Our guide will be waiting at the Statue of the Fallen Heroes, opposite The Huc Red Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple, wearing a visible name tag with the red Free Walking Tours logo.

The Statue of the Fallen Heroes is a small yet meaningful monument dedicated to young Vietnamese who sacrificed their lives during the First Indochina War. Located opposite Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge, it honors the spirit of Hanoi’s resistance and serves as a quiet reminder of the city’s history. Today, it is a peaceful and convenient meeting point by Hoan Kiem Lake.

At Ngọc Sơn Temple, admire the historic architecture, cross the iconic Húc Bridge, and hear Vietnamese legends connected to Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Enjoy the calm lakeside views, observe local spiritual practices, and capture beautiful photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.

The Ly Thai To Statue stands near Hoan Kiem Lake, honoring Emperor Ly Thai To, who founded Hanoi in 1010. As the first emperor of the Ly Dynasty, he is remembered for moving the capital to Thang Long (today’s Hanoi). The statue is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors and represents the city’s deep historical roots and cultural pride.

The Government Guest House (Tonkin Palace), known in Vietnamese as Phủ Khâm Sứ, was the administrative headquarters of the French colonial government in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century. From here, the Resident-Superior managed political, economic, and social affairs in Tonkin. While much of the original complex no longer remains, the site is an important reminder of Hanoi’s colonial era and its role in shaping modern history.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is a historic five-star hotel built in 1901 during the French colonial period. Famous for its elegant French architecture and timeless atmosphere, it has welcomed many notable guests from writers like Graham Greene to world leaders and celebrities. The hotel also features a wartime bomb shelter that can be visited on its historical tour. With its blend of luxury, history, and cultural significance, the Metropole remains one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks.

Built between 1901 and 1911 by the French, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the city’s most recognizable colonial buildings. Inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris, it showcases neoclassical design with graceful pillars, balconies, and domes. Once a venue for French performances, it now hosts concerts, ballets, and important national events, an enduring symbol of Hanoi’s cultural and historical heritage.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, built in 1886, is Hanoi’s oldest church and a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture. Inspired by Notre Dame in Paris, it features twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, and an impressive façade. It remains an active place of worship and one of the most visited landmarks in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.