hanoi tour guide club

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• Tour Memoir

Known as the cultural, economic and political heart of Vietnam, Hanoi is a unique city having the fascinating blend of modern and ancient features. Exploring this charming city on foot, you will probably be overwhelmed by French colonial architecture sites, well-preserved pagodas, interesting museums and an inner peaceful vibe of Hanoi rather the hectic life that many people may think. As Vietnamese youngsters, we are so proud to present that magnificent beauty of our dear Hanoi to the world. If you have been charmed by this city, do not hesitate to grasp the chance of going on a free yet quality tour with us! Book City Tour now!

We act as your travel mates, not your tour guides.

– Hanoikids –

General Tour Package Information

• Starting time: 9 am / 2 pm.

• Duration: ~ 3 hours.

• Transportation: Walking / Taxi.

• Pick-up location: Usually your hotel.

Touring Sites:

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Built in the 11th century, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a complex of relics associated with the history of Hanoi. This massive architectural work was built by the kings in many historical empire and has become the most important relic in the system of Vietnamese monuments.

The central area of ​​Thang Longi Imperial Citadel has an includes the archaeological site of 18 Hoang Dieu and the remaining relics in the Hanoi Citadel: the North Gate, the Main Gate, the Princess Palace, Kinh Thien Palace, D67 house and Hanoi Flag Tower.

Old Quarter and French Quarter 

The Old Quarter’s main attraction lies in the charming historical ambience of the local unique culture and the vibrant streets full of stalls and food vendors.

Unlike the Old Quarter, Hanoi French Quarter is mostly known for its elegant look with luxurious hotels, government offices and restored colonial buildings constructed in French architecture.

Hoa Lo Prison 

Hoa Lo prison was built by the French to keep political prisoners around 1886. This prison was taken over by Vietnamese government and used to keep American pilots during the American’s occupation.

It is the witness of Vietnamese thousand-year history filled with blood and tears. Our forefathers bravely fought in world-shaking battles so that their descendants today can live in peace and freedom.

Temple of Literature

Considered the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature is a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture dedicated to Confucius and honoring Vietnam’s finest scholars, as well as hosting royal examinations in the past.

Ho Chi Minh Complex  

Ho Chi Minh Complex offers you a chance to travel back in time and learn about our national hero as well as Vietnamese great history. This site consists of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s old living space, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology 

Museum of Ethnology shows tourists the diversity in the architecture, customs and ideology of the Vietnamese culture. The museum is divided into 2 sections. The indoor section displays cultural exhibitions of Vietnam’s ethnic communities, whereas the outdoor section offers a glimpse into various house styles of these ethnic groups.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village 

Located 15 kilometers away from the centre of Hanoi, Bat Trang is the most famous handicraft ceramic village in Vietnam. A visit to this place will give you the chance to make ceramic yourself as well as admire elegant ceramic works created by local craftsmen.

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Hanoikids Hanoi temple of literature tour

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HanoiKids Voluntary English Tour Guiding Club

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

HanoiKids Voluntary English Tour Guiding Club - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

+ 84 (0) 96 1002338

[email protected]

• Tour Booking Form

• Strategic Goals
• Achievements & Awards

STATEMENT Hanoi Free Tour Guides (HFTGs) is a social non-profit organization founded and run by a group of students and ex-students since January 2010.

MISSION – To give on-going support and assistance towards Vietnamese tourist industry. – To better promote communication, cultural exchange among students and people of different countries. – To offer a wider choice of employment for young people who are intended to acquire knowledge and develop their skills to their full potential. – To provide an extensive access to education and vocational training for the poor, disadvantaged and contribute to the community empowerment.

VISION – The founders of HFTGs express their great desire about introducing an increasingly developing Vietnam on the basis of an age-old culture and unique traditions and customs to the world . HFTGs strongly believe that in their best efforts along with numerous assistance by the entire community we can fulfill our mission, greatly contributing to the process of national industrialization and modernization. – In addition, HFTGs and its members are desirous to become deserved representatives as Little Ambassadors of Hanoi and Vietnam and a great bridge to make contribution to the world’s nation building.

STRATEGIC GOALS – Utilizing the public resources, governmental and non-governmental funding for social development – Based on the rights, demands and public participation – Better investing into young people, especially university or college students – Community empowerment

Why HFTGs is a Must- Do in Hanoi? – Totally free of charge guiding service. – Well-recognized and highly recommended by the world’s most famoust tourism forums: Tripadvisor, Lonelyplanet… – Appeared on leading domestic and international newspapers, TV channels: Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam National TV (VTV), Vietnam Plus, Hanoi Capital Security, RM TV (Russian TV), The People (the most reputable, the central organ of the Communist Party of Vietnam, The voice of the party, state and people of Vietnam)….. – Experiencing the tour in the most localized way with students and ex-students. – Strictly- selected,well-trained, professional, and knowledgeable, “travelmates, little ambassadors” who are excellent in foreign language skills and deep knowledge on culture and history with great enthusiasm of introducing the image of Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular to international friends. – Easiest way to customize your tours to match your time and interests. – Making friend with lovely Vietnamese students and ex-students. – Offering various choices of languages: English, Chinese, French, Russian, Korean, Japanese, German and Spanish, Italian.. – Experiencing service of among the leading, largest social organizations with over 600 volunteers. – Owners of the prestigious awards: Top Choice by Lonely Planet, Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor (annually); Top 3 attactions in Hanoi by PATA; National Volunteers Award by UN volunteers programme…..

• Tours sharing
• Terms and Conditions
• Tour Booking

Dấu ấn Tour những ngày cuối tháng 11

The shortest tour ever, những sắc màu của hftgs, tour đầu tiên của tôi, hftgs trong trái tim tôi những ngày cuối năm 4.

Please kindly read and fully understand all of our terms& conditions before making bookings in any forms (telephone, online, directly or indirectly…)

Acceptance of the following policies, terms and conditions is required for participation in the Hanoi Free Tour Guides (HFTGs) organization.

• Members of HFTGs and HFTGs guides are volunteers who provide guide services out of their own goodwill.

• Any and all persons who request and/or utilize the services of HFTGs will be referred to as “guest(s)” hereafter.

2. Expenses

While HFTGs guiding services are totally free of charge, guests are responsible for the following expenses:

• TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE GUIDE while conducting a tour for the guests. These include any and all public transportation fees, taxi fares incurred after meeting the guest at the appointed meeting place. Guests are not responsible for costs incurred by the guide while traveling to or from the meeting place both before and after the tour period. ADMISSION FEES to museums, temples, events etc. incurred by the guide while providing guide services.

• MEALS eaten by the guide while providing his or her services to the guest(s).

3. Inappropriate Conduct

HFTGs and its volunteers reserve the right to terminate guiding services at any point during the tour if the guest(s) exhibit any of the following behavior:

• UNSAFE or ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR.

• INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR or advances. This includes sexual behavior initiated by the guest(s) toward the guide, occurring among the guest(s) and or that initiated by the guest(s) toward persons outside of the tour group.

• INTOXICATION AND ILLICIT DRUG ABUSE.

• REFUSING to cover expenses incurred by the guide as outlined in the above section on expenses.

• ANY CONDUCT, BEHAVIOR, OR ACTION that the guide feels is inappropriate or offensive or reflects poorly upon his or her self or HFTGs.

4. Statement of Limited Liability

HFTGs and its guides are not responsible for any illnesses, injuries, thefts, losses, or any resulting damages incurred by the guest(s) while using HFTGs services. The guest(s) accept(s) full responsibility for any damages, injuries, or losses that he/she/they may incur while using HFTGs services.

5. Right to Refuse Service, Conflicts of Interest

HFTGs can refuse to offer its services and/or terminate its services to the guest(s) at any point for the following reasons:

• The guest(s) provide(s) false information through the booking form when requesting a guide and/or e-mail exchanges with HFTGs.

• The guest(s) attempt(s) to profit or gain monetarily from HFTGs services or operate(s) a business which attempts to profit or gain from HFTGs services.

• The guest(s) request(s) to engage in “sexual tourism” in any form or fashion. This includes but is not limited to requests to visit brothels, sexual goods shops, adult book stores and other similar venues which HFTGs deems inappropriate for its guide services.

• The guide(s) may cancel appointments with due notice if unavoidable reasons or extreme circumstances (e.g., extreme weather conditions, natural disaster, etc.) occur.

6. Sudden Cancellation by Guest(s)

HFTGs reserves the right to refuse service to guest(s) who have previously cancelled guide appointments without due notice. This excludes cases in which cancellation was for unavoidable reasons or extreme circumstances.

7. Cases in Which HFTGs May be Unable to Provide a Guide

In the following cases, HFTGs may be unable to provide a guide to the guest(s):

• There are too many booked inquiries and or a shortage of available guides.

• A guide cannot be found who is able to meet the guest’s request (e.g., starting a tour from 5.00 a.m)

8. Acceptance of Policies, Terms and Conditions of HFTGs

I, the guest, by sending booking form, booking inquiry emails or any other forms of making reservation do hereby state my absolute acceptance of the policies, terms and conditions of HFTGs as outlined in this agreement.

How much does it cost to use guide service? Our guide services are totally free of charge. However, please kindly prepare to pay all the expenses of the volunteer guide during the tour, such as admission fees, restaurant meals, transportation fees, etc.

Do I have to give a tip?

While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated. If you had a wonderful time, a small tip is a meaningful way to show your appreciation. Your generosity helps us maintain the quality of our tours and supports our guides. Thank you for considering tipping as a way to support our organization.

We are a group of 8 people, and can we request a guide? We may arrange two (or more) volunteer guides. Please be prepared to pay the expenses of these volunteer guides.

What languages do guides speak? Currently, we have English, Chinese, French, Russian, Korean, Japanese, German, Spanish, Italian and Vietnamese speaking volunteer guides. It is Hanoi Free Tour Guides’ great effort to extend our services in more languages to serve more tourists from all over the world visiting our country.

Can I request a guide for weekdays? Yes, you can.

When should I request a volunteer guide? We recommend you request as soon as possible before the planned date for the tour. However, please don’t hesitate to email us or book at any time even short notice. We will inform you whether your requested tour can be confirmed.

Our hotlines:

+84(0)988979174

Or email us at [email protected], Hanoi Free Tour Guides Tour Operation Department will reply you shortly.

