Step into the heart of Hanoi, where tradition, history, and charm meet with every step. Our Hanoi tours offer the best avenue for a sightseeing adventure into this captivating city’s vigorous center, full of stories to be expressed by its rich culture and unique architectural features. From leisurely walks around the graceful Hoan Kiem and the French Quarter, lively Markets, Bridges, and Banana Island, to Historic Hanoi and Truc Bach Lake, this collection of Hanoi city center walking tours in Hanoi’s city center enables you to be at the very pulse of the local life, catch up with its hidden treasures, and enjoy the genuine atmosphere of the place. Let’s go on an unforgettable adventure around the most iconic streets of Hanoi!
Hoan Kiem Lake
Get ready for one of the most interesting walking tours in Hanoi’s city center, starting from the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake favorite place and cultural hub of Hanoi-through charming streets of the French Quarter and ending at the luxurious Metropole Hotel. Here, while doing the scenic walk along this route, it takes in its fold some interesting historical sites – from temples, ancient enclaves, and colonial architecture amidst enchanting local life in Hanoi. This tour has an excellent history and culture balance with the rhythm of the city.
Hoan Kiem Lake is picturesque and considered the pride of the city center; your walking tours in Hanoi’s city center should begin here. Being a must-see in Hanoi, the lake goes by many names; “Hoan Kiem" loosely translates to the “Lake of the Returned Sword." Start with a casual walk around this lake, observing locals practicing Tai Chi, painting calligraphy, or just enjoying an early morning jog. Don’t miss a romantic visit to the Ngoc Son Temple standing on the small island and approached by the charming red Huc Bridge; spend about 30 minutes here, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and listening to the fascinating legend of the golden turtle.
From Hoan Kiem Lake, take a 10-minute walk to St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Be there at the time when the morning sun shines on the 19th-century cathedral’s impressive Neo-Gothic facade and conjures up Notre Dame in Paris. Spend a few minutes exploring around outside before heading inside to admire the beautiful stained glass windows. Later, take about 20 minutes to enjoy the serene atmosphere inside the cathedral. Then, venture out to one of the nearby cafes and try a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee: rich robusta combined with egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk, served hot or cold. This is also a very good area for people-watching since locals pass by here performing their daily routines.
From there, it’s off to Hang Trong Gardens. This small, green park is a good place to sit for a few minutes before continuing to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, 10 minutes away on foot. Allow about 40 or so minutes to see what this interesting museum has in store. Learn about women in Vietnam’s history, culture, and society by way of its three themes Women in Family, Women in History, and Women’s Fashion. It joins the rank of those few museums that are filled with powerful stories, plenty of displays of traditional dress, and unique exhibits related to women’s contributions in the past and present of Vietnam.
Head to Thien Quang Lake around noon; from the museum, it isn’t a very long walk. Have a relaxing time, take your lunch out here. It will provide you with more time to go around locally and try some street food like phở, bún chả, or bánh mì. Seek a comfortable place in the shade of the old trees lining the lake or rather find one of the small local eateries with outdoor seating.
After lunch, start across Reunification Park, the biggest green park in Hanoi. Take a leisurely walk of some 30 minutes along the paved pathways, watching locals go about with their exercises, or even take a swan boat out and paddle about in the lake. That’s the most beautiful area to chill out on site and breathe in the flavor of local life: kids playing, old people practicing Tai Chi, and families enjoying the peacefulness of this park’s surroundings.
From Reunification Park, continue your Hanoi tour to the striking Opera House of Hanoi, 15 minutes away on foot. The Opera House was built in 1911 and is a fantastic example of French colonial architecture, based on the Palais Garnier in Paris. Spend at least 20 minutes or more in awe of its facade and ornate balconies steeped in history. If luck permits, you might obtain information about a rehearsal that may happen or a schedule of a performance so you could catch up with it later.
