Around the old quarter
A recommendation book for you to go around seeing and eating after the tour
Different experiences from the team
13 spots
Hanoi not-to-go-alone areas & stories from Vietnam
Hanoi during the Vietnam War: the dark side of its most famous monuments. Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South of Vietnam). Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South); and the story of the unification of Vietnam, a country once divided between the communist and anti-communist, on the brink of the Cold War. Our "stroll" will last about 3 hours, with a short taxi ride half way through. The aim of my walk is to make you discover specific areas of Hanoi (far away from the tourist's eyes) in the light of aspects of our city's rich history that are rarely touched upon by guidebooks, with in-depth information (history buffs welcome) but in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. A conversation, rather than a lecture! Places we will visit: - Cho Gioi area - Kham Thien B52 memorial - Hanoi Train Street Note: 20% of the profit will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in Hanoi
Hanoi during the Vietnam War: the dark side of its most famous monuments. Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South of Vietnam). Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South); and the story of the unification of Vietnam, a country once divided between the communist and anti-communist, on the brink of the Cold War. Our "stroll" will last about 3 hours, with a short taxi ride half way through. The aim of my walk is to make you discover specific areas of Hanoi (far away from the tourist's eyes) in the light of aspects of our city's rich history that are rarely touched upon by guidebooks, with in-depth information (history buffs welcome) but in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. A conversation, rather than a lecture! Places we will visit: - Cho Gioi area - Kham Thien B52 memorial - Hanoi Train Street Note: 20% of the profit will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in Hanoi
French Quarter Coffee, History & Architecture
Step beyond Hanoi’s Old Quarter and discover the elegant French Quarter through architecture, history, and coffee. With a local guide, you’ll trace how French rule reshaped the city, connect colonial landmarks with Vietnam’s modern story, and notice details most visitors walk past. The experience begins with Vietnamese coffee or tea in a tucked-away French villa, followed by a relaxed walk through the area’s historic streets and notable buildings. It is designed as a conversation rather than a lecture, so questions and curious travelers are very welcome. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Includes a guided walking tour, one Vietnamese coffee or tea, and a local expert guide. Meeting point: 6 Au Trieu, beside St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Step beyond Hanoi’s Old Quarter and discover the elegant French Quarter through architecture, history, and coffee. With a local guide, you’ll trace how French rule reshaped the city, connect colonial landmarks with Vietnam’s modern story, and notice details most visitors walk past. The experience begins with Vietnamese coffee or tea in a tucked-away French villa, followed by a relaxed walk through the area’s historic streets and notable buildings. It is designed as a conversation rather than a lecture, so questions and curious travelers are very welcome. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Includes a guided walking tour, one Vietnamese coffee or tea, and a local expert guide. Meeting point: 6 Au Trieu, beside St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Hanoi Street Food & Hidden Paths
Taste Hanoi the way locals do on a guided walk through the Old Quarter’s food stalls, family-run shops, and hidden lanes. This is more than a tasting tour: your guide will introduce the everyday stories, habits, and neighborhoods behind the dishes, giving you a lively glimpse of real Hanoi life. Come hungry and ready to explore. The route combines well-loved local specialties with lesser-known stops that can be difficult to find on your own. The friendly small-group format suits solo travelers, couples, families, and anyone who wants an easy introduction to Vietnamese street food. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Meals and drinks, the guided walking route, and a local expert guide are included.
Taste Hanoi the way locals do on a guided walk through the Old Quarter’s food stalls, family-run shops, and hidden lanes. This is more than a tasting tour: your guide will introduce the everyday stories, habits, and neighborhoods behind the dishes, giving you a lively glimpse of real Hanoi life. Come hungry and ready to explore. The route combines well-loved local specialties with lesser-known stops that can be difficult to find on your own. The friendly small-group format suits solo travelers, couples, families, and anyone who wants an easy introduction to Vietnamese street food. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Meals and drinks, the guided walking route, and a local expert guide are included.