How can I book a tour with HFTGs? Please apply using the BOOKING FORM. You can also contact us via email: [email protected]. After receiving your inquiry, we will reply you as soon as possible.

In the event, you wish to email us for reservation, kindly complete the following information:

Email us with sufficient information as indicated as follows:

1. Number of guests:

2. Name of representative (please provide us your hotel check-in name so our guide can ask receptionists for help in case of necessity).

3. Available mobile phone number (in use in Vietnam) if yes (our guides may directly phone you in case she/he can’t find you at hotel lobby).

2. Your hotel address ( please provide the address as detailed as possible because some hotels have same names but different addresses)

3. Date and time for pick-up

4. Places for visiting, in case you have no ideas, our guides can directly suggest you to make it suitable with your time and your interests.

5. Means of transportation: Please note that taxi is the most popular, Please feel free to tell us if you want to travel by another mean of transportation or on foot.

6. Preferred guiding language: (English, Mandarin Chinese, French, Russian, Korean, Japanese, German or Vietnamese). You can make request of volunteers speaking different languages for the same tour in case there are different requests on guiding languages from people in your group.

Where do I meet my guides? Our guides will meet you right at your hotel.

Tour options for reference

FULL DAY (normally start at 8am(summer), 9am(winter) and finish at around 5pm)

* Option 1: Hochiminh complex, Temple of Literature, Sword lake area (including Ngoc Son Temple), French Quarter and Old Quarter

* Option 2: Temple of Literature, West lake area, Hoalo prison and Museum of Ethnology (or Women’s Museum)

* Option 3: Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology (or Women’s Museum), Old Quarter, Sword lake area (including Ngoc Son Temple) and French Quarter.

* Option 4: Old Quarter, Sword lake area (including Ngoc Son Temple), Museum of Ethnology (or Women’s Museum) and

1 out of 2 handicraft villages (Bat Trang pottery village and Van Phuc silk village)

* Option 5: Bat Trang pottery village and Van Phuc silk village

HALF DAY (normally start at 9am(winter), 8am(summer) for the morning one and 2pm for the afternoon one)

* Option 1: Old Quarter,Sword lake area (including Ngoc Son Temple), French Quarter and Long Bien bridge.

* Option 2: Museum of Ethnology (or Women’s Museum), Sword lake area.

* Option 3: 1 out of 2 handicraft villages ( Bat Trang pottery village or Van Phuc silk village)

* Option 4: Hochiminh complex, Temple of Literature and West lake area

* Option 5: Hoa Lo prison, Sword lake area, Old Quarter and French Quarter.

* Option 6: Night market tours on weekend nights ( Friday, Saturday and Sunday): Start at 7pm to late 9, 10 pm.

The above suggested itinerary is just for reference, it is very flexible, you can directly discuss with our guide for recommendations and suitable arrangement.

To book a tour please provide us information as above and email us at [email protected] Thanks so much and wish you best time ever in Vietnam.

HFTGs BOOKING FORM

"Please be advised your booking is ONLY OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED if you receive a confirmation email from us. HFTGs reserves its rights to refuse your inquiries in cases such as: we have got fully booked, your inquiries come on short notice... or other cases as indicated in our Terms & Conditions."

Please fill in the following information for your reservation. *The field is required

Number of participants * Adult(s): Child(ren):

Full name of your representative *

Your nationality *

Your hotel name * Please indicate as detailed as possible in case of having same hotel names but different address

Your hotel address (pick-up) venue * (Some hotels with same names but different addresses) Please indicate as detailed as possible in case of having same hotel names but different address

Your email address (available to your access during your vacation) *

Re-enter your email to confirm *

Your phone number (preferably available on whatsapp, viber, naver, line, wechat) * (Format: +country code+ number: Eg: +84 96 100 2338)

Date of required tours including time to start * In case you request more than 01 day/half day tour, please add in the FURTHER REQUEST IN THE LAST FIELD Eg: 05/03/2013 SA

Proposed Pick-up time * :

Type of tours * half-day(s) full day(s)

Places to visit * In case, you have no ideas, please put in OPEN TO RECOMMENDATIONS, our guide will directly recommend when meeting you

Preferred guiding languages * You can choose two or more languages at the same time. HFTGs will assign speaking guides of different languages if needed. English Mandarin Chinese French Russian Korean Japanese German Spanish Italian Other:

Other supports request: Do you need further assistance/ Advice with other travel services like: packaged tours/ transportation/ accommodation, etc? (Please be advised HFTGs, to the best of our knowledge, experiences, expertise, credibility and networking, shall offer you best advices or work with trusted suppliers to make recommendations valuing your time and every penny you pay. * Yes No

You are businessman and eye on investment/doing business in Vietnam. Are you looking for investment/business opportunities and information like: legal services, market survey, company set-up, import & export, etc? Yes No

Other requests, please state in detail if any Eg: Special interests, vegetarian......

• Our Sponsors

• HANOI ATTRACTIONS
• FOOD & CULTURES
• USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

Hoan Kiem (Sword Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake or Ho Guom (Sword Lake) is considered as “a flower basket” in the center of Hanoi.

Van Phuc Silk Village

Most toursists visiting Hanoi would like to buy silk products as presents for their friends and relatives.

Bat Trang – Traditional ceramic village in Hanoi

At Bat Trang, you have an opportunity to make ceramic products as a gift for your relatives, friends or for souvenir. 

West Lake (Hồ Tây)

West Lake (Hồ Tây). Large lake (500 hectares in area) in the northwest of Hanoi, also called Hồ Đâm Đàm (Lake of Frogs) or Hồ Lãng Bạc (Lake of Foamy Waves)

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country, which is composed of 54 ethnic groups.

Hanoi Old Quarter

As Vietnam’s capital and center of tourism and trade in the country, Hanoi is an entirely busy city.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Loa Prison (later known as Hanoi Hilton) was a famous prison located in Hanoi’s French District

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Vietnam takes pride on the very first President – Ho Chi Minh (or Uncle Ho), the National Liberation Hero.

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam)

The very first stop-over of any foreign tourist in Hanoi is always Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam

Australian newspaper headlines charm of Hanoi’s street food, history

Australia’s ABC News has recommended the Vietnamese capital Hanoi to tourists, underlining the attractions of its culture, history and street food.

Spring Roll

Spring roll (“Nem rán” in the North or “Chả giò” in the South) is one of the most popular traditional

Vietnamese Cuisine – From Variations and Influences to Cultural Reflection

Along with the country’s natural beauty coupled with the friendliness and hospitality of its people,

Hanoi Young Sticky Rice

Com (young sticky rice) is specialty of Vong village, Hanoi and often enjoyed when autumn comes.

Banh Cuon – A Lasting Delicate and Comfort Roll

For years, Bánh Cuốn (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls) has never stop to demonstrate its long-lasting perfect comfort food to food lovers.

Hanoi Noodles

Pho (noodles) always ranks the first in the list of must-not-miss Vietnamese dishes.

Nem Ran (Spring Roll)

Nem ran (called cha gio in the south) is a much-appreciated speciality

Banking & Money

Money exchange: Usually airports and train stations offer better exchange rates than in town due to the local competition

Transportation

Taxi Some reliable Taxi companies are listed below with their own phone numbers.

Must-try local foods

Pho – a delicious intro to Vietnamese food No matter what time day or night, a steaming bowl of pho noodle soup is never hard to enjoy.

Shopping in Hanoi

Hand-embroidered tablecloths and lacquerware are very popular in Hanoi.

Travel to Hanoi

Please get advised on useful information about ways to travel to “City for peace”, Hanoi:

Best time to travel

One of the first questions that comes to mind of a traveller is deciding on a time to go. There comes the time for holiday and vacation and then all of a sudden the question “Will that be the best time to visit the country” creates new nerves. In fact, even when you do the […]

Testimonials

Ha My and Thuy Hau are amazing volunteers from HFTG. Both of them reached our hotel much earlier than the spoken time. They can speak fluently in Mandarin so you don’t need to worry about having problem in conversation. I think the mission and vision of this organisation is very good and meaningful. Therefore, I will recommended this organisation to any of my friends in Malaysia!

Wai Lun (Malaysia)

We are so grateful for stumbling upon Hanoi Free Tour Guides, because we had the best experience . Our guide Phuong was absolutely amazing. It’s great to have th e city of Hanoi introduced to you by a local who is genuine and really interested in telling you everything and answering all your questions. I highly recommend it to people who are tired of just another touristy tour and want something a bit more tailored and authentic. Thank you!

Britta Gassmann ( Estonia )

Had a lovely day today going around Hanoi with our guide, Trang. She was punctual, easy going, friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend Hanoi Free Tour Guides. So awesome to exchange information about our respective countries. Great idea.

Vineshree Moodley ( India )

Other news & events.

American tourists vote for Vietnam’s best new bars

Recruitment 2022- feed your wanderlust, spring recruitment 2017, hanoi free tour guides proudly received national volunteer award, light the night, our partners.

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Hanoi travel advises , Learn about Hanoi

Hanoi free private tour guide: discovering hanoi’s beauty with locals.

Hanoi is a vibrant city, rich in culture and history, with countless attractions and landmarks. However, navigating the city and discovering its hidden gems can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. That’s where the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide club comes in, offering free tours with knowledgeable and passionate locals who know the city inside out.

Introducing hanoi free private tour guide club.

The Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide club is a non-profit organization that provides free tours of Hanoi with local volunteers. This club was established in 2015 with the goal of promoting Hanoi’s rich culture and tourism . The club recognized the importance of providing visitors with an authentic and personalized experience of Hanoi. Additionally, the club recognized the value of improving their own English skills , and saw the club as a way to hone their language abilities while promoting their city.

Since its inception, the club has grown significantly, attracting over 1000 members. They are all passionate about sharing their love for Hanoi with visitors. The club’s success can be attributed to its commitment to providing high-quality tours that showcase the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Each member of the club is a volunteer guide, eager to share their knowledge and insights with visitors from around the world.

Beyond promoting Hanoi’s tourism and culture, they are also committed to fostering a sense of community among its members and visitors. They provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to connect and learn from each other, creating a sense of mutual understanding and appreciation. In this way, the club is not only promoting Hanoi’s culture and tourism but also building bridges between people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Their Tours

The Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide club offers a wide range of tours, covering the city’s major landmarks and hidden gems. Some of their most popular tours include the Old Quarter walking tour , the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum tour, the Hanoi Street Food tour …. They also offer customized tours, tailored to individual interests and preferences.

