Exploring Hanoi is an enchanting experience, and there are many ways to discover the city’s allure. Whether by cyclo, electric car, double-decker bus, or self-drive hire car, each mode of transportation offers a unique perspective. However, the best way to truly immerse yourself in the charm of the city is on foot.
Walking tours in Hanoi provide a relaxing and meditative experience, allowing visitors to wander through the medieval streets and absorb the peaceful atmosphere. One can almost imagine themselves transported back in time as they stroll through the capital.
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| Visitors to Hanoi are often captivated by the simple pleasures and beauty of the city, such as a chilly morning on Phan Dinh Phung Street, where golden rays of sunlight dance through the leafy canopy. Photo: Chuyen Cua Ha Noi Group |
A Snack Lover’s Paradise
For both domestic and international travelers, Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is a must-visit destination. It is an iconic location boasting unique cultural sites, delicious cuisine, and architectural marvels. Since 2016, the area around the lake has been transformed into a vibrant pedestrian zone on weekends, attracting large crowds of excited explorers.
Strolling through the downtown area, one can admire magnificent landmarks such as the Hanoimoi Newspaper Office, Hanoi Post Office, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, and Ba Kieu Temple. It’s also the perfect opportunity to indulge in Hanoi’s famous street food. Treat your taste buds to nom bo kho, a delicious green papaya salad with dried beef, or sample chim quay (roasted bird) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).
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| Kem Bo Ho, or Hoan Kiem Lake ice cream, is a Hanoi specialty and a beloved “symbol” of the city. |
Don’t forget to try the famous Trang Tien ice cream and explore the Dinh Le – Nguyen Xi book quarter. From Friday to Sunday evenings, the area comes alive with fascinating outdoor activities, including street performances of folk music, dancing, and puppetry.
Crystal Anh, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, always makes sure to take a walk around Sword Lake whenever she visits Hanoi. “The fresh air, antique beauty, and street food are a must,” she told The Hanoi Times. “If you don’t take photos of the Hanoimoi newspaper office, eat Trang Tien ice cream, or try nom bo kho, you’ll regret it!”
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| The Hanoi Opera House is a splendid symbol of French architecture in the heart of the city. |
A Foodie’s Delight in the Old Quarter
In addition to the Hoan Kiem Lake area, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is another popular destination for walkers. Food lovers will especially enjoy exploring Dong Xuan Alley, a food street that offers a myriad of delicious Hanoian specialties. From shrimp cakes and salads to sweet dessert soups, bun cha, bun nem, and tao pho, your taste buds will be in for a treat.
Unveiling Architectural Treasures
While many visitors like to create their own walking routes, Hanoi also offers organized tours that provide fresh insights into the city’s architecture. One such tour is ‘French Architecture in the Heart of Hanoi,’ which takes participants on a 90-minute journey through the Vietnam National Museum of History, Hanoi Opera House, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel, Tonkin Palace, and Dien Hong Park (also known as Toad Flower Garden). Through vivid descriptions and fascinating historical anecdotes, tourists gain a deeper understanding of the architectural styles and cultural fusion of the early 20th century.
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| The Tran Nhat Duat aquarium walking bridge is a unique blend of contemporary and traditional Vietnamese elements. Photo: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times |
Recently, the city introduced a new walking path that connects the Old Quarter with the Tran Nhat Duat Footbridge and the creative hub of Phuc Tan Ward. This route not only showcases the history and importance of the Red River but also promotes environmental protection through decorative artworks made from recycled plastic products.
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| Visitors captivated by the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: Thanh Huyen Le |
According to Phung Quang Thang, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Travel Association, a quality walking tour should include destinations that are close together and convenient for pedestrians. He suggests that visitors to the Temple of Literature could also walk to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, and those exploring the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake might appreciate recommendations for reputable restaurants or food stalls.
Hanoi is a beloved destination for travelers from all over the world, and the city is committed to developing a range of tourism products, with a focus on cultural and sustainable tourism. By offering walking tours, Hanoi not only enriches the travel experience but also encourages a healthier and more affordable way to explore the city’s vibrant streets and enchanting alleyways.
Music Story of the Old Quarter
On Friday evening the second week of the month, a show entitled “Music Story of the Old Quarter” takes place at the Old Quarter’s Culture Exchange Centre, No. 50 Dao Duy Tu Street. It is a part of the program to introduce traditional and contemporary music of the land of Thang Long, Hanoi to both domestic and foreign visitors.
Tet city walk around Hoan Kiem
A special city walk near Hoan Kiem Lake will be hosted by the Friends of Vietnam Heritage (FVH) for the Tet festival.
Philadelphian Brightens Up Hanoi Alley
A small lane with walls of old paint peeling off near the Kim Ngan communal house on Hang Bac street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter has now been cleaned up thanks to Scott Matt, an American.
Pho, the signature dish of Hanoi
“If you come to Hanoi, take a chance to eat Pho” has become the motto of almost every tourist travelling to the capital of Vietnam.
Banh gio – A Traditional Food from Hanoi
Though different from pho in many ways, there is one trait banh gio (pyramid-shaped rice dumpling) shares with this popular dish: Hanoians can eat each of them at any time of the day. A plate of steaming banh gio sold at a stall on a street corner can be a quick breakfast. It can also be a decent mid-afternoon snack.