Hanoi Highlights & Local Life by Bike
Make your first day in Hanoi easier, more meaningful, and more fun with a bicycle experience combining famous highlights and everyday local life. Instead of simply ticking off landmarks, you’ll ride with a local guide who helps you understand the city’s rhythm, history, and neighborhoods. The experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want an active overview of Hanoi and practical local context for the rest of their stay. Expect a relaxed pace, opportunities to ask questions, and a mix of recognizable sights and less-touristed streets. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Hosted in English by a local guide. Meeting point: Hoa Lo Prison, 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Make your first day in Hanoi easier, more meaningful, and more fun with a bicycle experience combining famous highlights and everyday local life. Instead of simply ticking off landmarks, you’ll ride with a local guide who helps you understand the city’s rhythm, history, and neighborhoods. The experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want an active overview of Hanoi and practical local context for the rest of their stay. Expect a relaxed pace, opportunities to ask questions, and a mix of recognizable sights and less-touristed streets. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Hosted in English by a local guide. Meeting point: Hoa Lo Prison, 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Hanoi Vegetarian & Vegan Food Tour
Discover Hanoi’s vegetarian and vegan food scene on a guided walk filled with local flavors and stories. Finding authentic meat-free dishes can be challenging without local knowledge, so your guide will lead you to carefully chosen stops and explain the ingredients, traditions, and daily life connected to each taste. A vegan option is available, making this experience suitable for both vegetarian and vegan guests. The relaxed walking format is welcoming for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families who want to explore beyond the obvious restaurants and experience Hanoi through its food. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Meals and drinks, the guided walking route, and a local expert guide are included.
Discover Hanoi’s vegetarian and vegan food scene on a guided walk filled with local flavors and stories. Finding authentic meat-free dishes can be challenging without local knowledge, so your guide will lead you to carefully chosen stops and explain the ingredients, traditions, and daily life connected to each taste. A vegan option is available, making this experience suitable for both vegetarian and vegan guests. The relaxed walking format is welcoming for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families who want to explore beyond the obvious restaurants and experience Hanoi through its food. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Meals and drinks, the guided walking route, and a local expert guide are included.
Hanoi Coffee Culture Tour with Tastings
Explore Hanoi’s rich coffee culture through tastings, stories, and some of the city’s most characterful cafés. Your local guide will introduce Vietnam’s Robusta and Arabica traditions, explain how coffee became part of everyday life, and show how the city’s café culture continues to evolve. Along the way, taste Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at Đinh Café, visit a café set inside a French-era villa, and discover the history of Café Lâm. This experience is ideal for coffee lovers and curious travelers who want to connect flavors with Hanoi’s architecture, history, and social life. The tour includes guided café visits and coffee tastings. Meeting point: 8 Chan Cam Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Explore Hanoi’s rich coffee culture through tastings, stories, and some of the city’s most characterful cafés. Your local guide will introduce Vietnam’s Robusta and Arabica traditions, explain how coffee became part of everyday life, and show how the city’s café culture continues to evolve. Along the way, taste Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at Đinh Café, visit a café set inside a French-era villa, and discover the history of Café Lâm. This experience is ideal for coffee lovers and curious travelers who want to connect flavors with Hanoi’s architecture, history, and social life. The tour includes guided café visits and coffee tastings. Meeting point: 8 Chan Cam Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Hanoi Le Mat Snake Village Tour
Leave central Hanoi behind and discover Le Mat, a village known for its distinctive snake-related traditions and long local history. With a local guide, you’ll explore the community, learn how its identity developed, and hear stories that are difficult to understand from a quick independent visit. This experience is for culturally curious travelers seeking something different from Hanoi’s familiar Old Quarter routes. The pace is relaxed and conversation-led, giving you time to ask questions and better understand village life and customs. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Morning or evening departures are recommended for more comfortable weather. Meeting point: Le Mat Craft Village Cooperative Café, Long Bien, Hanoi.
Leave central Hanoi behind and discover Le Mat, a village known for its distinctive snake-related traditions and long local history. With a local guide, you’ll explore the community, learn how its identity developed, and hear stories that are difficult to understand from a quick independent visit. This experience is for culturally curious travelers seeking something different from Hanoi’s familiar Old Quarter routes. The pace is relaxed and conversation-led, giving you time to ask questions and better understand village life and customs. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Morning or evening departures are recommended for more comfortable weather. Meeting point: Le Mat Craft Village Cooperative Café, Long Bien, Hanoi.
Temple of Literature & Hoa Lo Prison Tour
Visit two of Hanoi’s most important historical sites with a guide who connects education, colonial rule, revolution, and war into one clear story. Begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s celebrated center of learning, then continue to Hoa Lo Prison to explore the human experiences behind its difficult history. Rather than seeing the sites as isolated attractions, you’ll learn how they reflect Vietnam’s changing society and national identity. This tour is well suited to first-time visitors, history lovers, and anyone who wants thoughtful context beyond museum labels. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: Temple of Literature, 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi. Please arrive a few minutes early.