French Quarter
Take a further 45-minute stroll into the French Quarter. Here, you’ll find an area complete with fabulous French-style villas, embassies, upscale boutiques, and art galleries. Take leisurely walks down the leafy boulevards and breathe in the classy ambiance around you. Window shop at leisure, or spend time browsing local shops heaped with everything from silk Vietnamese to modern contemporary art.
Wrap up your walking tours in Hanoi’s city center at the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. This hotel was originally constructed in 1901 and has been one of the most luxurious hotels, accommodating many famous guests from Charlie Chaplin to Jane Fonda. Spend a casual 30 minutes or so sipping a drink on the hotel’s terrace, just soaking up the atmosphere and reflecting on your daytime adventure. It’s the perfect place to sit down, relax amidst the French colonial charm, and take a rest after a whole day of exploring.
Are you ready for an unrivaled adventure off the beaten path? This fantastic walking tours in Hanoi’s city center, starting with the charming Café Pho Co, will wind its way through the vibrant Dong Xuan Market across the historic Long Bien Bridge to the peaceful oasis of Banana Island. This is a rare combination of noisy city markets, famous bridges, and upper-class urban agriculture a fascinating look at the various sides of Hanoi. It’s a journey from the very pulsating heart of the Old Quarter to the serene outskirts, all within walking distance!
Begin your day at hidden Café Pho Co, located behind a silk shop at 11 Hang Gai Street and accessed via a narrow alleyway that opens out into an attractive courtyard with clear views of Hoan Kiem Lake. Take your time here, around 30 minutes, and indulge in their famous egg coffee weird but resilient Hanoi specialty of rich Vietnamese coffee topped with a light egg custard. From the interior setting of the cafe, with its antique furniture and all sorts of vintage decoration to the rustic town, everything combines to form just the right scene in which to sit back and relax in the quiet morning hours before diving into the vibrancy of Hanoi street life.
Dong Xuan Market
From Café Pho Co, head off along Hang Dao Street toward Dong Xuan Market-one of the largest indoor markets in Hanoi. You will reach the market at 9:40 AM. Tourists are very slowly trickling inside to get in a morning of shopping before the crowds arrive. Give yourself about 45 minutes to navigate this sprawling four-story building. Merchants line up every floor, selling everything from fresh produce, spices, street food, textiles, souvenirs, and electronics. This is a good chance to delve into local culture, practice your bargaining skills, and try very tasty Vietnamese snacks such as banh goi or sweet dessert soups-che.
When you have had enough of the bustling atmosphere of this market, take the 15-minute walk to the famous Long Bien Bridge. You’ll reach the bridge around 10:45 AM, and you can take a minute or two to appreciate this historic structure that was built by the French back in 1902. Take a leisurely walk across the narrow pedestrian way in the center of the bridge for about 30 minutes while taking in the panoramic views down to the Red River and green fields below. Indeed, this bridge is a powerful symbol of both Hanoi’s colonial history and its resistant power: an iron framework rusty nowadays, previously supporting the old railway tracks. Greatly recommended to stop for photos at this spot, especially if you can catch either sunrise or sunset; your camera will indeed appreciate it!
Coming down the stairs around 11:15 AM from Long Bien Bridge, you will be well on your way to Banana Island. In contrast to the noise above, this is quite a peaceful oasis. Take a stroll of about 45 minutes on the dirt pathways lined with banana trees and small vegetable plots. There are farmers around, children playing, or perhaps even a few water buffaloes eating in the field. It is a tranquil retreat from the hustle-bustle noise of the city, letting you experience rural life within Hanoi’s heart. Take this time off to relax, enjoy the natural scenery, and chat with some friendly locals.
Banana Island
By noon, find a shady area on Banana Island and have a picnic lunch. You can buy some fresh fruits, biscuits, or snacks and drinks from the stalls at Dong Xuan Market earlier. You will spend probably 30 minutes here and while having your meal, you will be able to see the calm surroundings, hear the soft flow of the river, and feel the cool breeze under the shades of banana trees.
