Hanoi city tour

Hanoi's Old Quarter, known simply as the 36 Streets, is a must-see for anyone traveling to Vietnam. With a history dating back to about the 13th Century, it used to be a residential, manufacturing, and commercial center where each street was specialized in one specific type of manufacturing or commerce. Hanoi Old Quarter now still retains its unique architecture as well as the enormous amount and diversity of products and everyday life of its residents. Messy and crazy, this walk provides you an exciting chance for a deeper encounter with local life, beyond the typical tourist programs. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi Street life. Challenge yourself by strolling through the dark and tiny alleys that are wide enough for one medium-sized Vietnamese only. Walk around Dong Xuan Market, the biggest wholesale market in the Old Quarter where you can find all the amazing things with the reasonable cost ranging from exotic herbs, fresh fruits, and veggies, sweetly scented flowers to wooden crafts and decor. The cyclo (rickshaw) ride is an excellent way to experience Hanoi at close hand as the atmosphere is lively, hectic, and sociable. Your local driver will pedal you off, behind your guide, into narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’.

Temple of Literature

Your tour begins with a visit to the Temple of Literature, a stunning example of traditional

Vietnamese architecture and the country's first national university. Built in 1070, this peaceful site is

dedicated to Confucius and scholars of the past. Stroll through its beautiful courtyards, gardens,

and pavilions while learning about the rich academic history of Vietnam.

Cultural Experience: Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Next, we visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, a historical site that offers a glimpse into Vietnam's

turbulent past. Originally built by the French colonialists, this prison later housed Vietnamese

revolutionaries and American POWs during the Vietnam War. Explore the exhibits and listen to

your guide's insights on the complex history and the lives of those who were imprisoned here.

Lunch: Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

After a morning of exploration, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the

authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Relax and refuel as you take in the warm ambiance and

indulge in a selection of regional dishes.

Finish the day at a water puppet show a traditional art form that originated in the Ricefield of northern Vietnam centuries ago.