The Hidden Hanoi Old Quarter Experience
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Hanoi's Old Quarter, with over 1000 years of history, is the oldest part of the city. Exploring this ancient area will make you feel like you have stepped into a different world.
You can expect to see the gorgeous, the good, the bad, and the shocking parts of Hanoi. From the highest skyline bar, you can get an overview and sense of the history of Vietnam. Then, head down to see the small alley, Ta Hien beer corner, a local temple, a family-run doughnut shop, the hidden view of the Dong Xuan market, and the Long Bien bridge to understand how the traffic works (if you are confused about how people can drive here).
There will be many stories to take home!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
What To Expect
Bach Ma Temple
In the middle of the Old Quarter, Bach Ma Temple is one of the oldest and holiest temples in the city, which was originally founded in the 9th century. The translation of Bach Ma is White Horse and this refers to a story behind the construction of the Temple. King Ly Thai To had been struggling to build the temple as its walls kept collapsing. It is said that a white horse delineated the best area to build the temple with its hooves to help the king in constructing the temple. Entering the temple through some ancient wooden doors after which you will be able to see the beautifully decorated interior and a red-lacquered funeral palanquin. Inside the temple, you will find a statue of the white horse, a shrine to Confucius, and a Phoenix Altar for offerings to the four seasons. Bach Ma Temple is still actively used by worshippers who come here to burn incense and pray.
Long Bien Bridge
Being an unique architecture everlasting with ups and downs of Hanoi capital, Long Bien Bridge has become one of the symbols of the city. The bridge is not only a traffic construction but also a living historical relic. Undergoing French and American wars, Long Bien Bridge has witnessed many historic moments. Long Bien Bridge was constructed from 1989 to 1902 during French occupation of the country. Not many people know that, with the length of over 2km, Long Bien bridge used to be the second longest bridge in the world, just after Brooklyn Bridge from American. Interestingly, Long Bien Bridge is the only bridge in Hanoi which allows tourists to take a walk along the train track, taste some desserts or buy fresh vegetable or fish from the vendors on the bridge. What is more, visitors coming to Hanoi said that Long Bien Bridge is the best place to look at the sunset and taking some nice photos.
Options
Hanoi Old Quarter Tour
Reviews
62 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour, got to see a...
Dan C,
Jul 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great tour, got to see a learn from a true local. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took great care of us.
Learned a lot of...
Stephen P,
Mar 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Learned a lot of Vietnamese history which I didn’t know. Our guide Minji was charming and very informative.
Dung was a great guide....
Christine B,
Feb 22, 2025
- Viator
4.00Dung was a great guide. Her English was excellent, and she was very friendly and open. I felt I had the opportunity to learn more about how people reallly live, as well as some history/orientation. My only disappointment was that the sites and markets were closed for the 6pm tour, which was NOT clarified for me. Had I known, I probably would have done a different tour. Still, I enjoyed the chat and opportunity to see the city at night with a local. Plus, Dung bought me a treat of delish donuts! I bet the earlier tours are super.
A great start to our stay in Hanoi
Matt S,
Jan 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00What a fantastic way to get to know the old quarter (where we were staying) and to touch up on some of the local history from a Vietnamese perspective. Our guide, Yen was incredibly knowledgeable and generous sharing her experience knowledge. Her insights into Vietnamese culture and the local area helped to really set the tone for our stay. I will definitely recommend this tour to friends and family.
An amazing tour with great guide!
Mayer T,
Nov 6, 2024
- Viator
5.00Mina was a fantastic host and extremely knowledgeable about both Vietnam’s general history and the specifics of Hanoi. The itinerary gave us a good pace with time for drink breaks (essential in a warm climate) and very nice points of interest. You can tell it’s well thought out and gives some great insight into the local life and what makes the Old Quarter unique. It has the right amount of mystery, intrigue and education with charming personal touches like the donut lady. Mina’s knowledge of the family business’s history, tenants, historical occupation etc of each spot were extra special. We loved it and would recommend to friends!
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Operated by OneTrip With Local