Free tour

Legends and History of Hanoi Old Quarter

4.80

Excellent(5)

Hanoi

Duration: 3 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Mai

Registered on 18 May 2025

Xin chào! Welcome to Hanoi! 🇻🇳 Hi, I'm Mai, a local guide in Hanoi. We are a passionate team of local people. I love sharing stories, culture, and hidden corners that most travelers miss. I also believe travel should be meaningful and personal — not just about sightseeing, but about understanding. With me, you won’t just visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter — you’ll walk its streets like a local, hear the legends, taste the street food, and feel the rhythm of Vietnamese life. Whether you're a solo backpacker, a couple, or a curious explorer, you're warmly invited to join me for a few hours of discovery, smiles, and unforgettable memories.

Free reservation and cancellation

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

Tour description

Step into the legends and history of Hanoi!
Join our free walking tour through the iconic Old Quarter, where ancient streets whisper tales from over a thousand years ago. Hear fascinating legends like the Sword Lake myth, visit centuries-old temples, and uncover the hidden stories behind Hanoi’s architecture and traditions. Led by a passionate local guide, this tour is perfect for curious travelers who want to explore the soul of the city through its rich past.

Stops & Highlights:

Stop 1: Dong Xuan Market (20 mins) (No ticket required)
The largest wholesale market in Hanoi

Stop 2: O Quan Chuong Gate (15 mins) (No ticket required)
One of the last remaining gates of ancient Hanoi

Stop 3: Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple (60 mins) (💶2USD)
• The legend of Hoan Kiem Lake & the giant turtle
• Overview of Ngoc Son Temple

Stop 4: Ba Da Temple (15 mins) (No ticket required)
Lovely enclave set back from the Main Street close to the St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi. This is very tranquil and the courtyards are interesting too.

Stop 5: Hanoi Train Street (30 mins) (No ticket required)
• Experience the unique railway street culture
• Photo opportunities (check train schedule in advance)

Stop 6: Ta Hien Beer Street (15-20 mins) (No ticket required)
The liveliest street in the Old Quarter

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

32 P. Đồng Xuân, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

I will be right in front of the DONG XUAN MARKET ENTRANCE

Outside visit

Đồng Xuân Market

• The largest wholesale market in Hanoi

Outside visit

Ô Quan Chưởng

• One of the last remaining gates of ancient Hanoi

Outside visit

Ba Da Pagoda

A peaceful place

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.