Hanoi Cyclo City Tour Including Water Puppet Show and Hotel Pickup

Start out with a 1-hour cyclo tour from your hotel to see Hanoi's highlights. Board a cyclo, a type of bicycle taxi pedaled by a driver behind you — and enjoy unobstructed views, perfect for snapping photos during the ride. Proceed to the Hanoi Opera House in the French Quarter, located in central Hanoi and erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911. Just a few steps away stands the Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel, considered the Grand Dame of Southeast Asia, beckoning guests with unmatched colonial grandeur and timeless elegance. Here, you'll experience the opulence of another era.

Next, venture to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), named in the 15th century. See the Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi, home to many must-see sights. Ride at a relaxed pace through some of the 36 tree-shaded streets of this historic district.

Exchange your seat on the cyclo for a seat at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to watch a 1-hour puppet show. The quintessential Vietnamese art of water puppetry uses a complex system of underwater poles, rods, and strings to bring these elaborate puppets to life. Puppeteers bring magic to the water’s surface as they spin tales of Vietnamese legends including knights on horseback, princesses, unicorns, and fire-breathing sea dragons. Your tour ends at the theater, leaving you to plan your return transfer accordingly.