As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has a range of interesting places to offer. Unlike other capital cities, the sightseeing places are quite concentrated in the Old Quarter area. This region consists of 36 streets and it can be mind-boggling to figure out which ones to go to, which places have the best restaurants or cafes and which places have the cheapest shops!
Led by tour guides well-versed in Vietnamese and English, walking tours in Hanoi are a fun way to learn about the city, meet like-minded travellers and explore the streets of Hanoi while learning little secrets and seeing hidden gems all around. The best part is that these tours are usually free or affordable.
Types of Walking Tours in Hanoi
1. Hanoi Free Walking Tours
The most preferred choice for many tourists, city walking tours in Hanoi usually take up the entire day and give you a glimpse of the city's most popular attractions. For Hanoi, these include the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi Opera House, Bach Ma Temple and, if time permits, one or two spots in Old Quarter. If you're on a tight schedule this is the best option since you squeeze in a lot of interesting places in Hanoi in one day. This walking tour is perfect for those visiting the city only for a short period and wanting a quick tour of the city. This operator conducts multiple tours for free be it the Old quarter or for food, they have it all. What better way to see Hanoi in a day with the added benefit of it being completely free.
Starting Time: Flexible
Duration: Half Day/Full Day
2. Hanoi Free Full City Private Tour
The most preferred choice for many tourists, city walking tours in Hanoi usually take up the entire day and give you a glimpse of the city's most popular attractions. For Hanoi, these include the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi Opera House, Bach Ma Temple and, if time permits, one or two spots in Old Quarter. If you're on a tight schedule this is the best option, since you squeeze in a lot of interesting places in Hanoi in one day. However, if you're spending a couple of days here and want a more in-depth city experience, choosing other kinds of tours is a good idea.
Starting time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Duration: Full Day
3. Hanoi Old Quarter Private Tours
Often called the beating heart of the city, the Old Quarter of Hanoi is a one-stop-shop for everything you might possibly need: street food, gourmet food, souvenirs, clothing, textile, handicrafts, paintings, sculptures, cosmetics, groceries, even wine! The Hanoi Walking Tour of Old Quarter will take you through the delicacies in Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, known for its Xoi Xeo, into Dong Xuan Market and finally through Hang Gai street, famous for its silk scarves and regal evening gowns. You could even grab a bottle of beer and join some of the crowds to make new friends. Just remember to keep an eye on your bag and be wary of shops that seem shady!
Starting time: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Duration: Half Day
4. Hanoi Street Food Tours
Street food in Hanoi is diverse, flavourful and absolutely delicious. There are specially curated walking tours in Hanoi meant for street food - usually lasting around three hours - that takes you through the city's best eateries to give you a taste of Hanoian specialities. The most famous dish, Bun Cha (Rice Noodle with Grilled Pork), became popular after former President Obama sat down with Anthony Bourdain while they were here. You can have the 'Obama combo' in the same room in Bun Cha Huong Lien at 24 Le Van Huu, which also includes a fried seafood roll and a bottle of local beer. Other dishes to try out are Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake) Mien Luon Xao (fried eel noodles with soup) and, wait for it, egg coffee! Don't worry, the coffee doesn't taste 'eggy' though. Many restaurants around Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter attract foodies, but there are a lot of hidden gems in the alleys and bylanes of Hanoi as well- precisely why a local guide is a must.
Starting time: 6:00 PM
Duration: 3 hours
5. Hanoi French Quarter Tours
The French might have left the country themselves, but their influence on the architecture and culture of Vietnam have remained. Taking one of the walking tours in Hanoi of the French Quarter (that usually last for around 3 hours) allows you to experience the elegance and grandeur of French architecture, with its gothic windows and minimalist facades. These tours take you through St Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House, the State Bank of Vietnam, Government Guest House and the Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel. Shutterbugs will enjoy this tour particularly since it includes some of the most beautiful places in Hanoi. However, it's best to refrain from snapping inside the churches and be respectful of religious sentiments.
Starting time: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Duration: Half Day
6. Hanoi War Sites Tours
The War sites Walking tour of Hanoi allows you to get a closer look at some of the most tumultuous periods in Vietnam's history. The wars with the French and the American forces left their imprints all over the city's structures and people. These tours usually begin with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, which gained fame for inhumane treatment of inmates by both French and North Vietnamese armies, as well as the conviction of drug smuggling tourists in 2009. The Vietnam Military History museum is the next stop, which displays thousands of artifacts and is a renowned historical attraction. You may also be taken through the French Quarter and to other majestic buildings for sightseeing. This one is a must for history buffs interested in learning about Vietnam's war-torn history.
Read more about Wars in Vietnam
Top Walking Tour Operators in Hanoi
1. Hanoi Food On Foot Tour
The tour consists of small groups with not more than 8 people and a guide explaining the culinary aspects of the Old Quarter and the culture. You will get to taste a range of Vietnamese traditional food including meals, desserts and drinks. While touring around, don't forget to taste Bia Han Noi, their local brew.
Meeting point: Booking office- 03 Gia Ngu Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi (In the centre of Old Quarter of Hanoi, close to the Water Puppet Theater)
The Tour price: USD 25
Timings: 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM
What to expect:Small group, Variety of Vietnamese food and drinks, English speaking guide
2. Hanoi Cyclo and Walking Small Group Tour
The tour includes visiting the famous 36 Old Streets that have a range of shops over a thousand years old. Visiting the places in a cyclo is the authentic way to get the most of the experience. The entire visit is mostly explorative, allowing you to shop at the street-sides with the right knowledge of the guide.
Meeting point: St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi or your hotel at Hanoi Old Quarter
The Tour Price: USD 36
Timings: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
What to expect:Small group tour, Street food tasting, Cyclo rides, English speaking guide
3. GoAsiaDayTrip- Vietnam War Walking Tour
Meeting point: Your hotel (or wherever you're staying)
Tour price: Free services (but other fees are to be paid by you like admission fees, meals, etc.)
Timings: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
What to expect:An English speaking tour guide, Free services, Tour to only historical places of Hanoi
4. Hanoi: Private Special Night Out Tour
After the show, indulge yourself in a special Hanoian dinner at Cha Cha restaurant, very famous for its ancient Vietnamese speciality dish that is infused with white fish in saffron oils paired with a glass of classic Bia Ha Noi. End the night with special Vietnamese filtered coffee or milk tea. While you're on the trip, make sure you ask all the questions you may have about Vietnam and its culture to the guide to make your experience wholesome.
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up and drop-off available from the Old Quarter onlyNow you know that a lot of places can be reached on foot, and a walking tour of Hanoi is a wonderful way to experience the city. With these exciting tours, you will surely get to have one of the best times of your life. So pack your bags and get ready to explore!
Tour price: USD 48. Children aged 0-4 are allowed free of cost
Timings: 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
What to expect: An English speaking guide, Water puppet show, Dinner, Coffee or tea