During weekends or short vacations, if you decide to explore Hanoi, why not try the experience of a double-decker bus to discover a completely new Hanoi?
What do you know about the double-decker bus?
Double-decker buses are popular means of transportation in tourist cities worldwide. Double-decker buses typically have a capacity of up to 80 people and are designed with two levels. The first level is similar to a regular bus, while the second level is designed as an open space, allowing passengers to enjoy the view outside. However, this type of tourism has only appeared in Vietnam in recent years.
Benefits of using a double-decker bus
The double-decker bus will take you through most of the important tourist spots in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, giving you an overview of the city. Therefore, if you have limited time but want to have a panoramic view of the Old Quarter, the double-decker bus is the perfect choice.
Even for locals, the double-decker bus brings a new and unfamiliar experience. From the second level of the bus, you will see different perspectives of a familiar city.
For tourists, the advantage of the double-decker bus is the “Hop on – Hop off” operation. This means that you only need to buy a single ticket and can freely get on and off at designated bus stops (usually famous tourist spots) within a specified period of time.
Enjoy a Unique Tour of Hanoi by Double-decker Bus
If you want to explore the entire city and experience the tourist attractions, a double-decker bus tour is an ideal choice. Typically, double-decker bus routes are well-researched and always pass through famous tourist spots, allowing you to conveniently combine sightseeing and exploration. Double-decker buses offer various types of tickets, ranging from a few hours to several days, making it convenient for visiting attractions by bus.
To provide a distinctive and convenient experience for tourists, most double-decker routes are equipped with detailed maps indicating clear embarkation and disembarkation points. Departure times and frequencies are also clearly announced for easy selection and boarding by tourists.
Moreover, some companies provide helmets and headphones to tourists, allowing them to listen to audio recordings introducing the itinerary and destinations through an integrated automatic recording system at each seat. This system is programmed to match the bus’s timing and route, creating a feeling of having a tour guide accompanying you throughout the journey. The instructions are also translated into multiple languages, making it easy for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists to understand.
Currently, there are two companies in Hanoi providing double-decker bus services: City Sightseeing operated by Hanoi City Tour and City Tour operated by Transerco. Both routes use 80-seater buses and travel around the Old Quarter, including several prominent tourist attractions in Hanoi.
Discover Hanoi in a unique way with City Sightseeing and City Tour
City Sightseeing – Double-decker Bus Experience
Route: The bus passes through 11 attractions and landmarks in Hanoi, including the Vietnam Military History Museum, Hoang Thanh Thang Long (Imperial Citadel of Thang Long), Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, and ends at the Hanoi Opera House. The first route starts from Con Coc Flower Garden (Ly Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi).
Ticket Prices:
4-hour ticket: 219,000 VND
24-hour ticket: 329,000 VND
48-hour ticket: 479,000 VND
City Tour – City Sightseeing Tour
Route:
Weekdays: Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (Hoan Kiem Lake parking lot), Le Thai To, Trang Thi, Dien Bien Phu, Doc Lap, Hoang Van Thu, Hung Vuong, Thanh Nien, Yen Phu, Thanh Nien, Hung Vuong, Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu, Le Hong Phong, Hung Vuong, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Van Mieu, Quoc Tu Giam, Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Cua Nam, Phan Boi Chau, Ly Thuong Kiet, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Ba Trung, Le Thanh Tong, Trang Tien, Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem Lake parking lot.
Weekend (organized during the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake): Hanoi Opera House, Trang Tien, Ngo Quyen, Ly Thuong Kiet, Quang Trung, Trang Thi, Dien Bien Phu, Doc Lap, Hoang Van Thu, Hung Vuong, Thanh Nien, Yen Phu, Thanh Nien, Hung Vuong, Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu, Le Hong Phong, Hung Vuong, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Van Mieu, Quoc Tu Giam, Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Cua Nam, Phan Boi Chau, Ly Thuong Kiet, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Ba Trung, Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi Opera House.
Ticket Prices:
2-hour ticket: 196,000 VND
4-hour ticket: 300,000 VND
24-hour ticket: 450,000 VND
48-hour ticket: 650,000 VND
Although not widely used by Vietnamese people due to the habit of using motorcycles and regular buses, the double-decker bus service still provides a unique and novel experience. From the top, you can enjoy the city’s landscape in an interesting way. These open-top buses provide free Wi-Fi, making it convenient for you to check-in. Choose to ride the double-decker bus in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun and always follow the safety guidelines.
