Ha Nội Capital
Explore the Heart of Hanoi: Discover the Charm of the Old Quarter
Welcome to Hanoi Old Quarter
Step into the vibrant heart of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, with a visit to the historic Old Quarter. Known for its narrow streets, bustling markets, traditional shops, and French colonial architecture, Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the rich culture and history of Vietnam. Whether you're interested in sightseeing, shopping, dining, or exploring the city's unique culture, Hanoi Old Quarter offers something for everyone.
Why Visit Hanoi Old Quarter?
- Rich History and Culture: Wander through streets that have retained their original layout and charm for over a thousand years, offering a glimpse into Hanoi's past.
- Unique Architecture: Admire the French colonial architecture, traditional tube houses, ancient temples, and pagodas.
- Vibrant Street Life: Experience the lively atmosphere with bustling street vendors, local artisans, and traditional crafts.
- Delicious Cuisine: Savor the flavors of Hanoi with street food stalls, cafes, and restaurants offering authentic Vietnamese dishes.
- Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Hanoi, the Old Quarter is easily accessible and a great base for exploring the rest of the city.
Popular Tours and Activities in Hanoi Old Quarter
1. Guided Walking Tours
- Overview: Discover the hidden gems of Hanoi Old Quarter with a knowledgeable local guide. Walking tours typically last 2-3 hours and cover the main attractions, historical landmarks, and cultural highlights of the area.
- Highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Bach Ma Temple, Dong Xuan Market, ancient streets such as Hang Bac, Hang Gai, and Ma May.
- Why Choose This Tour?: Perfect for first-time visitors looking to learn about the history and culture of Hanoi from an expert guide.
2. Street Food Tours
- Overview: Embark on a culinary adventure and taste your way through Hanoi Old Quarter’s bustling street food scene. A local guide will take you to the best street food stalls and hidden eateries.
- Highlights: Try local delicacies like Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Egg Coffee, and more.
- Why Choose This Tour?: Ideal for food lovers and those who want to experience Hanoi’s culinary delights like a local.
3. Cyclo (Rickshaw) Tours
- Overview: Experience the charm of Hanoi Old Quarter from a traditional cyclo (rickshaw). This leisurely tour allows you to sit back and relax as you navigate the bustling streets.
- Highlights: Enjoy a unique perspective of the Old Quarter’s streets, markets, and historic sites, all from the comfort of a cyclo.
- Why Choose This Tour?: Great for those looking for a slower-paced, relaxing way to see the sights and take in the atmosphere.
4. Historical and Cultural Tours
- Overview: Dive deep into Hanoi’s history and culture with a tour that focuses on the city’s key historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks.
- Highlights: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnam Military History Museum, and the Hanoi Opera House.
- Why Choose This Tour?: Perfect for history buffs and those interested in learning about Vietnam’s heritage and historical significance.
5. Photography Tours
- Overview: Join a photography tour led by a professional photographer to capture the essence of Hanoi Old Quarter. These tours focus on the most photogenic spots and provide tips for taking great photos.
- Highlights: Sunrise at Hoan Kiem Lake, bustling markets, traditional architecture, and daily life in the Old Quarter.
- Why Choose This Tour?: Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to improve their skills and capture stunning images of Hanoi.
6. Night Market and Evening Tours
- Overview: Explore the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi Old Quarter with a tour that takes you through the lively night market and local nightlife spots.
- Highlights: Shop for souvenirs at the night market, enjoy live music at local bars, and try Vietnamese beer at Bia Hoi (beer) corners.
- Why Choose This Tour?: Great for those looking to experience the energy and excitement of Hanoi at night.
7. Craft Workshops and Cultural Classes
- Overview: Participate in hands-on workshops and classes to learn traditional Vietnamese crafts such as pottery, calligraphy, and silk painting.
- Highlights: Take home a handmade souvenir, learn from local artisans, and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.
- Why Choose This Tour?: Perfect for creative travelers and those interested in Vietnamese arts and crafts.
Top Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter
1. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
- Enjoy a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the spiritual and geographical center of Hanoi. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake, accessible by a charming red bridge.
2. Explore Dong Xuan Market
- Experience the bustling atmosphere of Hanoi’s largest market, where you can shop for everything from fresh produce to souvenirs and textiles.
3. Discover Ancient Streets
- Wander through the 36 ancient streets of Hanoi Old Quarter, each named after the goods traditionally sold there, such as Hang Bac (Silver Street) and Hang Gai (Silk Street).
4. Enjoy Water Puppet Shows
- Watch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a unique Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century.
5. Taste Local Coffee at a Hidden Café
- Experience Hanoi’s unique coffee culture by trying Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung) at a hidden café in the Old Quarter. These cafes often have a cozy, vintage atmosphere.
6. Visit Bach Ma Temple
- Explore one of the oldest temples in Hanoi, Bach Ma Temple, dedicated to a legendary white horse believed to have guided the construction of the city walls.
7. Take a Cooking Class
- Learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cooking class. This hands-on experience usually starts with a market tour to source fresh ingredients.
8. Enjoy a Rooftop View
- Relax with a drink at one of the Old Quarter’s rooftop bars, offering panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling streets below.
9. Attend a Traditional Music Performance
- Experience live traditional Vietnamese music performances, such as Ca Tru or Cheo, which offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich musical heritage.
10. Explore Local Art Galleries
- Discover contemporary and traditional Vietnamese art in the Old Quarter’s numerous art galleries, showcasing works by local artists.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi Old Quarter
- Spring (March to April): Mild weather with blossoming flowers, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Autumn (September to November): Pleasant temperatures and clear skies, perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Booking Information
How to Book:
Book your Hanoi Old Quarter tour directly through our website or contact our customer service team for personalized assistance. We recommend booking in advance, especially for popular tours and during peak seasons.
Payment Options:
We accept major credit/debit cards, PayPal, and cash upon arrival.
Cancellation Policy:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour date. No refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance.
Visa requirements | Visa requirements |
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Languages spoken | All Language's |
Currency used | VND, USD ACT |
Area (km2) | 3.359,82 km² |
Country name | Vietnam |