Why Take a Free Tour with This Club?

Taking a free tour with the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide club has several advantages. Firstly, the tours are completely free, so visitors can save money while still experiencing the best of Hanoi. Secondly, the tours are led by locals who have a deep understanding of Hanoi’s culture, history, and customs. They can provide a unique perspective and insider knowledge that guidebooks and tour operators cannot offer. Finally, the tours are flexible and can be customized to individual interests and schedules, providing a personalized experience that meets the specific needs of each visitor.

Advantages of Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide Club

One of the biggest advantages is that it provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with locals. Then, they can learn about Hanoi’s culture and customs from a local perspective. Visitors can also make new friends and gain a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s people and way of life. Additionally, the club operates on a non-profit basis, with all tour guides volunteering their time and knowledge. This ensures that visitors receive a genuine and authentic experience of Hanoi.

In conclusion, the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide Club offers a unique and authentic way to explore Hanoi. In fact, with knowledgeable and passionate locals as guides, they will help you to have excellent experiences. Whether visitors are interested in history, culture, or food, or just want to experience the city like a local, the club has something for everyone. With its non-profit ethos, flexibility, and personalized tours, this Club is the perfect choice for anyone looking to discover the best of Hanoi.

Ready to explore the captivating beauty of Hanoi in autumn with knowledgeable local student guides? Join the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide Club for an authentic journey through the city’s most enchanting season. Discover the best of Hanoi’s fall foliage, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Visit hanoifreeprivatetourguide.vn to learn more and book your free tour today!

Book our FREE Tour !

_________________________________________________

HANOI FREE PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE

✤  Website:   https://hanoifreeprivatetourguide.vn ✤  Adress:  185 Chùa Láng, Đống Đa, Hà Nội ✤  Hotline:  0961.764.299 ✤  Mail:  [email protected]

✧ Hanoi Food Tour : top must-try dishes !

✧ Hanoi city tour : what you need to know to have an excellent trip

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Hanoi Free Walking Tours, Why not?

Have you join any free city tour with local student guide?

If the answer is NO then Hanoi Free Walking Tours would love to accompany you.

Hanoi Free Walking Tours, established in late of 2012, is known as a student – run organization based in Hanoi, Vietnam. By voluntarily taking city tours in Hanoi, we hope to bring to travelers from all over the world an insight into our culture, tradition and beautiful sight-seeing. Each individual can explore their full potential through cross-cultural experiences and extracurricular activities...

6 things making us SPECIAL!

• Over 7 years-experience in the field of free tours in Hanoi.
• Developed in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Easy booking system.
• Enthusiastic and friendly.
• Offering a wide range of tours.
• Free but professional.

Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour (Half Day)

This free Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour will help you to discover  place which is famous with “36 guild streets” in the past time.

Hanoi War Sites Private Walking Tour (Half Day)

Hanoi war sites walking tour will lead you to Military history museum (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) or French Quarter (Monday and Friday) and Hoa Lo prison to help you to disc...

Ho Chi Minh Complex & Temple of Literature Tour (half day)

Experience Hanoi like a local and tour the city’s attractions with the kids who live there. Explore Hanoi with 2 famous destinations: Ho Chi Minh Complex & Temple of Literature Tour....

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• Hanoi things to see and do
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• Hanoi travel advises
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Why Choose Hanoi Free Private  Tour Guide?

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What to eat in Hanoi?

Trang Tien ice cream

35 Trang Tien

1 Hang Manh

10 Ly Quoc Su

Cha Ca La Vong

Bun Bo Nam Bo

67 Hang Dieu

Bun Dau Mam Tom

29 Hang Khay

39 Nguyen Huu Huan

47 Dao Duy Tu

26B Tho Xuong

Ngan Chay Toi

80 Hang Buom

11 Hang Buom

Hoa Qua Dam

Bun Oc Nguoi

1 Hang Chieu

35B Nguyen Huu Huan

What to visit in Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter

Long Bien Bridge

Hoa Lo Prison

Ancient House 87 Ma May

White Horse Temple

Dong Xuan Market

The house No.48

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Military History Museum

B52 Victory Museum

Vietnam People’s Air Force Museum

National History Museum

Vietnam Museum of Revolution

Our activities.

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• Be Inspired
• Destinations
• Things to do
• Eat & Drink

Before starting the journey to explore Hanoi, we would like to introduce you to the Hanoi tourist map. The map includes Hanoi’s most popular destinations as well as other useful information such as restaurants, bars, and shopping addresses. We hope this will save you time and maximize your experience when you are in Hanoi. Click download for easy access and offline use when you are on the move.

Transportation in Hanoi

Discover transportation deals for Hanoi from our partners >

There are many types of transportation that you can choose to go around Hanoi. It all depends on your itinerary, budget and purpose to pick the most suitable one. Below are all the possible options.

Buses are the most common and accessible public transportation in Hanoi with a spread-out network of more than 100 routes connecting all the districts in Hanoi and its neighboring provinces. You would probably like to spend time around the old quarter, so starting from Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market or O Quan Chuong Gate (Old East Gate) would be convenient.

• To go to Hoan Kiem Lake: bus number 9, 14 or 36
• To go to Dong Xuan Market: bus number 31
• To O Quan Chuong Gate: bus number 03, 11, 14, 22, 18, 34, 40

Bus tickets are cheap (7,000 VND – 9,000 VND) and paid directly to the bus driver individually. Apart from the peak hours, buses are quite empty and operate regularly. Keep some small banknotes ready and hop on the bus to get around.

Another form of public transportation that has recently been brought into use is the Metro system. At the moment, there is only one operational route which is Route 2A.

This route takes you from Cat Linh (Dong Da District) – where you can find the Temple of Literature – to Yen Nghia (Ha Dong District) which is 12km from Hanoi city center. Here, you can visit different traditional craft villages.

Ticket options:

• Tickets by turn: cost 8,000 VND – 15,000 VND (ranging from the 2 nearest stations to the whole route)
• Daily tickets: cost 30,000 VND with an unlimited number of trips per day

Metro may not be the most convenient option, but it’s still worth giving it a try as an experience watching Hanoi from above.

Ride-hailing apps

Rail-hailing market in Vietnam is generally very active with many apps for you to choose from. These services are highly trusted by locals as they save both costs and time compared to using a traditional taxi. In Hanoi, there are 3 different competitors operating: Grab, Gojek and Be .

Among the three apps, Grab is considered the most used which will shorten your waiting time as available drivers are possibly ready nearby. However, they often charge a bit higher than the other two competitors.

So, it is recommended that you install all three and compare the fares before you book to get the cheapest and fastest ride.

Note: Only in the case of going between Noi Bai Airport and the city center, it is more economical to go by traditional taxis as they are cheaper and ready at the airport.

If you are comfortable riding a motorbike then it should be the best way to explore any city in Vietnam. This gives you total freedom to go on your own schedule and easy access to go through small alleys and narrow streets to fully embrace the local lifestyle.

Motorbikes can be rented easily from your accommodation (or the hotels will surely recommend you where is the nearest place to get one) and delivered to wherever you are. Depending on the type of bikes (manual bikes or automatic bikes), the prices range from 120,000 VND – 200,000 VND (/day).

You will need a driving license and, more ideally, travel insurance to go on the road. Most of the time, you do not have to pay a deposit; however, be mindful that it is still reasonable if you are asked to (1) pay a small amount of money for a deposit or (2) to pay upfront or (3) have your passport’s photo taken (as it also works the same way for us locals).

If you are only bound around the old quarter, bicycles would be the best choice to go around and immerse in the local activities. Hanoian lifestyle is known for its chill and relaxing vibes; you will find yourself riding next to an old Vietnamese lady in her floral pyjama or parking on the sidewalk just to watch the flow of traffic and people passing by. The weather in Hanoi is convenient for riding a bike (except for the rainy summer season from May to September when the weather could be very uncomfortably hot and dry). The prices for a bicycle rent range from 50,000 VND – 100,000 VND (/day).

The narrow streets in Hanoi downtown are ideal for walking as well. If you are not in a hurry, taking a walk through the 36-street area to see the transition in the color and the goods sold would be a great experience. All in all, we recommend walking and biking to explore the old quarter; motorbikes, and ride-hailing apps for longer distances.

Hanoi weather

The weather in Hanoi is divided into four distinct seasons with each one characterizing very typical landscapes. However, being affected by the tropical monsoon, the weather patterns feature dry and rainy seasons.

The best time to visit Hanoi, though, is from January to the end of March and from October to December . During this time, the weather is pleasant and suitable for all types of activities. The temperature normally does not exceed 30 °C with a clear blue sky and a high level of cloud coverage.

May to the end of September is  considered to be the harshest time of the year. The weather is extremely hot and humid with the dry wind and pouring rains making it worse.

The weather in the transitional time of April and May is hardly predicted. Anything is possible during these months so make sure you are well prepared for all the conditions.

Accommodation in Hanoi

In such major cities in Vietnam like Hanoi, there are many options of accommodation that cater for all preferences and budgets. The most convenient base to explore around is the 36-street area. Although located in the most bustling part of the city, it is possible to find very affordable and decent accommodations even on your arrival.

Here are some recommendations for accommodation in Hanoi, which are excerpted from the Vietnam travel guide book .

15 must-visit attractions in Hanoi

What is great about Hanoi is that most of the must-see attractions assemble in the city center and the rest does not stretch out too far away. The distances are totally walkable and accessible by bicycle or motorbike. Here are the top 15 must-visit attractions recommended to you.

1. The Three Lakes

Hoan Kiem Lake

Truc Bach Lake (left) and West Lake (right)

If Saigon and other southern provinces are famous for a dense system of rivers, Hanoi itself is well-known for its poetic and scenic lakes scattered around the city. The three most iconic and accessible from the Hanoi center are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Guom Lake) is located in the heart of Hanoi and in the middle of the old quarter, which means it is super convenient for your visit.

The name which literally means Sword-returning Lake (or Sword Lake) has been linked to a historical myth dating back thousand years ago. Legend has it that a divine Golden Turtle had lent King Le Thai To a magical sword to fight and win against the invaders; and after the victory, the King returned the sword to the Golden Turtle on this very lake.

