Private Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour with a Student Guide

Hanoi , Vietnam

Private Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour with a Student Guide

Active

(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hi, I'm Truong - founder of Vietnam With Locals, a student-guide collective sharing Hanoi’s culture in the most authentic and welcoming way. Our guides are well-trained, friendly, and speak English confidently. We aim to offer professional-quality experiences at affordable prices, connecting travelers with real local life.

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a private walking tour with a friendly local student. Get picked up at your Old Quarter hotel, then wander to Hoan Kiem Lake, Kim Ngan Temple, and Bach Ma Temple as you hear personal stories, hidden corners, and cultural insights that bring the city to life.

We’ll visit several suggested highlights, but the route is flexible and will be adjusted based on your pick-up point and interests for a comfortable, personalized experience.

If you want a warm, authentic, and truly local way to experience Hanoi, this tour is for you. Book now and explore the city like a local.

Available options

Private Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour with a Student Guide

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick-up (Hanoi Old Quarter only)

Hotel drop-off (Hanoi Old Quarter only)

Private English-speaking student tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel or meeting point before we begin our Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour. Our first stop is Hoan Kiem Lake – the symbolic heart of the city. Here, you’ll hear local legends and stories, learn about the lake’s history, and observe daily life unfold around you: people exercising, playing badminton, chatting with friends, and enjoying the fresh atmosphere.

Next, we’ll visit Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Hanoi. Your guide will share the legends behind the White Horse, the ancient guardian of the city, and explain how the temple has stood through centuries of change. As we walk through its courtyards and incense-filled halls, you’ll get a glimpse of the spiritual life that still shapes the Old Quarter today.

Stop 3

Our walk continues to Dong Xuan Market, the largest and most vibrant market in the Old Quarter. Here, you’ll get a close look at daily local life - from vendors bargaining to shoppers picking fresh ingredients. Your guide will show you the herbs, spices, and produce that Vietnamese families use in their everyday cooking, and explain how these ingredients come together to create the flavors of Hanoi. It’s the perfect place to feel the energy of the city and understand how locals shop, cook, and live.

We’ll stop by Ly Thai To Park, a peaceful green space where locals gather to exercise, chat, or simply enjoy the fresh morning air. Here, you’ll hear stories about King Ly Thai To — the founder of ancient Thang Long - and learn how this area connects the city’s past with its modern daily life. It’s also a great spot to slow down, people-watch, and feel the rhythm of Hanoi.

We’ll visit the historic house at 48 Hang Ngang, where President Ho Chi Minh once wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Your guide will explain the significance of the house and its role during this important moment in Vietnam’s history. Inside, you’ll see preserved artifacts and living spaces that show how leaders worked and lived during the early days of the nation. It’s a meaningful stop that brings Vietnam’s modern history to life.

What's not included

Transport

Entrance fee to a temple

Food & Drinks

Personal Expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Top Attractions

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.

Historical 1-2 hours 30,000 VND

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.

Architecture 1-2 hours for a performance Varies by event

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Egg Coffee

A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.

Drink Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Trekking in Sapa Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake Coffee at a local café Exploring the Temple of Literature Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay Egg coffee tasting

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station

By bus

Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Quarter French Quarter Ba Dinh District Tay Ho District

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • Full day

Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.

Sapa

320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day

Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.

Festivals

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar) Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.