Free tour

Discover Hoa Lo Prison and a hidden Paris in the heart of Hanoi

4.92

Excellent(26)

Hanoi

Duration: 3 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Thu

Registered on 28 October 2024

Hi, I'm Thu, which means "autumn" in Vietnamese. My mother was "lazy" after giving birth me so she chose the name of season that I was born to me. I am so appreciated my mom because Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year in Hanoi with yellow of sunny, green of "Cốm", smell of street food and love of couples 😊. I have called Hanoi my home for over thirty years, and my love for this city runs deep, from its bustling streets to its hidden gems. I am passionate about sharing the true essence of Hanoi's culture, offering a unique perspective that comes from my deep connection with this place. I look forward to helping you discover the vibrant spirit and timeless charm of this beautiful city 🥰. Don’t just visit Hanoi—experience it in all its depth and wonder.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

If you are a history lover or a lover of artistic architecture, don't miss this tour. Explore the history of the French Quarter in Hanoi from the colonial period alongside the struggle of the Vietnamese people for independence

Discover the architecture of a hidden Paris in the heart of Hanoi with structures similar to those in Paris and immerse yourself in historical stories:

🌈 Ly Thai To Monument
Begin your journey at the meeting point & one of Hanoi’s most sacred spots — the statue of Emperor Ly Thai To, who founded the ancient capital of Thang Long.

🌈 Tonkin Palace
Discover the timeless charm of the former Governor's Residence — a powerful symbol of French colonial rule in the heart of old Hanoi.

🌈 The Legendary Metropole Hotel
Stop by the legendary Metropole Hotel, where Hollywood stars, diplomats, and famous writers once stayed. Beneath its glamorous surface lies a secret wartime bunker filled with fascinating stories.

🌈 The Grand Opera House
Marvel at the Hanoi Opera House — a French architectural masterpiece and cultural landmark. It’s not only a hub for performing arts but also a silent witness to key historical moments.

🌈 National Museum of History
Step into thousands of years of Vietnamese heritage at the National Museum of History, home to priceless artifacts and captivating stories from every era.

🌈 St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Experience St. Joseph’s Cathedral — “a slice of Europe in the Old Quarter” — with its striking Gothic design and peaceful atmosphere that takes you back in time.

🌈 Hoa Lo Prison (Entrance ticket: 50.000VND ~1,8 euro)
Explore the history of Vietnam's resistance against the United States, known as the Vietnam War. Hear about the struggle of the Vietnamese people for independence.

You will also enjoy Vietnamese coffee in a hidden café, hear stories about the Vietnamese love for coffee, and learn how we creatively make coffee while preserving its traditional beauty.

Are you ready to step into Hanoi's story? This isn’t just another tour; it’s your chance to uncover the soul of the city—one legend, one street, and one secret at a time. Book your spot today and explore the magic of Hanoi with me.

NOTE: Entrance to Hoa Lo Prison is not included in the free tour. It is charged at the entrance: 50.000VND per visitor.
DURATION: 3 hours

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Tượng đài, P. Lý Thái Tổ, French Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

I will be at Emperor Ly Thai To Monument Statue with a conical hat.

Free entry

Lý Thái Tổ Monument

Outside visit

Government Guest House (Tonkin Palace)

Outside visit

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

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 €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).