Things to Do in Hanoi
As the oldest continuously developed area, Hanoi’s Old Quarter has more than 1000 years of history and seems to resist the flow of time while still actively trying to adapt to the crowded atmosphere of the city. Wandering around this unique ancient area, you will get lost in a different world from the rest of the capital and discover things you haven’t seen in your life: Hanoi attractions, the smallest alley, or some hidden spots which are far from tourist's eyes.
Hanoi Old Quarter Tour- HIGHLIGHTS
1. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old City highlights, including the thirty-six streets of the Old Quarter. These areas are at the heart of French, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture with a thousand years of history. Enter via the Quan Chuong Gate, the same place where Vietnamese from all over the country have entered for hundreds of years.
2. Visit the Ngoc Son temple and the famous Turtle Tower.
3. In the Hoan Kiem lake area, walk in the footsteps of history on the Ba Kieu temple and try the iconic egg coffee at a hidden coffee shop nearby.
4. In the beer corner, see the famous Ta Hien street with French and Vietnamese architecture.
5. Get an insider looking at hidden Hanoi highlights such as Thanh Ha temple and the tiniest alley in the city to learn about the Vietnam War.
6. Experience the scents, sounds, and flavors of Dong Xuan, the biggest market in the city, which has everything you can think about from clothes, Shoes to spices and fish. Take in the vibrant colors of the fruit and vegetables and spice markets with brightly-hued ingredients and aromas.
7. Tour ends at the Long Bien Bridge.
Hanoi The Old Quarter Tour - Discover Hanoi’s Hidden Gems (3 hours)
Discover the true spirit of Hanoi on this unforgettable 3-hour free walking tour through the heart of the Old Quarter. With a passionate local guide leading the way, you won’t just see Hanoi, you’ll feel it.
This tour takes you through the vibrant maze of streets where ancient history and modern life coexist. From the whispers of French colonial architecture to the hum of street vendors and scooters, every step reveals a new layer of the city’s soul.
What you’ll explore:
• Ngoc Son Temple or Hanoi Ancient House (Optional)
Begin your journey with a glimpse into Hanoi’s cultural roots. Choose between the iconic Ngoc Son Temple perched on Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the beautifully preserved Ancient House on Ma May Street. It’s a rare survivor of the city’s past.
• Beer Street (Ta Hien)
Step into Hanoi’s liveliest nightlife zone by day. Discover how a single alley became a melting pot of cultures, drinks, and backpacker stories from all around the world.
• Old City Gate (O Quan Chuong)
This is one of the last surviving gates of the ancient citadel. It makes for a powerful photo spot and stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience.
• Thanh Ha Wet Market
Experience daily local life at this bustling wet market. Watch vendors skillfully handle fresh herbs, meats, and fish in a vibrant setting that’s still untouched by tourism.
• Dong Xuan Central Market
Welcome to Hanoi’s largest indoor market. It’s a treasure trove of colors, smells, and sounds — the perfect place to see how locals shop and live.
• Long Bien Bridge
Take a walk across this historic iron bridge, built by the French in 1903. Enjoy panoramic views of the Red River and feel the heartbeat of old Hanoi beneath your feet.
• Hanoi Train Street (Optional)
End the tour with a truly unique Hanoi experience. This narrow street, where trains pass just inches from local homes, offers the perfect chance to enjoy a drink, snap some iconic photos, and take in the quiet charm of this once-hidden corner of the city.
Details:
• Duration: Approx. 3 hours
• Cost: It’s free! (Tips are appreciated if you enjoyed the tour)
• Language: English, Spanish, German…
• Start point: Provided upon booking
• Note: Please share your WhatsApp contact so our guide can confirm the meeting point and send you tour updates.
Why join us?
Because you’re not here to just see Hanoi, you’re here to understand it. And there’s no better way than walking alongside a local guide who loves their city and knows its stories by heart.
Book your spot today and come walk Hanoi like a local.
XIN CHÀO! It's Melody who will be your companion on the journey to discover "Hanoi cuisine". Small group up to 6 people.
During my tour, you can immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and enjoy the best food here as you are Hanoian.
Here are the dishes that we will try on this food tour:
- Appetizer: Vietnamese papaya salad
- Main dish canbe: Bun Cha/Stir-fried pho/Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Cake)
- Snack canbe: Vietnamese Donuts/Vietnamese dumpling
- Dessert: Black sticky rice with yogurt
- The famous egg coffee/local beer
All are unique to Hanoi. We will also visit the stalls selling cooked food, to better understand the daily life of the locals.