Visit two of Hanoi’s most important historical sites with a guide who connects education, colonial rule, revolution, and war into one clear story. Begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s celebrated center of learning, then continue to Hoa Lo Prison to explore the human experiences behind its difficult history. Rather than seeing the sites as isolated attractions, you’ll learn how they reflect Vietnam’s changing society and national identity. This tour is well suited to first-time visitors, history lovers, and anyone who wants thoughtful context beyond museum labels. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: Temple of Literature, 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi. Please arrive a few minutes early.
Vietnam War Stories: Hoa Lo & Subsidy Era
Discover the human stories behind Vietnam’s division and reunification on a guided historical walk through Hanoi. Starting at Hoa Lo Prison and continuing toward the Cho Gioi area, the tour connects wartime events with everyday life during the planned-economy and subsidy era. Your guide will explain the wider Vietnam War and Cold War context while keeping the focus on people from different sides of a once-divided country. The conversation-led format welcomes questions and is designed for travelers who want nuance, local perspective, and a deeper understanding than a standard sightseeing tour. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: Hoa Lo Prison Relic, 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Discover the human stories behind Vietnam’s division and reunification on a guided historical walk through Hanoi. Starting at Hoa Lo Prison and continuing toward the Cho Gioi area, the tour connects wartime events with everyday life during the planned-economy and subsidy era. Your guide will explain the wider Vietnam War and Cold War context while keeping the focus on people from different sides of a once-divided country. The conversation-led format welcomes questions and is designed for travelers who want nuance, local perspective, and a deeper understanding than a standard sightseeing tour. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: Hoa Lo Prison Relic, 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Hoa Lo Prison & Military Museum Tour
Explore two powerful Hanoi sites to understand the conflicts that shaped modern Vietnam. At Hoa Lo Prison, uncover stories from the colonial period and wartime years. At the Vietnam Military History Museum, place those personal experiences within the wider story of the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and national reunification. A local guide connects the exhibits, events, and different perspectives so the visit feels coherent rather than overwhelming. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers who want informed context, space for questions, and a respectful look at complex history. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: Hoa Lo Prison Relic, 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Explore two powerful Hanoi sites to understand the conflicts that shaped modern Vietnam. At Hoa Lo Prison, uncover stories from the colonial period and wartime years. At the Vietnam Military History Museum, place those personal experiences within the wider story of the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and national reunification. A local guide connects the exhibits, events, and different perspectives so the visit feels coherent rather than overwhelming. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers who want informed context, space for questions, and a respectful look at complex history. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: Hoa Lo Prison Relic, 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Hanoi Spirit, Ancestor & Ghost Stories
Discover the spiritual beliefs that quietly shape everyday life in Hanoi. On this guided Old Quarter walk, you’ll explore Vietnamese traditions surrounding ancestor worship, spirits, the afterlife, and local superstitions while visiting authentic locations connected to these practices. Your guide turns unfamiliar customs into engaging stories and explains how old beliefs continue to influence homes, businesses, festivals, and daily decisions. The tour offers a thoughtful, atmospheric side of Hanoi for travelers interested in culture, folklore, and the meaning behind what they see. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: 1 Lan Ong Street, Hanoi Old Quarter.
Discover the spiritual beliefs that quietly shape everyday life in Hanoi. On this guided Old Quarter walk, you’ll explore Vietnamese traditions surrounding ancestor worship, spirits, the afterlife, and local superstitions while visiting authentic locations connected to these practices. Your guide turns unfamiliar customs into engaging stories and explains how old beliefs continue to influence homes, businesses, festivals, and daily decisions. The tour offers a thoughtful, atmospheric side of Hanoi for travelers interested in culture, folklore, and the meaning behind what they see. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Hosted in English by a local expert guide. Meeting point: 1 Lan Ong Street, Hanoi Old Quarter.
Historic Hanoi Morning Run – 12K Route
See Hanoi wake up while running a 12-kilometer route through more than a thousand years of history. This active experience combines movement, culture, and storytelling, taking you through historic areas before the streets become crowded and the day’s heat builds. The run is designed for casual runners who value discovery over speed. Your local host sets an approachable pace, shares stories along the route, and helps you notice a quieter side of the city. It is a memorable choice for travelers who love history, local culture, coffee, and an energetic start to the day. Distance: approximately 12 km. Meeting point: KFC, 3C Le Thai To Street, beside Hoan Kiem Lake. Look for the host arriving with a bicycle.
See Hanoi wake up while running a 12-kilometer route through more than a thousand years of history. This active experience combines movement, culture, and storytelling, taking you through historic areas before the streets become crowded and the day’s heat builds. The run is designed for casual runners who value discovery over speed. Your local host sets an approachable pace, shares stories along the route, and helps you notice a quieter side of the city. It is a memorable choice for travelers who love history, local culture, coffee, and an energetic start to the day. Distance: approximately 12 km. Meeting point: KFC, 3C Le Thai To Street, beside Hoan Kiem Lake. Look for the host arriving with a bicycle.
