Duong's Recommendations in Hanoi

A great introduction into Hanoi's life, get to know more about the people, the culture and the vitality of the local people in Hanoi

We’ll start by sampling the city’s best dishes, followed by tales about the Vietnamese language and the Vietnam War. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

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)

Discover one of the most beautiful parts of Hanoi. The historical area is the southern part of Hanoi and full of history and culture that sets it apart from the rest of the city.

Trace stories of courage at Hoa Lo Prison, then step into a subsidy era neighborhood with a local history lover who shares how Hanoi families lived, worked, and adapted after the war.

Trace Vietnam's first university with a local history lover, then step into Hoa Lo Prison to hear vivid accounts of its turbulent past.

Join us for an unforgettable vegan/vegetarian food walking experience and get a glimpse into the lives of the locals. We’ll visit some of Hanoi‘s best local vegan-friendly street food places, handpicked by real foodies

Explore the spiritual beliefs that shape everyday life in Hanoi on a guided walking tour. Discover the Vietnamese traditions of ancestor worship, spirits, the afterlife, and local superstitions as you visit authentic locations across the Old Quarter. Step beyond Hanoi’s busy streets and discover a hidden world where the living and the spirits have coexisted for centuries. Follow your local storyteller through the lantern-lit alleys of the Old Quarter as you uncover the beliefs that continue to shape everyday life in Vietnam. Visit ancient temples, traditional medicine streets, and neighborhoods filled with forgotten legends while exploring ancestor worship, guardian spirits, Ghost Month rituals, funeral customs, and the meaning of the afterlife. Along the way, hear chilling urban legends, learn why dreams are believed to carry messages from the spirit world, and discover the superstitions that many Hanoians still follow today. Rather than a theatrical horror tour, this experience offers a fascinating journey into the spiritual traditions, folklore, and cultural beliefs that have been passed down through generations, revealing a side of Hanoi that most visitors never see.

Follow a Hanoi coffee culture specialist from historic cafes to modern roasteries, taste egg coffee at Dinh Cafe and hear how robusta shaped local life.

*Note: We highly recommend choosing the morning or evening tour to enjoy a more comfortable experience and avoid the daytime heat in Hanoi. Discover a unique side of Hanoi with a short local train journey and a cultural visit to the famous Snake Village. Enjoy a glimpse of local life before a short taxi transfer to Lệ Mật Village. Explore this traditional village known for its long history with snakes. Visit the local temple and hear the legend of the snake-slaying hero connected to Hanoi’s early history. Meet a local family who have raised snakes for generations. Learn about their daily life, cultural beliefs, and traditional practices. Your guide will also explain how Lệ Mật became known for its unique snake cuisine and its role in local culture.

Begin your day at Hanoi Railway Station, where you’ll meet your friendly local guide and board the train to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, switch to a bicycle or motorbike, allowing you to explore the countryside at a relaxed pace, passing rice fields, limestone karsts, and quiet village roads rarely seen by big tour buses. Visit Hang Mua, famous for its panoramic viewpoint offering one of the most breathtaking landscapes in northern Vietnam. After the climb, continue to Tam Coc, where you’ll enjoy a traditional sampan boat trip along a peaceful river, gliding through caves and emerald rice fields framed by dramatic limestone mountains. Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a countryside restaurant, with vegan and vegetarian options available. In the afternoon, explore Bich Dong Pagoda, a beautiful ancient pagoda built into a limestone cave, known for its serene atmosphere and spiritual charm. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a slow travel experience, fewer crowds, and a deeper connection with local life - all in one unforgettable day from Hanoi.

See 1,000 years of Hanoi before breakfast Before the scooters buzz and the markets burst to life, experience Hanoi at its most peaceful hour. Join our local storyteller-guide on a 12K sunrise run that traces the city’s living history — from the still waters of Hoan Kiem Lake to the maze of the Old Quarter, across the legendary Long Bien Bridge, and into the calm embrace of West Lake. Along the way, we’ll pause at iconic landmarks and hidden corners to uncover stories of emperors, artisans, revolutionaries, and modern life. You’ll witness Hanoi waking up — tai chi at dawn, street vendors setting up, and temples glowing in golden light. It’s not just a run; it’s a journey through time — a moving connection to the heart and soul of Vietnam’s capital. Finish with a cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee by the lake as the city fully awakens. Take home not just photos, but an unforgettable story written by your own footsteps.

Visiting Hanoi for the first time? It can feel exciting… but also confusing: Too many choices? Afraid you might miss the real hidden gems? Not sure which reviews to trust? Worried about local details (heat, traffic, culture)? Traveling solo and feeling lonely? Scared of getting lost or scammed? Afraid you won’t “do it right” like other travelers? 👉 Don’t worry. This tour is designed to solve all that.

A crispy baguette filled with pâté, savory meats, fresh herbs, and flavorful sauce - an Iconic Vietnamese dish.

Golden, crunchy fried Vietnamese donuts coated with sesame seeds or sugars filled with sweet mung bean paste. Crispy outside, soft inside – a beloved Hanoi street snack.

A classic Vietnamese street drink, pressed straight from sugarcane stalks with a touch of kumquat or lime. Sweet, cooling, and perfect for beating Hanoi’s heat.

Light and refreshing Hanoi specialty: soft rice noodle sheets rolled with beef, herbs, and lettuce, served with a tangy dipping sauce, perfect for a flavorful yet healthy bite.