VEGETARIAN dishes are available, please contact us in advance.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please provide your WhatsApp number (if available) to contact before starting. If we are unable to contact you before the tour, it will be canceled.
- This is a group tour, please be at the meeting point on time for the tour to start as scheduled.
- The dishes on the tour are not included and cost each of you around $6 (150.000VND).
In the journey of discovering Hanoi cuisine as a local, we will share with you not only the unique culinary features but also the language and culture of Vietnam. And I'm always there to answer all your question.
Are you READY to enjoy the real Hanoi cuisine with me? Don't hesitate to contact me for the best local experience.
Whether you are with friends, traveling as a family, or flying solo, you'll be in excellent company in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a LOCAL friend. This experience will let you live, feel & breathe the real Hanoi as you were a Hanoian. We start our journey by tasting the best dish in the city and then hearing tales of the Vietnamese language and the Vietnam War.
Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture as we walk through the Old Quarter and visit sites known only to locals (the tiniest and longest alley and a hidden temple). We will try up to 8 delicious dishes: Bun cha, Banh mi, Bun bo, Vietnamese sticky rice, sugarcane juice, Banh Cuon, King Rotti, dessert, and the famous egg coffee. All are unique to Hanoi. The tour is an excellent combination of tasting food and understanding history, culture, and lifestyle!
It is not just a food tour, but you will learn so much more about Vietnam’s history, culture, and language. It is a small group tour ❤ so make sure that you'd be able to ask so many questions for me!
VEGETARIAN dishes are available, and please contact us in advance.
I am sure the experience will be enjoyable and informative!
I can’t wait to see you.
Joining this tour during your first days in Hanoi would be a fantastic way to start your journey.
What you’ll get from this tour:
- A big-picture understanding of Hanoi’s history, culture, and people.
- Local recommendations: where to go and what to eat after the tour.
- Cultural insights and stories that help you connect with the city on a deeper level.
Tour Activities
🏛 Visit Hoa Lo Prison
Discover key events in Hanoi’s past that shaped its present:
- Why some locals still eat dog meat (not all)
- The influence of French architecture
- The relationship between Vietnamese and Americans
🗣 Learn basic Vietnamese phrases
Helpful expressions and tips for smooth communication in Vietnam.
🚴 Chill bike ride through Hanoi
Cruise past iconic spots like Ba Dinh Square (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area) and around West Lake — one of the best sunset spots in the city.
🍜 Local food tasting
Wrap up the tour with unique local dishes like Phở Chiên Phồng or Phở Cuốn.
🌅 Flexible ending
The tour ends by West Lake, where you can relax, walk around, or stay for the sunset.
Pricing & Tips
Pay-what-you-feel model:
- We believe in value-based pricing — pay based on what the tour meant to you.
- Estimated costs (entrance fee, food, bike rental): ~$6/person
- Kindly tip your guide a minimum of $10-$15 per guest
Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Hanoi with our exclusive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Tour. This unique journey takes you through the heart of Vietnam's capital, where you'll uncover the secrets of the ancient temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and pay respects at the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. What sets this tour apart is its deep dive into Vietnam's storied past, guided by experienced locals who bring history to life.
Highlights:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Visit the final resting place of Vietnam's beloved leader.
- Presidential Palace: Learn about its colonial history and significance.
- Ho Chi Minh’s Garden: This garden is home to more than 250 plant species from all regions of Vietnam, each carrying a special meaning connected to the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. As you walk through the garden, you will feel the harmony between nature and history, reflecting Ho Chi Minh’s deep love for greenery and his simple way of life.
- Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House: Explore the simple yet profound living quarters of Ho Chi Minh.
- One Pillar Pagoda: Marvel at the iconic Buddhist temple. This is one of the oldest pagoda in Hanoi with the rich about culture values.
The tour concludes at the serene Ba Dinh Square, where you can reflect on the day's experiences amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Book with us today for an unforgettable adventure that offers an unparalleled glimpse into Hanoi's past and present. Join our passionate guides and let the stories of Vietnam's heritage captivate you.
Notice: We would like to kindly inform you that the minimum tipping amount for guides and is 15 USD per person. This practice ensures fairness and acknowledges the dedicated service of our team.
Please take this into consideration before booking your tour to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Enjoy a short customized tour of your choice with Hanoi Street Food Tour.
What does this tour include?
- A visit to a local food market to see a selection of fresh Vietnamese produce offered at Hanoi stalls.
- Tasting of traditional Vietnamese dishes in the small eateries of the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi
- Choose between enjoying an "egg" coffee, a local specialty, a local tea or a fresh local beer.