Hidden Hanoi Old Quarter Experience
Go beyond Hanoi’s busiest streets and discover the hidden character of the Old Quarter with a local guide. Wander through narrow lanes, market areas, and everyday neighborhoods while hearing the stories, traditions, and small details that reveal how the city really lives. This relaxed walking experience mixes well-known Old Quarter atmosphere with places many visitors would miss on their own. It is a strong introduction for first-time guests and equally rewarding for returning travelers who want local conversation, cultural context, and a slower look beneath the surface. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Includes the guided walking tour, coffee or tea, and a hand-picked local expert guide.
Go beyond Hanoi’s busiest streets and discover the hidden character of the Old Quarter with a local guide. Wander through narrow lanes, market areas, and everyday neighborhoods while hearing the stories, traditions, and small details that reveal how the city really lives. This relaxed walking experience mixes well-known Old Quarter atmosphere with places many visitors would miss on their own. It is a strong introduction for first-time guests and equally rewarding for returning travelers who want local conversation, cultural context, and a slower look beneath the surface. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours. Includes the guided walking tour, coffee or tea, and a hand-picked local expert guide.
Food
11 spots
Chicken phở
Good restaurant for you to try phở with different meat
See directly how they make a bowl of chicken phở upfront
Good restaurant for you to try phở with different meat
Mẹt restaurant
Good restaurant to enjoy Vietnamese food
If you don't have a big stomach don't try too much dishes
Good restaurant to enjoy Vietnamese food
Bánh mỳ 25
Famous bánh mỳ shop
If you know a Vietnamese friend, ask them to make a pre-order so you don't have to wait long
Famous bánh mỳ shop
Corner section
Stop by the corner to see this family restaurant and try their dishes
Try their sea food and the "bò kho" dish, the taste is fantastic
Stop by the corner to see this family restaurant and try their dishes
Pillow pancake
Good place to try traditional pillow pancake
When you still don't see what you order please ask the waiter person and the shop owner, they will make it for you. But don't rush them, they will yell at you. The shop is next to a banyan tree
Good place to try traditional pillow pancake
Fresh sea food
The fresh sea food restaurant next to the beer street junction
Clean the bowl and chopsticks, spoons before eating because they might get the dirt from the road next to it
The fresh sea food restaurant next to the beer street junction
Deep-fried glutinous rice ball (bánh rán)
Good place to try
Try the fresh dough came out from the oven in the morning or in the early afternoon after lunch time (12:00)
Good place to try
Vietnamese dessert soup
Dessert shop for refreshment
Try "khúc bạch" sweet soup and pomelo sweet soup if you have a sweet tooth
Dessert shop for refreshment
Bún chả
Old quarter style bun cha
It will be crowded around lunch time (11:00 - 13:00), dinner time (17:00 - 18:00) and on weekend
Old quarter style bun cha
Chả cá Lã Vọng
Doan family's recipe from XIX century
Please book a place before going or you may face "out of seat" when reach there. You can ask the hotel staff where you are staying to book for you.
Doan family's recipe from XIX century
Veggie
2 spotsVeg bánh mỳ Bonbagu
Bánh mỳ with veg option
Please wait a bit for them to make because all the ingredient are fresh and they only serve when a customer order
Bánh mỳ with veg option
Veg phở auntie Rose
Veg phở restaurant for anyone who cannot eat meat, the broth also not using animal bones
They only serve in the morning from 7:00 to 14:00
Veg phở restaurant for anyone who cannot eat meat, the broth also not using animal bones
Drink
2 spots
Old coffee shop
This is one of the oldest coffee shop in the old quarter
Try the oldest coffee in the menu, they will surprise you
This is one of the oldest coffee shop in the old quarter
Sugar cane juice
Great place to enjoy the drink after walking around the old quarter
Also try kumquat tea
Great place to enjoy the drink after walking around the old quarter
Other activities
2 spots
Water puppet show
Two oldest theater in Hanoi. You can visit the other theater when one out of shows
Try not to use the translation radio, it will reduce your viewing experience
Two oldest theater in Hanoi. You can visit the other theater when one out of shows
Ngọc Sơn temple
The temple worship three religions in Vietnam: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and the altar of a famous general in Vietnam
There also have real soft turtle specimen, a species used to live in the lake
The temple worship three religions in Vietnam: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and the altar of a famous general in Vietnam