Top 6 best Hanoi walking tours for in-depth local insights

Hanoi walking tours allow you to discover the highlights of the city at your own pace. Only by going on foot will you be able to have a close look at the hidden treasures of Vietnam’s capital, such as the gorgeous lakes, narrow alleys and a myriad of famous attractions. Below are some of the best walking tours for you to get lost in Hanoi’s charms.

Hanoi’s historic sites and Truc Bach Lake

Take on an Instagram-worthy route to visit the most famous historic sites of Hanoi. Walk along Phung Hung street until you see the wonderful paintings on the wall. These mural paintings bring to life the iconic scenes during Hanoi’s past.

Turn on Hang Cot street, walk past a park and you’ll reach Phan Dinh Phung street, which is considered among the most stunning boulevards of Hanoi. Drop by the Citadel of Hanoi at the Northern Gate and visit the Cua Bac Church.

Continue walking until you find Hung Vuong street, make a right turn to see Truc Bach Lake. Visit Quan Thanh Taoist temple and then go on a leisure walk along Thanh Nien street and enjoy the lake view. Head to Ngu Xa street to enjoy many delicious Vietnamese dishes, then return to Phan Dinh Phung street to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Hanoi walking tours: Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s French Quarter

Start off your journey at Hoan Kiem Lake, then continue to Ly Quoc Su street on foot to reach St. Joseph’s Cathedral and immerse yourself in the daily life of Hanoians. Stop by to take pictures of the yellow villa located at Hang Trong Gardens before visiting the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

Walk through Ba Trieu street and continue to Nguyen Du street, turn right and you’ll see Thien Quang lake. Walk across Tran Nhan Tong street to visit the Reunification Park. This is the largest park in Hanoi with lots of green space for you to enjoy.

Head to the eastern area of the park and you’ll find the exit. Tue Tinh street, head to Hanoi Opera House and explore Hanoi’s French Quarter. This quarter is an interesting combination of old and new architecture, where you can find colonial-style buildings and luxury stores.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market and Banana Island

Your journey will begin at Cafe Pho Co in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you’ll be sipping some delicious egg coffee and enjoy the beautiful lake view. After that, make your way to Hang Dao street to reach Dong Xuan Market. Make a right turn on Cau Dong and turn to visit a place where they sell a myriad of fruits and spices.

Next, head to Long Bien Bridge, continue to Hang Khoai street and walk past the Long Bien Train Station. the bridge, you can observe a unique sight of the small houses and urban agriculture. Make your way to Banana Island to see the floating settlements.

Hanoi walking tours: Hanoi street food tour

A street food tour is undeniably the best way to sample the signature dishes of Hanoi. During these walking tours, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide, who is also a real foodie. Discover the tasty spots and learn more about Hanoi’s rich history and culture. Traveler’s will have a chance to taste a wide variety of Vietnamese foods the local food stands and stalls to restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to try sticky rice, dry noodle, snail, grilled pork, steamed pancake and so on.

Hanoi cooking class and market tour

Rather than eating Hanoi’s best dishes, now you’ll have a chance to create your own versions of the local specialities. Join this small-group cooking class and learn useful cooking techniques the professional chefs.

First off, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and head to a local fresh market. Here you can explore the different Vietnamese ingredients and also the country’s shopping culture.

Next you’ll be transferred to a local villa where the cooking class will take place. The menu usually includes 4 most symbolic dishes, which are Banana Flower Salad, Grilled pork with dipping sauce, Fried spring rolls and Egg coffee.

Hanoi walking tours: Explore the hidden gems of Hanoi

Accompanied by a private tour guide, you’ll feel a lot more confident navigating through the streets of Hanoi. No more struggling with guidebooks and maps, now your only job is to enjoy the sights along the way, try out different kinds of street food and visit the most symbolic spots of Hanoi such as Hoa Lo Prison, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and many more.

Above are some of the most popular Hanoi walking tours that you might want to have a look at. Strolling through the crowded streets of Hanoi on foot gives you the pleasure to immerse in the local’s daily life and discover everything you want along the way. Don’t forget to visit Saolatours’ webpage for more interesting walking tours around Hanoi.