Hanoi Free Walking Tour And Visiting Train Street

Hanoi Free Walking Tours is one of the interesting experiences you should try when coming to Vietnam. Like many great cities, Hanoi is best seen on foot. Narrow alleys, tree-lined boulevards and pretty lakes are just the beginning of the capital’s charms.

Set your own pace and get lost in the city’s hidden treasures – old and new – with any of these three do-it-yourself walking tours.

1. About Hanoi Free Walking Tours

The Hanoi Old Quarter is a historic district nestled in the heart of Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Characterized by its ancient architecture, and lively atmosphere, a walking tour through this iconic area offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.

We’ll delve into the narrow streets and bustling alleys of this ancient district, uncovering the rich cultural heritage and daily life of the locals. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this enchanting city.

• 16h00: Our guide will greet you at the appointed meeting point at Opera House and begin the exciting tour. Our path will take us from the tranquil shores of Hoan Kiem Lake to the bustling streets of Hang Be, where the aromas of street food and local markets fill the air. We’ll make our way through the narrow alleyways of Trung Yen, a culinary haven, and then onto Hang Bac, a street known for its antique shops and traditional crafts. From there, we’ll continue to Luong Van Can, To Tich, Hang Quat, Hang Manh, and finally arrive at Hang Dieu Market, where you can sample local specialties and browse the vibrant stalls.
• 17h15: Along the way, we’ll pass through Nguyen Van To Street, and even venture onto the famous Train Street, where trains rumble through the center of the city. This immersive tour will give you a unique glimpse into the daily life and culture of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as we explore the hidden alleys and bustling streets that have been shaped by centuries of history.
• 18h00: The tour will be ended and it is time to stay goodbye to you.

Read More: Hanoi City Tour: The Best Hanoi Tours to do

2. Places to visit in Hanoi Free Walking Tours

Free Walking Tours Hanoi’s unique guiding approach combines culture, history, and engaging storytelling, allowing each guide’s distinct personality to shine through. This tip-based model empowers travelers to reward and support exceptional tours, ensuring that every trip aligns with individual budgets. This concept guarantees high-quality service and sets a standard for modern-day tourist experiences in Hanoi.

Destinations of Free Walking Tours Hanoi:

2.1 Hoan Kiem and the French Quarter

Just south of the Old Quarter are spacious streets, verdant parks and French colonial architecture. With restored cathedrals and villas, insightful museums, and lovely lakes, this walk will show you the heart of Hanoi.

Begin at Hoan Kiem Lake, an attraction in itself, ringed with trees and home to a legendary tower. Head to St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Ly Quoc Su for a snapshot of local life: street side bustle, kids playing, and women selling fruits from bamboo baskets. The picturesque yellow villa at Hang Trong Gardens on the same street is worth a look, before you stroll on to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum — one of the best in the country.

Walk a block to Ba Trieu st. where you’ll find sidewalk cafes and stalls serving phở and cơm rang gà. Turn right on Nguyen Du street to reach the lovely Thien Quang Lake with rows of centuries-old trees, a quaint temple, and an old banyan tree.

Walk down and cross Tran Nhan Tong st. and enter Reunification Park. Hanoi’s largest green space is ringed with paved paths where locals love to exercise. Sip a coconut by the water, or pedal out in a swan boat. Exit on the eastern side of the park on Tue Tinh st. and make your way toward the ornate Hanoi Opera House.

Hanoi’s French Quarter is known for high-end stores and colonial-era architecture, a fascinating contrast from the crumbling and colourful buildings you passed earlier. Finish your stroll with a well-earned coffee on the terrace of the Metropole Hotel.

2.2 Markets, Bridges and Banana Island

From a tucked-away cafe in the Old Quarter, head through a colourful local market before reaching a historic bridge, surrounded by urban agriculture. Enjoy a mix of peaceful scenery and bustling street life on this adventurous walk.