When visiting this lake, you will not only feel the breath of history but also be amazed by other attractions built within it. In the middle of the lake are Thap Rua (the Turtle Tower) and the beautiful The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple which has unique architecture and setting.

You will only be charged 30,000 VND ($1.5) if you go inside Ngoc Son Temple (crossing The Huc Bridge is still free).

Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District

West Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Hanoi. The lake view is so magnificent that it was chosen as a base for royal holiday palaces. It explains why you can still find a lot of historical remains around the lake. 

West Lake holds its own beauty regardless of the time you visit: tranquil and misty in the early morning while lively and activity-packed in the afternoon. Recently, there is a wide range of water activities added, making it not only a place to sit down and quietly enjoy the view but also a place to take part in outdoor activities.

Swan boats rental costs from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND (varying according to the boat sizes).

SUP rental costs 150,000 VND (half weekdays) and 300,000 VND (full weekdays);  200,000 VND (half weekends) and 400,000 VND (full weekends).

If you have your bicycle with you, riding around the lake and catching the sunset is also a good choice.

Address: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District

Truc Bach Lake

Truc Bach Lake (originally a part of West Lake) is relatively smaller compared to the other two mentioned lakes, and somehow more locally preferred; however, it carries a breadth of history no less than any other location.

To the west of the lake stands the sacred Quan Thanh Temple which was built in the 11th century. This temple worships Saint Tran Vu ( Thánh Trấn Vũ ) who was said to assist many kings to defend the country.

To the east of the lake is Chau Long Pagoda (Chùa Châu Long ) where a princess of the Tran Dynasty is worshiped.

And to the north of the lake is located Than Quang Pagoda (Chùa Thần Quang ) with the largest bronze statue carved in one piece.

Probably due to its decent size, Truc Bach Lake gives a sense of intimacy, when you can watch all the activities taking place around the lake. This is also a favorite spot for locals coming for exercise and the young people gathering at the cafes, on little stools overlooking the lake view.

2. Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature is considered as one of the famous tourist destinations in Hanoi. Built-in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong, it is a place of worship of Confucius, Confucian scholars, scholars and sages. Temple of Literature is also considered as the first university in Vietnam, which trained talented people for the country. Up to now, the temple has become a symbol of the thousand-years civilization cradle of Vietnam. The students religiously believe that this temple is going to bring them luck for their exams. That’s why during Tết (Lunar New Year) and examination time, the temple is packed with people praying and waiting for lucky calligraphy.

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District
• Ticket price: 30,000 VND, free for children under 15 years old
• Opening hours: summer from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, winter from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum plays a political and historical role in Hanoi Capital and also in the heart of every Vietnamese – where our great former President’s corpse is preserved and remembered. The historical attraction was built on Ba Dinh Square covered with a vast green of grass and trees, giving you an instant feeling of peace and solemnity.

At this place, every morning at 6:00 AM and evening at 9:00 PM holds the flag-salute ceremony which is highly recommended to you. This experience will give a deeper understanding about how profound and sincere our gratitude is towards the Father of the country.

You are required to dress formally (no tank top and shorts are allowed) and remain silent during the ceremony. It is suggested that you arrive at the square at around 5:45 AM – 5:50 AM to find a good spot to watch the whole scene of the ceremony with soldiers marching, the flag being raised with the national anthem in the background.

To see inside the mausoleum, there are some specific regulations for opening and visiting times. The opening and visiting times vary each season as follows:

• The hot season (from 1st April to 31st October): from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM on weekdays (excluding Mondays and Fridays) and from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM on weekends and public holidays
• The cold season (from 1st November to 31st March): from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM on weekdays (excluding Mondays and Fridays) and from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM on weekends and public holidays

Note: If special occasions such as the first day of Lunar New Year, Uncle Ho’s birthday (19th May) and Independence Day (2nd September) fall on Mondays and Fridays, the attraction will be open to the public.

• Address: 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District
• Ticket price: 25,000 VND

4. Hanoi 36 Streets (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Why  36 streets but not another number? According to folk beliefs, 36 is a lucky number that attracts prosperity and abundance. That explains why it permanently goes with the name Hanoi 36 Streets although the number does not exactly reflect the real number of the streets.

The highlight of the area is that each street (or Hàng ) specializes in one characteristic product and each street name indicates what products are sold. For example, Hàng Tre ( Bamboo Street ) is where you will find all the tall bamboo poles and all kinds of items made from bamboo; Hàng Bạc ( Silver Street ) sells gold and silver jewelry; etc.

The setting of streets not only shows you a traditional trading culture but also displays the unique and iconic style of architecture including a hundred of long-standing architectural and historical buildings such as temples, pagodas, assemblies and ordinary residential housing. This is also where you can sample a great variety of local foods. Cyclos, bicycles or walking are recommended to explore this area.

5. Hanoi Cathedral

Located in the city center neighboring Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Cathedral (or St.Joseph’s Cathedral) is a beautiful and historic architecture with Gothic style. The cathedral was built on the original site of Bao Thien Pagoda by the French after they entered Hanoi in 1882.

Although it is claimed to lose its vintage and weather-beaten look after the renovation, it remains a favorite gathering spot with many goods and well-decorated cafes and restaurants around. During Christmas time, the whole area is lit up with glorious lights and ornaments. If time allows, you should pay a visit at day and night time to see the different vibes it offers.

Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District

6. Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, also goes with the name “Maison Centrale”, was built in 1896 by the French to capture revolutionary soldiers against the colonial regime. The total area of the former prison is more than 12,000 m2. However, only 2,434 m2 is used for tourist purposes. The campus is divided into 4 zones: A and B (for minor crimes and warning sentences), C (for French and foreign perpetrators), and D (for serious and death-sentenced perpetrators). You will have to see with your own eyes the extreme conditions that the soldiers had to go through and how cruel the punishments were so that you can understand why the Vietnamese so explicitly and passionately show appreciation and patriotism in any events possible.

With its significant historical role, Hoa Lo Prison has become an exciting place to visit in Hanoi, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets: 30,000 VND
• Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem District

7. Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is the busiest and oldest shopping area in Hanoi, which was built in 1889 under the Nguyen Dynasty. Dong Xuan Market is the leading wholesale market in the North. There is a wide variety of items on sale here, ranging from fabrics, clothes, silk brocade, dry food, jam, confectionery, food and souvenirs to electronic appliances. Although it is a good way to learn about the trading activities of the locals, it is not recommended for souvenir shopping since, as mentioned, it aims at wholesale, so you would probably not get the best prices. 

If you are still keen on having an experience shopping at Dong Xuan Market, here are some tips:

1. It is acceptable to bargain (and bargain hard but not exceed 50% off the initial price).

2. You should go in groups and the bigger the quantity is, the bigger discount you could possibly ask for.

3. Pickpockets could take advantage of the busy and crowded scene, so make sure you always keep an eye on your belongings.

• Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District

8. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Hoang Thanh Thang Long (Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) is an important historical and cultural relic of Vietnam, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2010 when it celebrated its 1,000th anniversary. This campus is home to various imperial palaces and other ancient royal constructions under thousands of years of feudal regime and continues to be the political center of the country up to now. Some of the highlighted attractions are listed below (just to name a few):

• The Flagpole (or Hanoi Flagtower) was built in the 19th century with spiral stairs leading to the top where you can have a 360-degree view of the whole Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
• The gates were built to the four directions which reflect the magnificence and iconic architectural style at the time.
• Dien Kinh Thien (Kinh Thien Palace) is a historic fort and former royal residence where all the significant ceremonies of the royalty took place.

Some tips and notes: 

1. In early 2022, a 90-minute night tour “Giải mã Hoàng Thành Thăng Long” (Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) was launched – which takes you through all the significant landmarks with many worshiping and performing activities along the way. This is highly recommended not only because it is the best time to walk the citadel but also because the golden light and the tranquility yet mystique of the night will bring up a whole new experience.

• Time: Tour starts from 7:00 PM on Fridays and weekends
• Tickets: 300,000 VND ($13) for adults and 150,000 VND ($6.5) for children
• Check out their website for more information

2. The Imperial Citadel sits on a large campus, so if you visit it during the daytime, make sure you have your sun protection (hats or umbrellas) and water.

3. There are some lovely cafes on the campus where you can sit down under the shade of big trees to enjoy a drink while embracing the peaceful vibes in the air.

• Address: 19 Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District
• Opening Hours:   8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

9. Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House is known as an artistic and cultural symbol of the city. It’s also a tourist destination in Hanoi that is loved by many visitors. Hanoi Opera House is the place for many national-level performances, as well as international art performances. Coming here, you will enjoy many unique art forms, not only famous Vietnamese plays such as Tuong, Cheo and Cai Luong but also the French opera, classical Italian opera, Chinese opera and Ballet.

Unfortunately, it is not open for public visits. However, art show tickets are available from 400,000 VND, which allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of architecture and culture as well as the music and art space here. Please visit the website to update information about the performance schedule. Also, you can book early to get a good position.

• Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Website: hanoioperahouse.org.vn

10. Long Bien Bridge

This is the first steel bridge built across the Red River initially to facilitate the process of colonial exploitation under the French invasion. Little did you know about this historical construction is that it used to be the second-longest bridge in the world (just ranked after Brooklyn Bridge in the U.S) and even called the horizontal version of the Eiffel in Hanoi.

Among countless bridge constructions, Long Bien Bridge remains the most iconic and is favorably nicknamed “ the historical witness ”. This is because the bridge witnessed all the bittersweet the nation went through: it survived several bombing campaigns and it bridged thousands of people from all remote and inaccessible areas to Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence.

Long Bien Bridge is divided into two traffic lanes mostly used for light vehicles and pedestrians and a railway in the middle. Being on the bridge when the trains go by is a fascinating experience and walking on the bridge will give you a panorama view of Hanoi from a distance. Under the bridge is a lush banana island with peaceful countryside landscapes which you can access by taking the secret stairs in the middle of the bridge (possible for bicycles also).

Address: Long Bien, Hoan Kiem District

11. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

In 1969, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater was established, and it quickly became one of the most famous water puppet art venues in Vietnam. The fairy tales and Vietnam historical legends are vividly reproduced by wooden puppets and uniquely performed on water. It is an exciting experience not to be missed for visitors when visiting Hanoi. Watching a water puppet show will help you learn more about Vietnam’s traditional culture and art forms. Tickets can be booked in advance and more information can be found on the website .

