Free tour
Hanoi First Day: Highlights & Local Life Uncovered
No ratings yet
Guru: Huyen
PRO
Verified quality
Registered on 19 August 2019
Xin Chao!
I am Huyen. I was born and raised in Hanoi.
My passions are always traveling and getting to know fascinating places, meeting people from all over the world, and experiencing top gastronomy linking food and cultures. Over the past few years, I have travelled across Vietnam from ordinary places to exotic spots like Ha Giang and Ca Mau, known as the Northernmost & Southernmost points, and many more!
Vietnamese food has an unique identity and varies in different parts. Believe it or not, northern, middle, and southern food is tasted differently. Also, I have been tried all the top Vietnamese food nationwide and ready to relay all of my knowledge and expertise to you.
Are you ready to come along with me?
I can't wait to show you the city that I love. Cheers!
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
Joining this tour during your first days in Hanoi would be a fantastic way to start your journey.
What you’ll get from this tour:
- A big-picture understanding of Hanoi’s history, culture, and people.
- Local recommendations: where to go and what to eat after the tour.
- Cultural insights and stories that help you connect with the city on a deeper level.
Tour Activities
🏛 Visit Hoa Lo Prison
Discover key events in Hanoi’s past that shaped its present:
- Why some locals still eat dog meat (not all)
- The influence of French architecture
- The relationship between Vietnamese and Americans
🗣 Learn basic Vietnamese phrases
Helpful expressions and tips for smooth communication in Vietnam.
🚴 Chill bike ride through Hanoi
Cruise past iconic spots like Ba Dinh Square (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area) and around West Lake — one of the best sunset spots in the city.
🍜 Local food tasting
Wrap up the tour with unique local dishes like Phở Chiên Phồng or Phở Cuốn.
🌅 Flexible ending
The tour ends by West Lake, where you can relax, walk around, or stay for the sunset.
Pricing & Tips
Pay-what-you-feel model:
- We believe in value-based pricing — pay based on what the tour meant to you.
- Estimated costs (entrance fee, food, bike rental): ~$6/person
- Kindly tip your guide a minimum of $10-$15 per guest
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
I’ll be waiting at the front gate of Hoa Lo Prison. Please text me when you arrive.
1
Entry not included
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
The tour starts at Hỏa Lò Prison. By visiting the museum, you’ll get an overview of Hanoi and the key historical periods it has gone through, including Chinese rule, French influence, and the Vietnam War. You’ll also have the chance to learn a bit of Vietnamese and pick up some basic conversational phrases.
The entrance fee is $2.
2
Outside visit
Công Viên Lê Nin - Đối Diện 35 Trần Phú
After that, we’ll go on a bike ride to explore part of Hanoi, passing by Lenin Park.
3
Outside visit
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
We’ll pass by Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, but we won’t stop there as parking and stopping are not allowed in this area.
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts bookings of up to 20 people.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or card payment accepted.