Start off at Café Pho Co, a hideaway in the Old Quarter, for some indulgent egg coffee. To find the cafe, look for a silk shop at 11 Hang Gai st. Walk past the textiles into the alley behind and you’ll find a courtyard serving egg coffee with views of the lake.

After your coffee, head down Hang Dao st. toward Dong Xuan Market. Turn right on Cau Dong, then turn left to a side street where wholesale spice and fruit vendors peddle an array of exotic goods. If you’d like to nab an ingredient to bring home, this is the place.

Next, make your way to historic Long Bien Bridge, following Hang Khoai st., Xuong Cau, and passing the Long Bien Train Station. This iconic iron bridge was Hanoi’s main supply lifeline during wartime. From the narrow sidewalk on the bridge, you’ll see urban agriculture and small homes clustered along the sides of the Red River.

Take the stairwell down to Banana Island. This picturesque patchwork of farmland and floating settlements is so tranquil, the chaos of the city seems a world away. To return to civilisation, go back the way you came, walking along the other side of the bridge for a different perspective.

2.3 Historic Hanoi and Truc Bach Lake

This Instagram-worthy route takes you past train tracks, detailed murals, and lakeside life. Have a memorable day checking out historic sites, watching urban life, and tasting some of the city’s best street food.

Start your walk on Phung Hung st. Here there’s ample space to enjoy a leisurely walk. As the road curves, you’ll find immense mural paintings, depicting scenes from Hanoi’s past — a great spot to snap a photo.

Make a left on Hang Cot st., passing a small park, then find your feet on tree-lined Phan Dinh Phung, considered one of the most beautiful boulevards in the city. Stop at the Northern Gate of the Hanoi Citadel (still peppered with bullet holes from the war), and the yellow-hued Cua Bac Church across the road.

Continue down Phan Dinh Phung to Hung Vuong st. and right to Truc Bach Lake. Truc Bach is one of the most scenic corners of Hanoi, with plenty of interesting sights. Stop at the 11th century Quan Thanh Taoist temple before enjoying a walk down Thanh Nien St. with views of lakes on both sides.

Turn right onto Truc Bach st. and walk all the way to Ngu Xa and cross the bridge to the island. This is a famous foodie area, where you can feast on local favourites phở cuốn (fresh rice noodle rolls with grilled pork) and phở chiên phồng (fried rice noodle squares with rich gravy, beef and vegetables).

Walk it off on the way back to Phan Dinh Phung st. and the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or walk along leafy Nguyen Tri Phuong Boulevard, to see the ancient Citadel of Hanoi.

3. FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Hanoi’s free walking tours

3.1. Are free walking tours in Hanoi free?

Hanoi’s free walking tours live up to their name by being free of charge for participants. You can join these tours without paying an upfront fee. However, keep in mind that you are responsible for covering any associated expenses, such as transportation, entrance fees, meals on Hanoi’s food tour, and so forth.

To clarify the tour package and the expected expenses during the trip, it is advisable to consult the tour operator beforehand.

3.2. Is it possible to customize a Hanoi free walking tour?

Customizing Hanoi’s free walking tours is indeed possible to a certain degree, depending on the tour provider. While some offer fixed itineraries like Hanoi walking food tours, organizations like Hanoi’s Free Private Tour Guide and Hanoi’s Free Local Guide are open to adjusting the tours according to the participants.

Before your tour, it is advisable to consult the tour operator. By discussing your interests and requirements, you can determine if they can personalize the tour to your preferences.

3.3 Are these tours suitable for solo travelers?

Hanoi’s free walking tours are a fantastic option for solo travelers. These tours are budget-friendly and often flexible regarding group size. Some operators can adjust the number of participants if requested or combine tours with other tourists if needed, allowing for privacy or social interaction as desired.

Even though the guides are unpaid, they are known for their enthusiasm, friendliness, and extensive knowledge, making them reliable and engaging companions for solo travelers. So, whether you seek solitude or new connections, Hanoi’s free walking tours provide an excellent way to explore the city.