Note: small charges of 20,000 VND and 60,000 VND are applied for taking pictures and recording videos.

Address: 49 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District

12. Quang Ba Flower Market

If you are a flower lover or simply looking for a night-life activity with a local breath, Quang Ba Flower Market will definitely blow your mind. Unlike other traditional markets which open throughout the day, Quang Ba Flower Market starts setting and stacking up flowers around 11:00 PM and closing at dawn at around 6:00 AM. The most bustling and lively time is from 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM. When the rest of the city is falling asleep, Quang Ba Market starts waking up, filled with laughter, bargains and fragrance, which will stimulate all your senses. Since this is a wholesale market, flowers are sold in bulk and very reasonably priced.

Depending on whether you are an early riser or a night owl, you can choose to visit the market around midnight or around 5:00 AM. This is worth getting up for and will surely bring you a unique experience.

Address: Nghi Tam, Au Co, Tay Ho District

13. One Pillar Pagoda

One-pillar Pagoda or Chua Mot Cot as it is locally known was built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong and has undergone many restorations due to the destruction of wars. Legend has it that the Emperor dreamed of Deity Quan Am (or Lady Buddha) sitting on a blooming lotus and asking him to join her enlightenment journey; after the dream, he ordered to build this pagoda which resembles a lotus blossom – a Buddhist symbol for purity and enlightenment. This is where the Emperor practiced his religion and Buddhism also witnessed its flourishing and prosperity since then.

Although the pagoda is not a spectacular and large-scale construction, it has a particular historical and religious value that is totally worth a visit.

Note: on the 1st and 14th monthly (lunar calendar), there will be Buddhist ceremonies which will allow you to have a full picture of the place.

• Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh District
• Price: 25,000 VND
• Opening Hours:  7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

14. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

For thousands of years, ceramic has been synonymous with Bat Trang – which is a testimony to excellent quality as well as the outstanding level of handicraft. Located on the east side of the Red River and only 15km from Hanoi center, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a complex of ceramic museums, workshops, ancient houses and markets. Every corner of the village sets up a colorful and vintage background for your photographs. You can sign up for ceramic-making workshops which allow you to have hands-on experience and create your own piece of ceramic. The ceramic market is where you can get lovely and one-and-only ceramic items since each of them takes hours to be painted by hand by the artisans.

The attraction allows free entrance and you are only charged if you want to take on ceramic-making activities (cost starting from 30,000 VND).

From Hanoi, you can check out bus number 47A or bus 52B to go to Bat Trang. It is also easily accessed by motorbikes and there are many tourist agencies that offer a full-package tour to Bat Trang Ceramic Village which will save you from all the hassle.

Address: Gia Lam District

15. Hanoi Train Street

Hanoi Train Street (or Phung Hung Train Street) is most famous with the 2-kilometer section from Phung Hung Street to Le Duan Street, running across Tran Phu Street and Cua Dong Street. This has been recognized as a unique attraction for tourists to experience the coming together between French and Vietnamese architecture and also the local life of those residing along the railway. At the end of 2019, the street was closed down for safety purposes. In mid-2022, this route was restored to tourist activity, but visitors must ensure strict safety guidelines.

• Address: Phung Hung Street
• Train times:
• Weekdays: 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:00 PM
• Weekends: 9:15 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 11:00 PM

10 must-try dishes in Hanoi

Hanoi – the capital of a thousand years of civilization, is the cradle of Vietnamese cuisine. In addition to the dishes that have made Vietnam famous such as Pho or Bun Cha, Hanoi still has very typical dishes. Here are the top 10 dishes you should not miss on your culinary journey in Hanoi.

Needless to say, Pho has been recognized all around the world as the soul of Vietnamese cuisine and is one of the indispensable parts associated with Vietnamese people from generation to generation. Although Pho can be found anywhere you go, it cannot be denied that Pho Hanoi – where it was originally from – is at its best.

A decent bowl of Pho requires a meticulous preparation and cooking process. Pho is made from the main ingredients such as bone-beef broth, noodles, and thinly sliced beef. What makes Pho Hanoi different from Pho in the south is that you will find lots of green onion in your bowl and there are no side green herbs (instead, it is sided with “ bánh quẩy” or hot finger-shaped soufflé).

Oftentimes, there are many types of beef you can choose from the menu, which could be confusing for your first experience. A safe option to stick to is “ Phở tái nạm” – Pho with rare lean & brisket beef  (with or without “ bò viên ” – meatballs depending on your preference).

When eating, you can add a bit of pickled garlic and homemade chili sauce to the bowl, mix it up, dip “ bánh quẩy”   in the broth then have a big bite of everything and the explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Some famous delicious Pho restaurants in Hanoi:

• 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District (30,000 VND – 55,000 VND)
• 13 Lo Duc Street, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 60,000 VND)
• 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District (50,000 VND – 80,000 VND)

Bun Cha is actually even more synonymous with Hanoi cuisine than Pho, which is suggested in its name. One portion of Bun Cha consists of thin noodles, grilled pork in sweet and vinegary broth, and a small basket of green herbs to balance out the meaty protein.

The essence of Bun Cha Hanoi lies among the BBQ pork which has to meet the balanced proportion of lean meat and fat before being seasoned with the right amount of herbs and spices then grilled on an open coal-fire.

When eating Bun Cha Hanoi, you will be given an extra small bowl. Take a bit of noodle, add grilled pork and some herbs, then pour in a bit of the broth. It tastes best when you have a bit of everything at the same time.

Bun Cha is available all day, however, it is ideal to eat Bun Cha for lunch, as it could be a bit too fatty for breakfast and its serving portion is huge and very filling – which will give you energy for the rest of the day. It is also recommended to order Nem Ran – a square version of spring rolls.

Some recommendations for you:

• 1 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District (50,000 VND – 60,000 VND)
• 74 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District (30,000 VND – 50,000 VND)
• 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 60,000 VND)

3. Bun Thang

In contrast with the light sweetness and simple taste of the broth, you will be amazed that it requires more than 20 different ingredients to make up a bowl of Bun Thang.

When being served, Bun Thang will be presented with fried eggs, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, pork cake, dried shrimp and so on. Everything is sliced up and neatly placed on the bed of rice noodles. So, Bun Thang is not only tasty but also eye-catching with all the colorful ingredients.

The taste of Bun Thang is, for some people, quite “ light and plain”; so, it will be suitable for breakfast. If you like it a bit more savory, add a tiny bit of fish sauce.

You can try Bun Thang in some of the following locations:

• 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District (35,000 VND – 50,000 VND)
• 29 Hang Hanh Street, Hoan Kiem District (35,000 VND)

Banh Mi gradually asserts its position in Vietnamese culinary culture, as the BBC’s David Farley once praised Banh Mi of Vietnam as the best sandwich in the world.

You may already be familiar with Banh Mi as it is quite globally widespread; but unlike Banh Mi in Saigon which emphasizes the sauce, Banh Mi in Hanoi is special and recognizable for its pâté. The rich and flavorful pâté is spread between a freshly-baked baguette that is soft inside and crispy outside.

Now, you can find Banh Mi in two versions: Banh Mi sandwiches and one-pan toppings served with Banh Mi on the side. Traditional Banh Mi sandwiches are definitely recommended as it is how Banh Mi is originally eaten and how you fully taste Banh Mi in one bite.

A Banh Mi experience is not complete without being combined with Vietnamese black / milk coffee. This is the all-time go-to combo.

Some suggestions for you:

• 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem District (15,000 VND – 25,000 VND)
• 38 Dinh Liet Street, Hoan Kiem District (15,000 VND – 35,000 VND)
• 34 Lo Su Street, Hoan Kiem District (15,000 VND – 25,000 VND)

5. La Vong Grilled Fish

Cha Ca (grilled fish cakes) has long been a specialty of Hanoi. It is a complicated dish right from the stage of selecting ingredients. Made from the freshest Hemibagrus fish and Snakehead fish so the texture will be firm and chewy. When the fish is almost cooked, green onion and dill are added to the hot pan and well mixed with other ingredients.

Interestingly, the first Cha Ca La Vong restaurant has been surviving for 5 generations and the street on which it is located now was renamed after this iconic food (Cha Ca Street).

Cha Ca La Vong is eaten with noodles, roasted peanuts and “ mắm tôm ” – shrimp paste which could be too strong for those who are not familiar with it. It is suggested that you add a bit of lime or kumquat juice to the paste and well mix it to reduce the strong smell and taste.

We recommend these restaurants for you to enjoy this dish in Hanoi:

• 14 Cha Ca Street and 107 Nguyen Truong To Street, Hoan Kiem District (170,000 VND)
• 120 K1 Giang Vo Street, Ba Dinh District (140,000 VND)
• 171 Thai Ha Street, Hoan Kiem District (139,000 VND)

6. Pho Cuon and Pho Chien

As we mentioned before, the summer in Hanoi is extremely unpleasantly hot. And so, although we love Pho, the idea of slurping a hot bowl of Pho under that weather condition does not sound very tempting. That’s why Hanoians came up with the genius creation of Pho Cuon and Pho Chien (Pho rolls and pan-fried Pho) – which is somehow the dry version of traditional Pho.

You can still find the star ingredients of Pho which are noodles, beef and herbs. However, instead of being cut into stripes, they use Pho sheets to wrap seasoned and stir-fried together with green herbs inside. Pho Cuon is complemented by dipping in light, vinegary sauce, which is the best summery food you could ever have. Pho Chien also uses the same ingredients but beef and vegetables are stir-fried and top on a bed of deep-fried, crispy Pho noodles.

Another version of Pho Chien is Pho Chien Phong (Pho crackers in squared-shape). Pho sheets are cut into squares and deep-fried until they turn into Pho crackers – airy in the middle and crispy outside. These are again stir-fried with tender beef, onion and green vegetables.

Notes and tips : 

At Pho Cuon restaurants, there is often a snack called “Ngô chiên bơ” – which is basically popcorn but in Vietnamese style. You could not find it anywhere else and we have to admit that it is a very addictive snack. Make sure you will give it a try.

These dishes are served in big portions which are enough for 2-3 people. So, it is recommended that you order one by one to make sure you are not overloaded with foods and also can enjoy them while they are freshly cooked and served.