- Finish the tour at a restaurant with one of the best views in Hanoi overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake
The food tour will give you the opportunity to taste some of Vietnam's unique delicious foods.
Join us on the STREET FOOD TOUR for lunch or dinner and enjoy the best food experience that can be found in the amazing food streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
NOTE:
The duration of the tour is three hours, and kindly share your WhatsApp contact information with us so that our guide can get in touch with you regarding the tour (important).
Discover some of the most incredible landscapes on the Vietnam-China border with this 3-day tour of Cao Bang and Ba Be National Park from Hanoi.
Bun Cha Chay: Next, savor Bun Cha Chay, a vegan rendition of the renowned Hanoi dish. Delight in the fusion of rice noodles, grilled tofu, and fresh herbs, all tied together with a tangy sauce.
Banh Cuon Chay( Steam Rice Pancakes): Kickstart your culinary journey with Banh Cuon Chay, a vegan twist on the traditional Vietnamese steamed rice roll. Relish the subtle flavors of this dish, brimming with mushrooms and tofu.
Banh Ran (Vietnamese Donut)
Kem Xoi or Che Xoai: For dessert, choose between Kem Xoi, an innovative sticky rice ice cream, or Che Xoai, a refreshing mango sweet soup. Both are guaranteed to satiate your sweet cravings.
Bánh xèo (Vietnamese: [ɓǎjŋ̟ sɛ̂w], lit. 'sizzling pancake') is a crispy, stuffed rice pancake popular in Vietnam. The name refers to the sound (from xèo – 'sizzling') a thin layer of rice batter makes when it is poured into the hot skillet. It is a savoury fried pancake made of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder.
Cafe Train Street: Conclude your tour at the iconic Train Street.
Join us on this culinary journey and uncover the rich flavors of Hanoi’s vegan street food while experiencing the city’s unique culture and history. Book your spot today and create unforgettable memories! 🍲🚂
More Option:
Mien Tron Chay: Experience Mien Tron Chay, a delightful vegan glass noodle salad, teeming with an assortment of vegetables and tofu, dressed in a light and flavorful sauce.
Banh Mi Chay:
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the banh mi as “a usually spicy sandwich in Vietnamese cuisine consisting of a split baguette filled typically with meat and pickled vegetables and garnished with cilantro and often cucumbers.”
Discover some of Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes on this Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi, visiting Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and Van Long Nature Reserve.
Welcome to Hanoi - the heart of Vietnam.
Hanoi is considered the political center of Vietnam with famous places like Ho Chi Minh Complex, National Assembly House, government offices, etc...
In this tour, we will help you understand better the wars in Vietnam, a small country that suffered a lot of pain from war. A country with nearly 4000 years of history.
Besides, we also provide multi-dimensional views, and different opinions so that we can discuss and understand each other better.
Notice: We would like to kindly inform you that the minimum tipping amount for guides and is 15 USD per person. This practice ensures fairness and acknowledges the dedicated service of our team.
Please take this into consideration before booking your tour to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Vietnam is famous as a country with many types of fresh vegetables, root vegetables and fruits. Therefore, Vietnamese vegetarian dishes also have great appeal in terms of variety and delicious taste.
When you join our vegetarian food tour, our guide will take you to eat vegetarian dishes that seem to be made of meat, but all the ingredients are from vegan vegetables.
The dishes are carefully prepared from the selection of ingredients to the cooking process and the way of eating. They are all a sophisticated and elaborate artistic process. The originality, sophistication and heart of the cooks for the dishes become the beauty of Hanoi.
The dishes that we are going to try can be:
1. Vietnamese pancake (Bánh xèo)
2. Fresh rice noodle rolls (Phở cuốn)
3. Vietnamese sandwich ( Bánh mì )
4. Dried Vietnamese noodle (Phở trộn)
5. Tofu, beer
6. Rice noodle roll (Bánh cuốn)
7. Dessert
Note: The 4-5 dishes that will be eaten on the tour are not included and have an approximate cost of $15 that each traveler must pay.
We will make the food list after communicating with you to choose the most unique and suitable dishes for you.
Our food tour will give you an unforgettable experience, true to the name of our club with detailed information about gastronomy, culture, history and life. Our friendly and enthusiastic tour guides will help you discover exceptional beauties only in Hanoi, "very local" places.
Meeting point: Ly Thai To Monument ( 12 P. Lê Lai, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000 )
Available in Spanish and English
Time: 2.5 hours
NOTE: Please book the tour before 2 hours from the start time of the tour so that we can organize well and that our tour guide has time to reach the meeting point
Book our tour now. We are very glad to meet you on our interesting tour.
Hanoitismiss.