Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant street life. To truly understand its charm, walking through its streets is essential. But what made my experience exceptional was joining a Hanoi City Walking Tour with local guides. This journey not only introduced me to Hanoi’s iconic landmarks but also gave me a deeper connection to the city, thanks to the personal stories and insights shared by my guides, Daisy and Anna.
A warm welcome in the heart of Hanoi
Our adventure – Hanoi City Walking Tour began on January 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM. My friend and I, both from Italy, were greeted by our enthusiastic guides, Daisy (Cuc) and Anna (Ngoc Anh), at a cozy coffee shop on Hàng Khay Street. We had originally planned to meet at our hotel, but the flexibility of the guides made it easy to adjust. They seemed genuinely excited to show us their city and assured us they had a perfect route in mind, blending history, culture, and, of course, food!
Hoan Kiem Lake: The heart of Hanoi City Walking Tour
Our first stop was Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi. As we strolled along its peaceful banks, Daisy shared the legend of the returned sword. She told us how King Le Loi received a magical sword from the gods to defeat foreign invaders. After his victory, he returned the sword to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. This story made the shimmering waters feel even more mystical.
Daisy also spoke about the history of Hanoi. She explained how the capital moved from Hoa Lu to Dai La, later renamed Thang Long, meaning “Rising Dragon”. This name symbolizes Hanoi’s resilience and strength throughout the centuries.
(Hanoi City Walking Tour)
What fascinated us even more was the passion of the Vietnamese people for football. Daisy mentioned how football victories lead to spontaneous street celebrations. “Whenever the national team wins, the streets overflow with cheering fans”, she said with a smile. It reminded us of the football culture back home in Italy!
St. Joseph’s Cathedral: A blend of faiths
Our next destination was St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a striking Gothic Revival structure in the heart of the Old Quarter. As we admired the architecture, Anna explained Vietnam’s religious diversity. While 87% of the population identifies as atheist, many still observe traditional rituals and festivals.
We were surprised by this statistic, considering Vietnam’s rich spiritual culture. We discussed how Vietnamese beliefs often blend Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It was fascinating to compare this with Italy’s predominantly Christian traditions. We also learned that in Vietnam, people who follow Christianity can be referred to as Christians or Catholics, depending on their denomination.
The thrill of Hanoi’s Train Street | Hanoi City Walking Tour
From the cathedral, we made our way to one of Hanoi’s most thrilling attractions—Train Street. This narrow alley, lined with homes and cafes, comes alive when a train rumbles through, just inches from the buildings.
We grabbed a couple of cold beers from a local vendor and waited. To add some fun for our Hanoi City Walking Tour, we placed our bottle caps on the tracks. When the train finally passed, the caps were flattened, a quirky souvenir from our trip! This simple activity gave us a rush of excitement and a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s unique charm.
Curious, we asked how often the train passes through. Daisy explained that trains run several times a day, usually following a predictable schedule, but locals always stay alert. The experience was exhilarating, and it was a highlight of our day.
The Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university
After the adrenaline rush at Train Street, we headed to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, built in 1070. This serene complex is dedicated to Confucius and honors scholars who contributed to Vietnam’s rich academic tradition.
As we wandered through the peaceful courtyards, Anna shared stories about ancient scholars and imperial exams. We were amazed to learn that students would study for years just for a chance to pass these rigorous tests. The stone steles engraved with the names of successful scholars were a testament to their hard work.
(Hanoi City Walking Tour)
We asked if the temple is still used for education today. Anna explained that while it no longer functions as a university, it remains a symbol of learning and is visited by students seeking good luck before exams.
A perfect end with Banh Mi 25
No trip to Hanoi is complete without tasting its legendary street food. Our final stop was Banh Mi 25, a famous spot for Vietnam’s iconic sandwich. As soon as we took our first bite, we understood why it’s so beloved.
The crispy baguette, filled with flavorful meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, was simply unforgettable. We couldn’t resist ordering another round! Our guides shared that each region in Vietnam has its own twist on banh mi, but Hanoi’s version remains a favorite for many visitors.
Goodbyes and gratitude | Hanoi City Walking Tour
As our tour came to an end around 3:30 PM, Daisy and Anna walked us back to our hotel. We exchanged heartfelt goodbyes and took a final photo to remember the day. Their warmth, knowledge, and passion for Hanoi made this experience unforgettable. We felt like we had spent the day with old friends rather than tour guides.
Exploring Hanoi City Walking Tour with Free Private Tour Guides was more than just sightseeing. It was about connecting with locals, learning their stories, and experiencing the city through their eyes. From historical landmarks to hidden alleys and delicious street food, every moment felt authentic and personal. If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, I highly recommend joining a free walking tour. It’s the best way to dive into the heart of this vibrant city.
Discover Hanoi with Club Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide!
Looking to explore Hanoi like a local? Join Club Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide for an unforgettable experience. Our passionate guides will show you the best of Hanoi, from historic landmarks to hidden gems. Best of all, it’s completely free! Book your tour today and discover the magic of Hanoi with a friendly local by your side.
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HANOI FREE PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE
✤ Website: https://hanoifreeprivatetourguide.com
✤ Adress: 158 Chua Lang, Dong Da, Hanoi
✤ Hotline: 0961.764.299
✤ Mail: hanoifreeprivatetourguide@gmail.com
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