• 29B Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh District (25,000 VND – 75,000 VND)
• 31 Ngu Xa, Ba Dinh District (25,000 VND – 75,000 VND)
• 108B1 Tran Huy Lieu, Ba Dinh District (25,000 VND – 80,000 VND)

7. Ngan Chay Toi

Ngan Chay Toi (duck fried with garlic)  is a rising star on the Hanoian culinary map. Accidentally invented by a home cook chef – who was trying to cook up the leftovers for her family, this dish soon took off and became one of the most favorable dishes of the Hanoi people.

Duck meat is well seasoned and deep-fried with lots of garlic until they get that beautiful caramel color and crispy texture (for the garlic). A full combo of Ngan Chay Toi locally goes with a quarter to a half of a duck (you could ask for half “ c háy tỏi”  – deep-fried and half “ l uộc”  – boiled); a bowl of noodles of your choice (could be “ bún” – rice noodles or “ miến” – glass vermicelli); a bowl of bamboo shoot soup; a small basket of fresh herbs; and of course a small bowl of ginger, garlic and chili fish sauce. All of these are served on a round serving platter which is set up on a plastic stool while you will be given even smaller plastic stools to sit around and enjoy your meal.

Notes and tips:

This is supposed to be a shared dish. A combo of ¼ a duck is sufficient for 2 people and ½  a duck should be enough for at least 3-4 people.

You will be sitting on little stools and quite close to each other; so consider if you feel like having your personal space and more comfortable dining space.

Here are some suggested addresses for you:

• 71 Hang Thiec, Hoan Kiem District (120,000 VND – 250,000 VND)
• 51 Hang Luoc, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 265,000 VND)
• 16 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District (40,000 VND – 260,000 VND)

8. Chao Suon

Chao Suon (pork rib porridge) is somehow less recognized by tourists but highly recommended by our local Hanoian friends. This could be the ultimate comfort food that you have been looking for as long as you give it a try.

Chao (or rice porridge) is the soul of this dish. A good one needs to be cooked in pork rib broth with the right proportion of rice and sticky rice which are already soaked in fresh water overnight. This porridge is then blended and slow-cooked until it gets a finely smooth and creamy texture. Pork ribs, meanwhile, are slow-cooked until they can be easily deboned and melts in your mouth. A perfect bowl of Chao Suon is a combination of rice porridge, shredded pork floss, minced pork and tender pork ribs of course.

This dish is often eaten for breakfast or late-night meals. You can also order “ bánh quẩy” (hot finger-shaped soufflé) and century eggs to add even more flavors to the dish.

Recommended addresses to eat Chao Suon:

• 14 Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem District (25,000 VND – 55,000 VND)
• 61A Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem District (30,000 VND – 50,000 VND)
• 55 Hong Tien, Long Bien District (45,000 VND – 70,000 VND)

9. Banh Goi and Banh Ran Man

Although the names suggest “cakes” (deep-fried pillow cakes & savory cakes), these dishes are not your typical dessert cakes (but more like Vietnamese deep-fried dumplings) and the way to eat them is nothing as in your imagination. Pillow cakes and savory cakes’ skins are made with wheat flour and sticky rice powder and the fillings are a mixture of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, onions, carrots and glass vermicelli.

Typically, all the cakes will be displayed in a buffet style. You can simply point at whatever you feel like, go take a seat and they will serve you the exact ones but freshly cooked. At your table, the cakes are already cut up for you and they will be served with a small bowl of sweet and sour dipping sauce with green papaya sliced inside and some fresh leaves on the side. To eat this, you take a green leaf and add a piece of the cake together with some other herbs, wrap them up and dip in the sweet and sour sauce.

This food is quite oily as it is deep fried several times so that the skins are crispy. You would probably find it more enjoyable to eat on a cold and rainy day; or when you particularly crave for some fried dishes.

• 52 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District (13,000 VND)
• 112K Thai Thinh, Dong Da District (13,000 VND)

10. Ca Phe Trung

It may be a bit controversial to end the list with a drink; but, it is hard to decide whether Ca Phe Trung (egg coffee) should be categorized as a dessert or a drink. So here it is, better not miss it.  Having been praised by many international travel pages, Ca Phe Trung is a creative drink of black coffee and egg yolk. This is a perfectly balanced combination of bitter black coffee and creamy, lightly-sweet whisked egg yolk. Ca Phe Trung must be enjoyed while it is still hot by (1) mixing it up and sipping in small sips or (2) letting the spoon go from the bottom of the cup so you can experience a full layer of flavors.

You can also choose Ca Phe Trung Lanh (i ced egg coffee ) or Cacao Trung (egg cocoa drink).

This drink is super rich and creamy and probably the refreshing drink you are looking for on a hot summer day.

Enjoy a cup of Egg coffee at the following coffee shops:

• 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District (39,000 VND)
• 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District (25,000 VND)

A detailed travel guide for Hanoi in 2022 is for those who are planning to explore the historic capital city. We hope you will have a perfect trip with many exciting experiences in this city!

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Vietnam Tours & Day Trips – Customizable Experiences

• Hanoi Free Tour Guide (Vietnam)
• Things to Do

Book Hanoi free tour guide online. There’s no better way to experience the real Hanoi than with this not-for-profit organization run by volunteer staff and guides comprising students and ex-students, speaking a multitude of languages. A variety of suggested tours is available, or you can work with your guide to tailor an itinerary. Although the service is free, you pay the small cost of the guide’s transport, admission fees and meals.

Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

Hanoi Free Tour Guides is aimed at propagandizing and publicly introducing the images of Vietnam, its country and people to foreigners, promoting cross-cultural communication and building up a bridge for the enhancement of international relations for the betterment of the society. Major service now is available in English, Chinese, French, Russian, Korean and Japanese. Thanks to its great contributions to the public, Hanoi Free Tour Guide is now well-known as Hanoi Little Ambassadors.

• Recommended Hanoi itinerary 7 Days: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh – Sapa Tour

Tour Guide Hanoi

Our guides know Hanoi and the surrounding region very well, speak the English language and can also help you to communicate better while you are in Vietnam. During the tour you will not have problems in communicating with local people. Your personal guide through Hanoi will help you learn a lot about the region, and ensure you have a pleasant experience. Check out some of the local sights & attractions, wildlife & nature.

• Recommended Hanoi Tours with Local Guides

English-Speaking Guide in Hanoi

If you decide to do a free walking tour in Hanoi with a local guide you will be able to know the essential places, as well as the most emblematic places of the city. You should visit the Ho Chi Ming Mausoleum and the Hanoi Presidential Palace as first options. Other points of interest that are worthwhile are the Ho Chi Ming House, the War Museum, the Single Pillar Pagoda, the Old Quarter, the Dong Xuan Market, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Pagoda of Tran Quoc Pen, the French colonial quarter or move on to see the largest mosaic in the world.

Recommended Hanoi Tour Package from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand: Click Hanoi Travel Package

All free tours in Hanoi have the opinions of travelers who have lived the experience of visiting with a local guide. You can complement the information of each tour with the assessments about the route and what each local guide has provided.

• Check it out: How to get your guide in Hanoi

Hanoi Free Local Tours

The guides get a chance to practice their English and their speaking skills, and visitors get to learn all about the city. These walking tours must be some of the best in Southeast Asia, and as the name suggests, they’re completely free!

Hanoi Free Walking Tours now offers several different tours, including one through the key war sites, one of the French Quarter, and a food tour. They range in length from a few hours to a full day, and all of them sound amazing.

• Recommended Hanoi City Tours: Street food tour by local guide Hanoi
• Early Morning Walking with Hanoians Tour

Hanoi Walking Tour Experience

The tours include free pick-up from hotels inside the Hanoi Old Quarter, what to expect Old Quarter’s bustling streets.

• See more North Vietnam itinerary 7 Day: Northern Vietnam itinerary options

The Guild Streets

One of the most famous areas of the Old Quarter: the Guild Streets, a collection of over 70 avenues, each representing a single type of product or service sold by its residents.

The highly structured layout is the result of hundreds of years of migration, during which people from the same rural villages would take up residence on the same street and find employment together at the neighborhood workshop. Today, you can find whole streets devoted to such specific items as bamboo rafts, silk dresses, and brass doorknobs.

One of the most curious avenues was one my guide referred to as “Death Street,” the go-to place for everything necessary for putting on a first-rate funeral. The shops don’t sell tombstones and caskets, though. Instead, they’re filled with smartphones, iPads, elegant dresses, sports cars, all the luxury goods your heart could desire – all made from paper. These paper models, along with stacks of fake money, are burned during the funeral as a way of sending ancestors into the afterlife with all the material things they might need.

The shops on the Guild Streets have an unusual look to them; most are only about ten feet wide but extend over sixty feet back. When the streets were being laid out hundreds of years ago, taxes were collected based on the width of the storefront, so it only made sense to have the narrowest possible opening on the street.

• See more rent a car Hanoi with English speaking driver: Hanoi car rental

Đồng Xuân Market

The next stop on our tour was Đồng Xuân Market, the largest covered market in the city, which has been one of Hanoi’s busiest shopping centers ever since it was built in the late-1800s. Unlike most Southeast Asian markets, Đồng Xuân is quite fancy and even had some escalators to give it a mall vibe.

Everything from winter coats to counterfeit sunglasses to high-end TVs can be found here. As a tourist, it seems impossible to find what you’re looking for, but there’s clearly a logic to its layout.

After squeezing our way through dozens of clothing racks, we reached the “wet” portion of the market, which sells meat and produce and will look much more familiar to anyone who’s explored other Southeast Asian markets. If you’re the least bit squeamish about where your food comes from, this part of the tour might not be for you

In the wet market, buckets of squirming eels, partially-butchered pigs, and freshly gutted fish emit an overwhelming aroma that will have many considering the merits of vegetarianism, especially once you reach the assortment of choices over at the much less noxious fruit and vegetable stalls.

The market is completely different at night when street performers come out to entertain and artisans can be seen working on their creations. It’s more of a tourist attraction than a functioning market then, so try to visit at both times to get the full experience.

Bach Ma Temple

From the market, we wound our way through a series of narrow passageways that are only about as wide as your shoulders, which makes for an uncomfortable encounter whenever you meet someone going the other direction. These walkways are the primary way for pedestrians to efficiently move through the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

However, when we emerged from one of these indistinguishable concrete corridors, we were greeted by the magnificent Bach Ma temple. The fittingly compact temple is incredibly ornate, with red lacquered doors and intricate gold-plated artwork. It’s believed to be the oldest temple in Hanoi, dating back to the 10th century, though it was moved to its current location in the 1700s.

