Taking a free walking tour of Hanoi is a great way to see the capital of Vietnam. In just a few hours of walking the streets of the city, you’ll see some amazing free sights of Hanoi and learn about the history that shaped this unique destination.
There are many great things to do in Hanoi. But taking a free city tour of Hanoi is, in my mind, unbeatable. Not only will you learn a quieter side and experience Hanoi like a local – plus did I mention, free?! (well, almost, tipping is encouraged and appreciated – you pay what you feel the tour is worth).
So if you’re looking for something educational and fun in Hanoi, here’s a rundown of the free Hanoi city tour!
How to book a spot on Hanoi’s Free Walking Tour
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It’s very easy to book your spot on Hanoi’s free walking tour. The tour leaves from Central Backpacker Hostel in the morning (there’s 2 in the city, and highly recommend staying here).
The best way to confirm Hanoi’s free city walking tour is to stay here and drop your name down when you arrive for when you want to take the walking tour of Hanoi. You can also drop by one of these hostels and confirm date and times. By doing this you put your name down and show up at the specified time. That’s it.
Now it’s time to enjoy the free tour of Hanoi!
What sights are visited in the free walking tour Hanoi?
Hanoi is a huge city. Much too large to visit all the sights in one tour lasting a few hours. But this free city tour of Hanoi on foot covers many of the best spots. Hoan Kiem Lake, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral and the busy Dong Kuan Markets are just some of the walking tour of Hanoi highlights.
1. Ly Quoc Su Pagoda
The first stop on Hanoi’s city walking tour is a temple in the Old Quater of the capital. Ly Quoc So Pagoda was constructed in honor of The Monk Nguyen Chi Thanh.
This historical famous monk healed the ruler of Vietnam who believed he was a Tiger. Created around 900 years ago and restored in the 12th Century, this ornate Pagoda holds a precious Buddha statue and Tu Chung Bell.
It’s a beautiful start to the walking tour of Hanoi.
2. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Next stop on the free walking tour Hanoi is just down the road from the first stop. Less than 100 meters down the road in fact.
Saint Joseph’s Cathedral is a late 19th-century Gothic-style cathedral. Construction of this beautiful building began in 1886. If you’re visiting one of Hanoi’s most beautiful Cathedrals, make sure you take time to visit inside!
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi. During prayer, Catholics (of which there are around 4 million in Vietnam) can gather on the nearby streets if unable to make it inside the church itself.
3. Hoan Kiem Lake – Hanoi’s Lake
One of Hanoi’s iconic images is Hoan Kiem Lake. One of the most family-friendly locations in all of Hanoi is the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, especially on the weekends when all streets are closed to traffic. Families descend and kids play games on the streets. It’s good fun.
The lake itself is home to an ancient and historic tale that shaped the city of Hanoi. Le Loi, now a national hero, was apparently given a shard of metal by a giant turtle, which he forged into a sword and turned the tides of the war against the Chinese.
In the middle of the lake sits Thap Rua, or Turtle Tower. Built and named after the legend of the turtle, Kim Qui, that saved Vietnam, by lending a magic sword to the national hero and future emperor of Vietnam, Lê Lợi, who used the weapon to drive Chinese forces from the country. While the free walking tour of Hanoi takes place during the day, visiting the area at night is well worth the trip back. The whole area is lit up and it’s a beautiful place for a night time stroll in Hanoi.
4. Ngoc Son Temple
At one end of Hoan Kiem Lake sits Ngoc Son Temple. While the tour doesn’t actually enter the temples complex, the view of the bright red Huc Bridge spanning the calm waters of Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful one. You can see a photo of this red bridge in the first image of this post. In Vietnamese, the bridge is known as Cau The Huc.
The Pagoda sits on a chunk of land known as Jade Island and is home to one turtle entombed in metal – once a resident of Hoan Kiem Lake.
If you want to regent and visit, the temple is open from 8am to 5pm.
5. Lý Thái Tổ Statue
This well-known statue was erected in 1896 in memory of Emporer Lý Thái Tổ.
It is one of the most picturesque locations in all of Hanoi with Hoan Kiem Lake just a short walk away. This King is responsible for moving the capital of Vietnam to Hanoi, where it has stayed ever since.
There’s not much to do here other than relaxing and take in the view. It’s a pretty spot filled with families on the weekend.
6. Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market was our final sightseeing stop on Hanoi’s free walking tour. You’re giving 15 minutes free time with a quest to find the strangest, most bizarre item in these dense outlets – you won’t have to look too hard!
There’s so much to look at, with plenty of snacks and clothing to buy for very reasonable prices.
While it was everywhere, snake (and scorpion) wine was one of the strangest items I found in this busy Hanoi market. A word of warning: sometimes the alcohol inside the bottle isn’t strong enough to preserve the snakes and scorpions, so they decompose. Safe to say it’s not really a healthy/safe drink. Wish I had of known that before I had a tasting in the Cu Chi Tunnels tour!
7. End of Hanoi Free Walking Tour
The end of Hanoi’s city tour was at the old quarter Central Backpackers Hostel. It’s conveniently located with a bar and plenty of places to relax and meet your other travelers.
I’d you’re looking for a place to stay in Hanoi, I highly recommend Central Backpackers Hostel! Quite possibly the best hostel in Hanoi!
Extra things to do in Hanoi
Looking for extra activities to do after Hanoi’s free walking tour? Where to eat and drink? Try these memorable Hanoi restaurants and sights:
- For a coffee and other tasty drinks and snacks, Cong Cafe is great. With all employees dressed up in military fatigues, it offers a unique experience in Hanoi. The coconut coffee is a must-try! Hanoi is well known for its egg coffees. There are many cafes in the city that offer this delicious take on a regular coffee. Egg white was used as a replacement for milk when it was in a massive shortage throughout the history of Hanoi.
- If you’re after a cafe that isn’t a chain, Giang Cafe (the entrance sign is above) has been serving one of Hanoi’s best egg coffee’s since 1946.
- Aubergine is a small vegetarian restaurant that is walkable from anywhere downtown and some delicious meals, not all containing eggplant. Even if you’re a meat-eater, this restaurant offers some great dishes where you won’t miss the lack of meat.
- Banh Mi is a popular meal in Vietnam, for locals and tourists. One of the best places to try Banh Mi in Hanoi is a shop called “25”. Fresh bread and ingredients. They are a small shop and the line can be long, but it’s cheap and delicious.
Have you been on the free walking tour of Hanoi? What did you think of Hanoi’s walkable sights? Leave me a comment below!
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Further Reading on Vietnam Travel:
- Visiting Cat Ba Island over Ha Long Bay
- Best things to do in Vietnam
- Explore Hue’s abandoned water theme park Ho Thuy Tien
Thanks for reading!
Happy and safe travels
Ben – Horizon Unknown
