A Relaxed First Look at Hanoi
We started our time in Hanoi with a one hour open top bus tour, often called the 60 minute loop. Each ticket cost VND150,000 (≈ MYR22/USD6/EUR5). The bus followed a smooth circular route with no stops, which gave us an easy and stress free way to see the city while listening to the audio guide and enjoying the open views.
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
Our journey began at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square near Hoan Kiem Lake. The square felt like the heart of the city, full of people, street activity, cafés, and shops. It was a lively place where locals and visitors naturally gathered.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
We soon passed St. Joseph’s Cathedral, one of Hanoi’s most famous buildings. The large Gothic church stood out with its twin towers, stone walls, and tall arched windows. The area around it was busy with cafés and small streets.
The Old Quarter
Next, we entered the Old Quarter, the oldest and busiest part of Hanoi. The narrow streets were packed with motorbikes, shops, and street vendors. Many streets were named after old trades, showing how life had continued here for centuries.
Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
We then passed Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The wide open space felt formal and calm. The simple and strong building reflected its importance in Vietnam’s modern history.
The Presidential Palace
Nearby, we saw the Presidential Palace. The large yellow building stood behind trees and iron gates. Its quiet setting gave it a graceful and dignified feel.
West Lake and Thanh Nien Road
After passing Quan Thanh Temple, we crossed West Lake along Thanh Nien Road. Water stretched out on both sides, creating a peaceful break from the busy city. The bus made a U turn and crossed back again, letting us enjoy the lake views twice.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Along the lakeside, we passed Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Its tall red tower and calm setting by the water made it one of the most beautiful sights on the route.
Kinh Thien Palace Area
We then moved past the area of Kinh Thien Palace, once the center of an ancient royal complex. Even with only parts remaining, the site still felt rich in history.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Nearby, we passed the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its old gates and walls reflected Hanoi’s long and layered past.
Temple of Literature
Later in the journey, we passed the Temple of Literature. As Vietnam’s first national university, it stood as a symbol of education, knowledge, and tradition, with peaceful courtyards and historic gates.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
We also passed the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, a cultural space that shared the stories, roles, and daily lives of women throughout Vietnam’s history.
One Hour Ride: Quick Recap
During the one hour loop, we saw Hanoi’s lively city center, historic churches, busy old streets, important government areas, peaceful lakes, ancient pagodas, royal sites, and cultural museums. It was a smooth mix of daily life, history, nature, and tradition—all from one comfortable ride.
A Simple Way to See the City
The full loop took about an hour, with buses running every 30 minutes. It was an easy way to see many key landmarks without long walks or planning. From the open top, we enjoyed fresh air, wide views, and a clear introduction to Hanoi.
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