Seemingly out of place inside the temple is a large statue of a white horse. But if you’re up on your Vietnamese, you already knew that Bach Ma actually translates to “white horse.” It’s said that an immense white stallion stamped out the perimeter of the temple to help its designer, King Ly, create a structurally sound building.

• Recommended Northern Vietnam Tour Package: Book Tour from Hanoi

Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Thê Huc Bridge

Undoubtedly the most scenic spot on our tour, Hoàn Kiếm Lake is Hanoi’s premier patch of nature. In this hectic city, it’s a tranquil refuge for those looking for a respite from the chaos. The path around the lake is popular with joggers, and you’ll find tai chi practitioners in the green space along the water.

Sitting out in the lake is Ngoc Soc Temple, which is connected to the shore by the iconic Thê Huc Bridge, a beautiful red wooden walkway. It’s one of the most popular places for tourists and locals to snap a selfie, so expect crowds throughout the day.

Legend has it that a Vietnamese king was once rowing across the lake when a giant turtle approached him and asked for his sword. The king had used the sword to quash a Chinese invasion of his country, and it was said to be magic. Today, the park stands as a symbol of Vietnamese independence.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

One of the last things you’d expect to find at the end of an incense-filled alleyway in the Old Quarter of Hanoi is an ornate gothic church, but that’s where we ended our tour. Although nearly three quarters of the Vietnamese population follow folk religions or no religion at all (the country is officially atheist), a solid seven percent of its residents are Catholic.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest church in the country and the headquarters of the Catholic Church in Vietnam. Mass is held every day, but it’s the Sunday evening service that draws the biggest crowds – the church overflows with people, and congregants sit in the lush gardens outside to listen in over the loudspeakers.

The gardens are also a popular location for wedding shoots; there was even one happening during our tour! In between services and when nothing else is going on, it’s possible to pop into the church for a look at the massive sanctuary and a quiet moment in the pews.

• Learn more: 20 best things to do in Hanoi

Booking Your Hanoi Walking Tour

Unlike many tourist activities offered in Southeast Asia, Hanoi Free Walking Tours requires advance notice. To get a spot on one of their tours, you need to book online at least 48 hours in advance; if you don’t have a lot of time in the city, be sure to make your reservation before you get to Hanoi.

Cost of Hanoi Free Walking Tours

All of the organization’s tours of Hanoi are completely free, though you still need to pay for any entrance fees or food (and a portion for the guide) if that’s part of your tour. Tips are accepted, but not required or expected, and my guide seemed to accept the one I offered begrudgingly. But I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a tour guide as friendly and knowledgeable as she was, so I wouldn’t have felt right not tipping.

• Recommended rent a car Hanoi with English speaking driver

Hanoi Free Walking Tour Tip

Hanoi Free Walking Tours: Exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Hanoi Old Quarter, with its picturesque French colonial architecture and plethora of street food, is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. This neighborhood is a maze of narrow winding streets with hoards of motorbikes driving on the sidewalks, weaving in between cars, and generally occupying every last inch of open space.

It’s the sort of place where just wandering around is a captivating experience if you’re willing to brave the mayhem. But it might be even better explored with a guide, who can point out the beauty amid the chaos and give context to the many fascinating sights.

• Recommended Best Day Trips from Hanoi

Tour Guide Vietnam

Discover the delights of ancient Hanoi with a friendly private guide from Tour Guide Vietnam. Com – Get a local’s perspective on this enchanting city and explore Hanoi at your own pace with a guide who is eager to share his knowledge with you.

Hanoi has everything an urban adventurer could wish for: ancient history, a colonial legacy and a fresh, modern outlook.

Witness the calm precision of Tai Ch’i performed at daybreak on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake; meander through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and marvel with your guide at the vibrant medieval commerce quarters – still the heartbeat of this bustling city. Take a daytrip to nearby Ninh Binh, where water buffalos, golden-green rice paddies, and majestic limestone formations will fulfill your postcard fantasies of Vietnam.

Your personal guide invites you to choose from the private Hanoi tours offered, or feel free to suggest alternatives for your tour of the Hanoi area. Your Hanoi guide can customize a private tour just for you.

Our Recommended Private Tours from Hanoi:

• Rent a Car Hanoi with Driver
• Vietnam Photo Trip Rice Terraces Trails
• Northern Vietnam Loop Tours 12 days
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Questions about Hanoi Free Tour Guide?

Do you have any questions about traveling to Vietnam with local free tour guide? Ask me anything in the comment section below. We’ll do our best to help!

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HANOI, VIETNAM

For an unparalleled experience in hanoi, secure the services of our amiable local tour guides. they excel at guiding you through the city, immersing you in the local ambiance. whether you’re inclined towards iconic tourist spots or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, our guides4me guides are ready to transform your preferences into reality. feel the city’s pulse and unravel unique experiences under their expert guidance..

Oscar is 29 years old, LGBT friendly and speaks English & Vietnamese.

Not just a guide – he’s a passionate ambassador for vietnam, with years of experience showcasing the country’s wonders. since 2015, he’s been sharing his deep knowledge and love for his homeland with visitors from around the world., from the bustling streets of hanoi to the serene landscapes of the mekong delta, oscar’s tours cover every corner of vietnam. his extensive travels have given him a unique perspective on the country’s rich culture, history, and traditions. whether you’re exploring ancient temples, sampling street food delights, or cruising along the picturesque coastline, oscar will ensure you experience the very best of vietnam., but it’s not just about the sights – for oscar, the true joy of guiding comes from connecting with his guests. he thrives on creating unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression. from sharing local stories to offering insider tips, he goes above and beyond to make sure every traveler leaves with a deeper appreciation for vietnam., so if you’re ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, let oscar be your guide. with his passion, knowledge, and infectious enthusiasm, he’ll take you on a journey through vietnam that you’ll never forget., total cost for the guide services of oscar for one day or evening (8 hours) = a booking fee of usd 33 via paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or crypto currency plus usd 75 in cash to oscar after his services. this makes a total of usd 108., this does not include any entrance fees, food & beverage or transport costs..

“ Oscar was superb, really likeable and competent.  He made the trip so much better than it would have been, without him. Lots of practical help and advice, like getting a local Sim card, recommending a better hotel etc. Plus of course egg coffee and authentic food. Thanks Oscar “ – Mark, UK . “Just to let you know that Oscar in Hanoi was amazing. If I could give him 6 stars, I would. Excellent professional, knowledgeable, passionate and extremely educated. Will definitely recommend him. Thanks for everything.” – Pedro, Portugal . “Oscar is an excellent guide who I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Vietnam for the first time.  He was very friendly and knowledgeable. My holiday was made so much more enjoyable thanks to him. . ” – Malcolm, UK.

Tony is 27 years old, LGBT friendly and speaks French, English & Vietnamese.

He is an experienced guide, especially for those who are passionate about different cultures and who would love to know more. a very friendly guy and we guarantee you will leave hanoi with a new friend for life. he has created some interesting tours, as below. you simply cannot experience the real hanoi without tony., total cost for the guide services of tony for one day or evening (8 hours) = a booking fee of usd 33 via paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or crypto currency plus usd 50 in cash to tony after his services. this makes a total of usd 83., this does not include any entrance fees, food (except for foodie tours) & beverage or transport costs., the food tour is for 3.5 hours (either daytime or evening) with tony includes the cost of the food but no transport. he will take you to 5 places to try local delicacies of hanoi. pay a booking fee by paypal etc of usd20 plus us50 per person in cash to tony at the beginning of the tour., other tours that tony specialises in are a seafood tour for usd 50 per person, beer tour for usd 50 per person, hanoi vegetation food tour for usd 50 per person and a hanoi city tour by bicycle usd 55 per person. to all these add a usd 33 booking fee, payable by paypal., these are examples of other tours that tony specialises in:, bar tour $55, discover nightlife in the old quarter. visit 4 bars/ clubs during your night out., gay bar tour $50, enjoy an exciting night out in hanoi on a gay bar-hopping experience. explore some of the resort town’s liveliest gay bars, clubs and cantinas on a ‘men-only’ outing in the romantic zone. enjoy drag queen show ( on selected nights), sea food tour $50, an amazing hanoi seafood tour of fresh local ingredients straight from the ocean. taste street culture as we walk through the old town of hanoi., bat trang tour $40, journey alongside the red river on a scenic countryside drive from hanoi to bat trang. visit the village known for producing high-quality ceramics and see how this pottery is made by hand. you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a workshop crafting your own piece or shop for something to take home with you. have time to shop for gifts and souvenirs., hanoi city tour with water puppet show $55 each, water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the red river delta area of northern vietnam. today’s vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient asian puppet tradition. the puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered., hanoi street food with water puppet show $55, hanoi city tour with cyclo $55, discover the 36 ancient streets of hanoi old quarter with its ancient buildings and temples, transparent lakes and old cultural features., cruising through one of hanoi’s most engaging, colourful, and lively neighbourhoods., get a relaxing look at hanoi’s old quarter, the home of traditional vietnamese culture in hanoi. the old quarter is, unlike what you may think, a very busy center of trade and life in hanoi. the old quarter is the place to go if you’re interested in getting a look at the real lifestyle of hanoians. the 36 streets of the old quarter, marked out in labyrinthine fashion. therefore giving the whole experience a somewhat zany twinge, one that many find quite welcome after the cut-and-dry, sanitized effect of many western cities., this does not include any transport costs except of course the bicycle tour..

“Tony was polite, very friendly, considerate and professional. H e was able to take us to places to eat that we never  would have found otherwise.  He made great suggestions that I didn’t even know about. I would definitely recommend him for anyone coming to Hanoi .  ” –  Micheal, USA.

Our other destinations in Vietnam are Con Dao , Da Nang , Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh , Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc and Sapa.