Step into a local dessert shop and discover Vietnam’s favorite sweet treats: from "hoa quả dầm" (mixed fruit with coconut milk and ice) to "chè" (sweet soups with beans, jelly, and coconut), or fun combinations like "kem xôi" (sticky rice with ice cream) and "kem xôi xoài" (with mango). Light, refreshing, and perfect to cool down after exploring Hanoi.

Crunchy green papaya salad with herbs, peanuts, and beef jerky (vegan option: no beef, allergy-friendly: no peanuts).

Delicate rice noodles in a clear, fragrant chicken broth, topped with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a hint of ginger. Lighter than beef pho but just as comforting.

Xôi Xéo – Hanoi’s iconic breakfast, sticky rice topped with mung bean and crispy shallots.

A steaming bowl of flat rice noodles in clear, fragrant beef broth, topped with tender slices of beef and fresh herbs. Comforting, flavorful, and the soul of Hanoi’s cuisine.

Rice noodles topped with stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and crispy shallots, all mixed with a sweet–sour fish sauce dressing. Light, flavorful, and perfect for those who love a noodle dish without broth.

A colorful selection of traditional Vietnamese sweet soups, made with beans, fruits, jelly, coconut milk, and other natural ingredients. A refreshing and sweet way to discover Vietnam’s diverse dessert culture.

Bún chả is a classic Hanoi dish featuring grilled pork patties and slices of pork, served with fresh rice noodles, herbs, and a light sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. It’s smoky, fresh, and a must-try local specialty when exploring Hanoi.

A cozy local "bún chả" spot serving tasty vegetarian options, making it a great place for both meat lovers and plant-based diners to enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors. 🍜🌿

A vegan twist on Vietnam’s iconic bánh mì, made entirely with plant-based ingredients. Enjoy the familiar crispy baguette, fresh vegetables, herbs, and flavorful vegan fillings, a great option for anyone looking to experience a classic Vietnamese street food without meat.

Vegan/Vegetarian Pho that still keep that street food style of the local Vietnamese in Hanoi.

Vegetarian buffet restaurant

100% plant-based café, bistro, and "vegan butcher

Ta Hien is the heart of Hanoi’s nightlife - a narrow street packed with small bars, colorful lights, and rows of plastic chairs spilling onto the pavement. Locals and travelers sit side by side, drinking bia hơi or bottled beer, chatting, and watching the flow of people pass by. It’s noisy, crowded, and full of energy

A bia hơi corner is where you can truly blend in with local life in Hanoi. People sit on small plastic chairs, sharing cold draft beer, simple snacks, and loud laughter. It’s not fancy but it’s the best way to feel the city’s everyday rhythm and friendly spirit.

Locals gather here after work, still in their uniforms or office clothes, laughing over stories of the day. The place feels spontaneous and full of warmth.

The birth place of egg coffee

Cafe Lam is a charming hidden gem in Hanoi, known for its cozy, nostalgic atmosphere and distinctive vintage-style interior. What makes the café special is that the layout and decorations, unique paintings can change frequently, sometimes giving the space a completely different look and feel from one visit to the next.

The Temple of Literature, built in 1070, is Vietnam’s first national university and a symbol of learning and respect for Confucius. Surrounded by peaceful courtyards, old trees, and stone steles engraved with scholars’ names, it reflects Vietnam’s long tradition of valuing education and wisdom.

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi displays the country’s rich artistic heritage from ancient times to the modern era. Its collections include traditional sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and contemporary art. Visitors can explore both historical masterpieces and modern creativity, gaining insight into Vietnam’s evolving art and culture.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Hanoi’s most important historical landmarks. Built in the 11th century during the Lý dynasty, it served as the political and cultural center of Vietnam for over a thousand years. The site features ancient gates, stone dragons, royal foundations, and remnants of palaces buried underground. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s long history, resilience, and continuous development through different dynasties.

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum showcases the important roles of women in Vietnam’s history, culture, and daily life. Its exhibits highlight women’s contributions during wartime, traditional costumes, and family customs - offering a touching and inspiring look at their strength and resilience.

The Vietnam Military History Museum, located near the Hanoi Flag Tower, offers a deep look into the country’s long struggle for independence and defense. Established in 1956, it displays weapons, photographs, and war relics from different periods - from ancient battles to the wars against the French and Americans. The outdoor exhibition features iconic artifacts like the wreckage of downed US aircraft and tanks, showing both the hardship and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases the culture, traditions, and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Visitors can explore traditional houses, costumes, tools, and artifacts both indoors and in the outdoor village area. It’s a great place to learn about the diversity and heritage of Vietnam beyond Hanoi’s urban life.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square, is one of the most sacred places in Hanoi. It houses the preserved body of President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of Vietnam’s independence. Every morning, visitors can witness the solemn flag-raising ceremony, and at sunset, the flag-lowering ceremony both performed by the Honor Guard. These rituals reflect the deep respect and gratitude the Vietnamese people have for “Uncle Ho.”

The Ho Chi Minh Museum, located near the Mausoleum in Hanoi, is dedicated to the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Opened in 1990, the museum displays photos, documents, and personal belongings that tell the story of his revolutionary journey and Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The building’s modern design, shaped like a white lotus, symbolizes purity and respect for “Uncle Ho.”

Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French in the late 19th century, was originally used to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries. During the Vietnam War, it held American pilots and was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Today, the museum tells powerful stories of suffering, resilience, and the Vietnamese spirit of resistance.