Start walking leisurely back in the direction of Long Bien Bridge after lunch. Cross over to the other side for a new perspective of the cityscape and the river below. This side of the bridge is often less crowded and allows you to have a more relaxed stroll. Budget around 20 minutes for heading back to the Old Quarter this way.
Arrive back in the Old Quarter by about 1:00 PM and spend the next hour exploring the narrow streets surrounding Dong Xuan Market. You can find several small shops selling handicrafts, local artwork, and other unique souvenirs here. It’s also an excellent time to explore Hanoi’s most famous “36 Old Streets," all named for the traditional goods that had once been traded, such as Hang Bac, Silver Street, Hang Ma, or Paper Street. Take full time to explore, shop, and capture vibrant street life.
Conclude your walking tours in Hanoi’s city center with a refreshing drink at 2:00 p.m. at any nearby café, probably Giang Café or Dinh Café. These are well-known for their egg coffee, and their atmosphere is pretty cozy. Wrap up by spending the last 30 minutes of your time relaxing, reflecting on your adventure, and probably making some plans for your next Hanoi tour!
Truc Bach Lake
Take a guided walking tours in Hanoi’s city center, from colorful Phung Hung Street to the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This tour will bring you to some of Hanoi’s most iconic historic and cultural sites, exposing you to the great heritage that this enchanting city full of charming streets and local traditions has to offer. You will be thrilled with vibrant murals, grand boulevards, tranquil lakes, ancient temples, and spicy local food in one memorable journey of discovering the fascinating past as you travel through the heart of Hanoi.
Starting from Phung Hung Street, commence your walking tours in Hanoi’s city center. There you will find a part of the mural paintings on a wall lining old railway tracks, reaching to discover the rich cultural history of Hanoi and its daily life that features traditional markets and festivals in the area. Take a stroll down this colorful street, and don’t forget to snap plenty of photos, as it will take about 30 minutes to walk down it. That’s a lively beginning to the tour, replete with opportunities to interact with local artists or vendors selling their traditional crafts.
Walk for 10 minutes from Phung Hung Street to picturesque Phan Dinh Phung Street, which is noted for its large, tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture. Take an easy 20-minute stroll along this lovely street, often considered one of the most romantic in Hanoi. You will then approach the Northern Gate of the Hanoi Citadel. Spend about 20 minutes here exploring this historic landmark, riddled with bullet holes from the late 19th-century French invasion. Don’t miss the view of the stately Cua Bac Church across the road, its structure is an interesting mix of Vietnamese and European architecture.
Proceed for another 15-minute walk on your Hanoi tour to Truc Bach Lake, set amidst one of the most beautiful parts of the city. You will arrive at about 10:35 AM and take a leisurely lakeside walk for about 30 minutes. Take in the serenity of the water, carpeted with lotus flowers in summer, and observe locals going about their morning business, practicing Tai Chi, and much else. Not too far from here, the Quan Thanh Taoist Temple is another nice, ancient temple dedicated to the Taoist God of the North, Tran Vu. When you arrive at the grounds, take a minute to slowly observe the wood carvings and peaceful settings for about 15 minutes.
At about 11:20 AM: cross the small bridge to Ngu Xa Island, which is famous for its abundant culinary tradition. This island has its specialty dishes like phở cuốn, fresh rice noodle roll with grilled beef, and phở chiên phồng, crispy fried rice noodles with beef and vegetables. Take your time and have a scrumptious lunch for about 45 minutes at one of the local eateries. You might sample some of the many flavors of Hanoi’s street food. After lunch, take a short walk around the island and meander through the quaint streets, stopping perhaps for dessert at a shop serving kem xôi, or sticky rice ice cream.