Explore the vibrant tapestry of hanoi, a city pulsating with life and history. nestled in the heart of northern vietnam, hanoi beckons travellers with its unique blend of cultural influences. unlike its southern counterpart, hanoi boasts a rich chinese heritage, shaped by over a millennium of chinese rule., delve into the bustling energy of dong xuan night market. this is where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food and the chatter of locals and visitors alike. lose yourself in the serenity of the temple of literature, a tranquil oasis steeped in centuries of scholarly tradition., meander along the tranquil shores of sword lake, where the gentle breeze whispers tales of bygone eras. marvel at the majestic flag tower of hanoi, an iconic symbol of the city’s resilience and spirit. discover the architectural marvel of the one pillar pagoda, a testament to vietnam’s rich religious heritage., at the heart of it all lies ba dinh square, a central square brimming with history and significance. here, amidst the echoes of the past, visitors can immerse themselves in the storied legacy of vietnam’s struggle for independence., for those seeking to experience hanoi’s vibrant lgbtq+ scene, the city offers a welcoming and inclusive environment. from lively bars to cultural events, hanoi embraces diversity and celebrates individuality, inviting all travellers to share in its colourful tapestry of experiences., discover the enchanting allure of hanoi, where every street corner tells a story and every moment is infused with the spirit of adventure. let the rhythm of the city guide you as you explore its hidden treasures and uncover the magic of vietnam’s capital., whatever you choose to do in hanoi, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime. when a guides4me guide, looks after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend., a map of local hotels with discounts up to 60%, the cheapest flights to hanoi, per month, latest blog post list.

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Hanoi Nightlife Guide: Clubs, Bars and Activities

Hanoi after dark is really different from what you see on the daytime. The city now becomes colorful and exciting with night activities. There is not an endless amount of nightlife entertainment options in Hanoi, but the city has dozens of lounges where you can spend an incredible night dining, enjoying a drink or chill with loudness of DJ music, as well as other selection of options to have fun. Let’s find how to enjoy Hanoi’s best nightlife when stay in Vietnam’s elegance capital city .

Table of Contents

The vibrant party scene at bars, clubs.

Water puppet show, my village show, vietnam central circus, local street food & drinks, enjoy local life, see hanoi from the above, tips on getting out at night in hanoi.

The night bars, clubs are suitable places for those who want to get away from stress and immerse themselves in music. Here comes a list that you should try at least once.

Binh Minh’s Jazz Club

(1 Trang Tien street, 5.00PM – 12.00AM) Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is a legendary nightlife spot where you will have a chance to catch live jazz music performances. Opened 20 years ago, the club brings an intimate ambiance with cozy seats & warm lighting.

Dragonfly Bar Lounge

(15 Hang Buom street, 6.00PM – 11.00PM) This is one of popular night spots in Hanoi Old Quarter where attracts young Vietnamese and youthful expats. The music varies between hip-hop and party pop music with available space for your dance as well. Shisha pipe with a range of flavors will be available on upper floor.

The Bank Hanoi

(6th floor, Capital building, 41 Hai Ba Trung street, 8.00PM – 12.00AM) The Bank Hanoi is now the biggest nightclub in Hanoi where displays different upbeat tunes until late night. Its music comprises hip-hop, top 40 hits, lounge, deep house, and house tunes. This places a well-dressed crowd of locals, expats and tourists.

Hanoi Press club

(59A Ly Thai To street, 5.00PM – late) This is not only the best place of French dishes in Vietnam but also offers a special gentleman’s style bar which has exotic dancers performing. Besides, the open terrace brings the ideal time to enjoy a quiet evening.

(42M Yen Phu street, 10.00PM – 3.00AM) Attracting both the local and expat variety, Hero is an industrial-style Hanoi nightclub churning out the latest tunes while offering bottle service and hookah pipes to late-night partiers. Located near the West Lake, Hero Club always gets crowded even after midnight.

Quieter scene with culture preference.

You have just seen the vibrant party scene that the city has to offer above. However, what nightlife in Hanoi can do more if alcohol, flashing lights and thumping music aren’t your things? Worry free. Hanoi has another thing for those who prefer a quieter scene and better feel the true essence of life in Vietnam’s capital.

This is a legendary presenter of traditional Vietnamese art. Shows are played by a Vietnamese orchestra who accompanies stories, and musicians playing songs using traditional instruments. There are two main puppet theaters sat on Hoan Kiem lake including Bong Sen Puppet Theater (79 Hang Trong street) and Thang Long Puppet Theater (57B Dinh Tien Hoang street). The show lasts 50mins – 1 hour with several daily schedules for your flexible choice: 15.00, 16.10, 17.20, 18.30 & 20.00.

The show is the poetic memoirs of the rural life in North Vietnam with a blending genre of bamboo cirque, acrobatics and juggling and live music on stage with traditional musical instruments. Each show lasts 60-70 minutes at Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien street) or Vietnam Tuong theater (51 Duong Thanh street).

As one of the biggest theaters nationwide, Hanoi Opera House speaks volumes as cultural and historical evidence of Vietnam under the French rule. The performances in this venue are various, including traditional folk music, international concerts, Vietnamese opera, and ballets as well.

Established in 1956, Vietnam Central Circus (67-69 Tran Nhan Tong street) becomes the oldest circus in the country. This will be an ideal site for fund if you travel with family and kids to watch clowns in vibrant costumes or animal performances, and especially the gravity-defying acrobatic performances. Performances run every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) at 9.30AM & 20.00PM.

Down to the streets with many other interesting activities.

Bia Hoi Junction

Bia hoi is a type of draft beer which is cheap & popular with Vietnamese locals. You can find Vietnamese enjoy Bia hoi at anytime and anywhere. Widely-regarded as the quintessential nightlife spot in Hanoi, Bia Hoi Junction is open throughout the day and late into the night at the corner of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen street. This place attracts a steady following of locals, expats and tourists looking to down some ice cold beers and some snacks on the plastic chairs all night long. You will find it great for drinking on a budget as well as experiencing the local cultural.

For craft beer lovers in high quality, there are some places for you to go & enjoy such as Craft Beer Pub (26 Hang Buom Street) where serving a large variety of both locally made beer and beer imported from Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany; Standing Bar (170 Tran Vu street) where serving up brews from a host of Vietnamese craft beer brands across the length of the country; or Legend Beer (1-3-5 Dinh Tien Hoang street, third-storey bar with lake view) which is famous for its own brewed drinks and German-style dishes such as sausages and pork knuckle.

Lemon tea, or “tra chanh” in Vietnamese

It is a pity to miss lemon tea when you have an opportunity to visit Vietnam. Just a cup of tea while sitting on the pavement, you can gather to chat with friends and enjoy some street foods. Nearby St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a favourite place to enjoy this drink and see the beauty of the church in Hanoi.

Street foods

Getting more popular worldwide, Vietnamese food is fresh, healthy and reasonable. Even President Barack Obama and his chef Anthony Bourdain cannot resist Vietnam fascinating cuisine on their visit in 2016.

Grab a low plastic chair and adventure the authentic and local culture on Hanoi specialities including Pho (rice noodle soup with beef or chicken); Bun Cha (fresh noodle together with a bowl of sweet and sour fish sauce with chargrilled pork patties); Xoi (sticky rice); Banh Xeo (crispy pancake with savoury fillings); Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls)…

Another favourite taste with the young generation will come to the food stalls with barbecued or steamed seafood such as clams, snails, egg squids, oysters, crabs…

Of course, enjoying meals at one of finest-dining restaurants in Hanoi over-viewing Hoan Kiem lake or taking fast food (KFC, Lotteria or McDonald’s) are also great choice according to your flexible tastes.

Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake which is famous for its peaceful beauty, its cultural as well as historical values. Not only early morning, but evening is also good time for the flocks of local residents gathering here for doing exercise such as yoga, aerobic and tai-chi.

During weekends, Hoan Kiem lake area becomes more crowded because the surrounding streets will be blocked to make it as a public square for walking only. Folk games and traditional music performances will be displayed through this Hanoi pedestrian street. You can also visit Hang Dao Night Market which is open from 18:00 to 23:00 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and buy souvenirs or enjoy local foods here.

Exploring the Old Quarter where used to be the residential, manufacturing and commercial center and where each street was specialized in one specific type of manufacturing or commerce should not be missed. Many shops are along this area for you to pass by & find something for your own preference.

Witness the moment of the flag lowering ceremony in Ba Dinh Square at 9.00 PM daily is also impressive thing. This is national ritual taking place twice per day at 6.00AM (flag raising ceremony) & 9.00 PM with excited orchestra and national anthem performed by military solders in white uniforms.

Visiting Quang Ba night flower market can be added in your to-do list thing as one of Hanoi’s most colorful attractions as well. This is the largest market in Hanoi where flowers are shipped in from all over Vietnam. Its busiest and most atmospheric time is when the market first starts up in the early hours (begins at around 2.00AM). This site will be especially worth during Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) when flowers are used in abundance to mark the festival.

Spend your time at one of best Rooftop bars in Hanoi to enjoy lively atmosphere and stunning view overlooking the shimming Hanoi city is really great & memorized. Some favorite names can be listed here for your choice:

Cielo 13 Sky Bar & restaurant

Highlights: spectacular views, excellent authentic dishes, bountiful wines & flavorful cocktails Add: 13 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening hours: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm Menu: Western/ Asian Dress code: smart casual.

The Rooftop Hanoi

Highlights: 19th floor, resto-bar, panoramic view, live music & DJs Add: 19th floor, Pacific Place, 83B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Opening Hours: Restaurant: from 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM every day Bar: from 09:30 PM until midnight Menu: Western/ Asian Dress code: smart casual.

Lighthouse Sky Bar

Highlights: 360 panoramic view over Hanoi, excellent service Add: No 27 Hang Be Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Operation hours: 16.00 – 00.00 daily Menu: Asian / Western Dress code: Smart casual

Twilight Sky Bar

Highlights:  8th floor bar, Hoan Kiem Lakeview & Skyline, Charming & sophisticated crafted cocktails Add: 1 Cau Go Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Opening hours: 09.00 – 00.00, daily Menu: Asian / Western Dress code: Smart casual.

Summit Lounge at Pan Pacific Hanoi

Highlights: 20th floor, 360-view nice ambience, crafted cocktails Add: 20th floor – Pan Pacific Hanoi, 1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Opening hours: 16.00 – 00.00, daily Menu: Western/ Asian Dress code: smart casual.

– Bring your identification along in case you are asked. – Do not bring valuable things like jewelry or too much money. – Keep yourself warm and bring your jacket if you visit Hanoi in the winter. – Rent a motorbike with helmet which is much more convenient and money-saving than taxis. – Choose reliable tour agencies if you need a well-organized trip with stress-free.

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Hanoi – Vietnam’s Capital

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