Opera House
The grand French-colonial opera house that anchors the eastern end of the route and the city's cultural district.
Hop on and off at any stop along the route.
Meeting point
Hanoi Post Office, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, French Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
You can board at any designated stop along the Red Route — there is no fixed starting point. The Hanoi Post Office stop serves as the main reference point, but note it is closed to boarding on Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays. Show your mobile ticket to the bus staff when boarding.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Mobile ticket (no print-out needed)
- Sun protection for the open-top deck
- Water, especially in warmer months
Know before you go
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Your ticket is delivered to your mobile device and can be shown on screen when you board. No print-out is required.
When does my ticket start — from the time I book, or when I first board?
Your ticket validity begins from the moment you first hop on the bus, not from the time of booking. This gives you flexibility over when you start your day.
Can children travel for free?
Children under 6 travel free of charge. However, they will not be allocated a seat and will need to sit on a parent or guardian's lap.
Is the Hanoi Post Office stop always available?
No. The Hanoi Post Office stop (Stop 2) is not available on Friday afternoons, Saturdays or Sundays. On those days, board at any other stop along the Red Route.
Will there be a live English-speaking guide on board?
An English-speaking live guide is not guaranteed — availability varies. All buses carry a multilingual audio guide, which provides commentary on the route and its landmarks.
How often do buses run, and what are the operating hours?
Departure times and bus frequency can vary. Check the City Sightseeing official website for up-to-date route maps, stop times and daily operating hours before you travel.
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City Sightseeing
City Sightseeing is a global hop-on hop-off bus operator running open-top double-decker tours in over 100 cities worldwide, known for consistent routes, multilingual audio guides and flexible ticketing.