Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam - is a fascinating center of culture, history and art. To truly understand and feel the beauty and vitality of this city, there is nothing better than exploring it at your own pace. Join us to start the Hanoi walking tour through beautiful small streets and special historical relics of Hanoi.
Exploring Hanoi on a walking tour is an experience not to be missed. With a history spanning millennia, Hanoi holds countless fascinating stories within its streets. To marvel at the essence of the Vietnamese capital, there is nothing better than embarking on a journey through Hanoi on foot.
Every step on its streets unveils a new aspect of the city's rich history and distinctive culture. You will encounter ancient temples, unique architectural landmarks, bustling markets, and tranquil lakes. With each corner turned, you'll feel the richness and wonder of Hanoi.
The Hanoi walking tour also allows you to discover hidden alleyways that other modes of transport often cannot reach. These are where you'll find secret temples, traditional gatherings, and captivating historical tales, deepening your understanding of the city's mysteries.
Furthermore, exploring Hanoi on foot enables you to fully immerse yourself in the city's rhythm. You can pause at street food stalls, savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine, converse with friendly locals, and observe their daily lives — experiences that cannot be fully appreciated from inside a vehicle.
Attractive points of Hanoi walking tour
Coming to Hanoi self guided walking tour, visitors can explore the capital with many interesting destinations such as:
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter: Considered the heart of the capital, Hanoi Old Quarter is home to many historical relics and ancient architecture. Visitors can admire ancient houses, traditional cafes, and shop for handicraft products.
Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake: Hoan Kiem Lake is a symbol of Hanoi with the legendary story of the golden turtle. Visitors can participate in fun activities, visit the Turtle Tower, and relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
Visit Hanoi Cathedral: This is one of the largest religious architectural works in Vietnam. Visitors can explore the unique architecture of the church and feel the religious atmosphere at this location.
Explore Dong Xuan Market: This is one of the largest and busiest markets in Hanoi. Visitors can visit and shop for a variety of goods from food to clothing, electronics and household appliances.
Enjoy local specialties: Walking tours also provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy Hanoi's specialty dishes such as banh cuon, pho, bun cha, fried spring rolls and many other dishes.
Interact with the local community: Walking tours also open up opportunities to meet and interact with the local community, from traditional craftsmen to street vendors.
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter
When participating in a Hanoi walking tour, there are a few things you should keep in mind to have a safe and enjoyable experience:
Prepare Hanoi walking tour map: Before starting the Hanoi walking tour, you need to have a map of the tour to know the places you will visit and have the correct route according to the itinerary.
Prepare personal belongings: Make sure you bring enough drinking water, sunscreen, helmet and raincoat (if needed) to be ready for any situation.
Choose appropriate clothing: Choose clothing that is comfortable, easy to move in, and appropriate for the weather conditions. Avoid carrying too many things when walking to avoid causing trouble.
Maintain personal hygiene: Always stay clean and follow personal hygiene rules, especially when visiting public tourist attractions.
Follow the tour guide's instructions: Listen and follow the tour guide's instructions to ensure safety and avoid getting lost.
Maintain traffic safety: Always observe and obey traffic laws when traveling on the roads. Avoid entering the roadway without a signal or without ensuring safety.
Protect personal property: Secure your wallet, cell phone and other valuable items to avoid loss or theft.
Learn about the local culture: Respect and adhere to local cultural rules and teachings when participating in the walking tour, including appropriate behavior and attire.
Stay healthy and comfortable: If you feel tired or uncomfortable, notify your tour guide or tour group for timely assistance.
Things to keep in mind when participating in Hanoi walking tour
In addition to the walking tours in Hanoi's Old Quarter, there are also various free walking tours in Hanoi that offer diverse options catering to different interests and preferences:
Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: Focusing on the rich history and culture of Hanoi, this walking tour will take you to historical landmarks and temples. Notable sights on this tour include Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and Presidential Palace.
Art and Architecture Walking Tour: This tour will lead you through Hanoi's architectural wonders and artistic treasures, visiting museums, art galleries, traditional villages, and iconic landmarks. Highlights include the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Van Phuc Silk Village, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and But Thap Pagoda.
Night Walking Tour: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi, illuminated by colorful lights. On this tour, you'll stroll across the elegant Long Bien Bridge, explore bustling night markets like Hang Ma Street, and discover the nocturnal charm of places like Ta Hien Street.
French Quarter Walking Tour: Hanoi was under French colonial rule for many years, and this tour will take you through the French Quarter of Hanoi. Here, you can admire some of the city's most prominent colonial-era architecture, including the Hanoi Opera House, Vietnam National Museum of History, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Hidden Gems Walking Tour: This tour will unveil some of Hanoi's best-kept secrets. What sets it apart is the opportunity to discover hidden gems and learn about the city from a local perspective. From Quang Ba Flower Market and enchanting West Lake to Hanoi Train Street, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Thanh Chuong Viet Palace, and Long Bien Morning Market, this Hanoi walking tour introduces a range of lesser-known spots and offers a different perspective of the city.
Above is the information that any tourist coming to Hanoi walking tour needs to master. Hopefully through that you will have more experience to explore Vietnamese culture through each destination.