Take the satisfying meal up to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, just 20 minutes away from Ngu Xa Island. Your arrival at 12:35 PM will give you enough time to stroll along and see the grand exterior before reading up on its historic significance as the resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader Ho Chi Minh. Now, spend about 30 minutes here. Remember that the mausoleum normally closes at about 11:00 AM, but you can see the marvelous architectural work of this one out front and visit the beautiful botanical gardens and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
After visiting the mausoleum, allow another 30 minutes to walk around the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Walk over Ba Dinh Square, where, in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam. In this area, besides the museum, you will also find the Presidential Palace, surrounded by lush gardens. The area offers tranquil surroundings to reflect on Vietnam’s history and the legacy of its most important leader.
Wrap up your walking tours in Hanoi’s city center at 1:35 PM and take a nice coffee break at one of the nearby cafes, such as Kafa Café or Café Dinh, with one more serving of famous egg coffee from Hanoi or an iced refreshing tea. Take the last 25 minutes to reflect on today’s experience, discuss the rich history of Hanoi, and plan where your next adventure goes in this captivating city.
Each of the walking tours in Hanoi’s city center offers a different way to explore the charm and vibrancy of this fantastic city: it could be the historical elegance of Hoan Kiem and the French Quarter, busy markets and hideaways in Markets, Bridges, and Banana Island, or rich cultural intensity around Historic Hanoi and Truc Bach Lake-there’s an ideal adventure waiting for you. Hanoi will be easily explored on foot, and then you may capture the essential spirit of the city. Book your tour to IMPRESS TRAVEL and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Hanoi. Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Ha Noi and to book Ha Noi Tours at the best prices.
Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)
Day 2: HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)
Day 3: HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)
Day 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)
Day 5: HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day Inclusions: Transfer, breakfast, lunch, tour guide, rowing boat, entrance fee, bicycles, hotel in Hanoi.
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
What’s included in this trip :
4 STAR HOTEL TO BE USED
| City | Hotel | Room |
| Hanoi | Silk Path/ La Siesta Premium | Deluxe with windows |
| Halong Bay | Paradise Sail/Bhaya cruise | Deluxe with windows |
5 STAR HOTEL TO BE USED
| City | Hotel | Room |
| Hanoi | Peridot Hotel/Apricot | Deluxe with windows |
| Halong Bay | Paradise Elegance/Au Co | Deluxe with windows |
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Impress Travel offers daily tours to attractive destinations in the capital of Hanoi as well as package tours to explore the most popular destinations in North Vietnam, such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa, or adventure tours to explore the Northeast & Northwest regions such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Mu Cang Chai. Our products focus on providing travel services for private tours, small groups, family groups, and couples who need to make special requests for the trip. For the trip to Hanoi & North Vietnam, your submission to Impress Travel & Destination Management Company (DMC), which will bring the greatest value to your trip.
To explore Hanoi Capital's hidden charm for the first day, visit the most iconic attractions such as historical President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Ancient Temple of Literature, tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi elderly quarter. Then, the upcoming of Hanoi – Halong Tour, we will have an amazing 2 day and 1 night stay on an outstanding cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world.
We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. We will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city. Then, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. The unforgettable time is on Halong bay cruise that bring you to explore the seven natural wonder of the world.
To bring travelers to discover the most iconic of treasures in the Northern part of Vietnam. Travelers get ahead with the discovery of Hanoi’s hidden charm .The stunning beauty of North Vietnam come up with Sapa’s discovery were attracted by imposing sceneries such as rows of mountains, hills, lush valleys, rice terraces, waterfalls, and ethnic minority community. Afterward, visitors following up to Ha Long Bay
To discover the most iconic of treasures in the Northern part of Vietnam. Travelers get ahead with the discovery of Hanoi. Then, to explore stunning beauty of Sapa where we are attracted by imposing sceneries such as rows of mountains, hills, lush valleys, rice terraces, waterfalls, and ethnic minority community. Afterward, visitors following up to Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh (Tam Coc).
