Old Quarter: Tours and Guided Visits

At first glance, Hanoi’s Old Quarter may seem like a jumble of little streets with no real rhyme or reason to them — until you go on an Old Quarter tour in Hanoi and discover the ingenuity and vigor behind Hanoi’s beating heart.

The area dates back to 1009 A.D. when the then-emperor moved his capital from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. To ensure that the city remains attractive to the best artisans, he established “The 36 Streets.”

Each of these streets was home to a specific guild, helping to keep prices down and optimize collaboration.

Today, these areas of specialized streets are collectively referred to as the Old Quarter, and many of the street names still correspond to their ancient designation.

Here's all you need to know about Old Quarter, one of the most captivating options for sightseeing tours in Hanoi.

What are the best Old Quarter tours in Hanoi?

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best Old Quarter tours in Hanoi. The options are varied in type, time, and cost — from walking to cycling, 1-hour to half-day — the choice is up to you.

Private walking tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

A walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the best way to experience this ancient neighborhood from the street up.

While it might feel like walking through a living maze, you don’t need to worry about getting lost — your English-speaking guide will be close at hand, ready to answer any questions you might have and help explore the countless sites, temples and pagodas.

A private walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter can accommodate 2-15 persons, and it’s the perfect option for couples, families or a group of friends.

Hanoi Old Quarter food tours

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a hotbed for all things delicious — making an Old Quarter food tour a real mouth-watering prospect.

The Old Quarter is the birthplace of some of Vietnam's most iconic dishes — Bun Cha, Pho and deep-fried crab spring rolls all trace their origins back to the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

An early morning or late afternoon stroll through the Old Quarter, with your guide leading the way, combines the best dishes with the best sights for the ultimate Old Quarter experience.

Cyclo and bicycle tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Travelers have two choices when it comes to peddle-powered exploration of Hanoi’s Old Quarter — sit back and relax on a “cyclo,” a bicycle rickshaw, or set your own pace on your bike, as you weave through packed alleyways and past colorful market stalls.

Bike and cyclo tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter have the advantage of being more effective than walking, allowing participants to see and experience much more. The tours are guided and very safe, even if the traffic seems daunting.

Hanoi Old Quarter tour with student guides

For an authentic Old Quarter tour, consider a student-guided tour. Local students, keen to practice and perfect their English, French or German, will guide you through their version of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Live a day like a local, as your passionate and knowledgeable guide explain the intricacies of Hanoi’s history. Understand how the Vietnamese lifestyle was and is influenced by the ebbs and flows of the Old Quarter.

Best part? These tours are absolutely free, and all gratuities go directly to the student who helped you explore this amazing part of Hanoi.

Which places are visited?

The number of potential sights and experiences that a tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter has to offer is truly staggering.

Unassuming temples turn out to be a treasure trove of history and artifacts, and a dark little alleyway suddenly opens up to mesmerizing sights.

All tour guides pride themselves on some hitherto undiscovered landmarks or sites, and therefore tours differ.

That being said, there’s enough in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to keep travelers busy for months, and here are some of the sights to look out for.

Hoan Kiem Lake

The spiritual heart of Hanoi and Vietnam — The Lake of The Sword is home to a legendary turtle and guardian of a magical sword. The area around the lake is a beautiful park with verdant walkways and delicious coffee and ice cream shops.

Hang Dau Water Tank

The Hang Dau Water Tank is a strange cylindrical structure that stands between two of the Old Quarter’s busiest streets.

The French built the tank to provide clean water for the colonial neighborhoods, but its function isn’t immediately clear from its appearance.

With its rounded walls, it looks like a type of fortification or even a large granary, more at home in Renaissance Italy than in Vietnam.

The Old East Gate

The eastern edge of the Old Quarter is home to the Old East Gate — Ancient Hanoi’s only remaining gate. It’s a prime example of pre-colonial Vietnamese architecture, and it offers the perfect photo opportunity.

Spend some time there, and you’ll see how Hanoi blends the ancient and the modern into one cohesive vision — a fitting metaphor for this vibrant city.

How much do Old Quarter tours in Hanoi cost?

The cost of Old Quarter tours in Hanoi depends on the type of tour and the activities included. Overall, Old Quarter tours are affordable, and offer great value for money.

Private walking tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter will cost travelers around US$5 per person. These tours are usually operated by nonprofit organizations, and most of the proceeds will go to the guide.

Food tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter can cost anywhere between US$20 and US$30 per person, depending on the restaurants visited and the number of dishes they include.

Similarly, cyclo and bicycle tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter will cost US$20 to US$30 per person, depending on the activities.

The Hanoi Old Quarter tours with student guides are free, but gratuity will be appreciated.

What is included?

Most Old Quarter tours in Hanoi include a local guide, while food tours include the cost of all meals and drinks. Cyclo and bicycle tours include entrance fees to all sights visited.

Different types of Hanoi’s Old Quarter tours include different types of sights and activities. Check with the tour company when booking to confirm what’s included and what’s not.

Where does it start?

Old Quarter tours in Hanoi start at or nearby Hoan Kiem Lake. Pickup and drop-off services are usually not included in Old Quarter tours. Confirm the starting point with the agency when booking.

How long does it last?

Tours in Hanoi’s Old Quarter last anything between 1 and 4 hours. The duration of the tour will depend on the type of tour it is.

Old Quarter cyclo tours tend to last longer than walking tours because it involves less physical exertion from the participants.

When is the best time for an Old Quarter tour in Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter is from February to April and from September to early December. The weather is pleasant during these times, and there are fewer tourists.

The best time of your trip to take an Old Quarter tour would be shortly after you arrive in Hanoi.

This way, you’ll gain first-hand knowledge of this busy and vibrant neighborhood — without this insight, Hanoi’s Old Quarter can be rather overwhelming.

Travel tips

• Wear appropriate clothing when visiting places of worship.
• Make sure your valuables are secured. While Hanoi is safe, petty crime can still occur.
• Take an umbrella to protect against seasonal showers.
• Take extra water and wear sunscreen.