Discover Hanoi on Foot: Explore the Serene, Historic City
Hanoi, with its stunning landscapes and inviting restaurants, stands as one of Vietnam's major tourist destinations, often topping travelers' must-visit lists.
To discover the charm of Hanoi, visitors can choose from several modes of transport, such as cyclos, electric cars, double-decker buses, rental cars, and especially walking.
Walking tours in the capital provide a serene experience, allowing visitors to soak in the peaceful, historic atmosphere of Hanoi.
Exploring the city's flavors
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is a must-see for both local and international tourists, featuring unique cultural landmarks, cuisine, and architectural marvels. Since 2016, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake has been designated a pedestrian zone on weekends, attracting large crowds of visitors.
A walking tour around downtown offers a vibrant experience. During the day, tourists can admire and photograph iconic sites like the Hanoimoi Newspaper Office, Hanoi Post Office, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, and Ba Kieu Temple. It's also an opportunity to savor Hanoi's famous street foods, such as green papaya salad with dried beef (nom bo kho), roasted bird (chim quay), and fresh spring rolls (goi cuon).
Visitors can enjoy Trang Tien ice cream, admire the heritage trees around the lake, and explore the Dinh Le - Nguyen Xi book quarter. Every Friday to Sunday evening, the area hosts a variety of engaging outdoor activities, including street performances featuring folk music, dancing, water puppetry, and more.
Besides the Hoan Kiem Lake area, Hanoi's Old Quarter is a popular spot for pedestrians. Food lovers shouldn't miss Dong Xuan Alley, a small lane next to Dong Xuan Market, which offers a wide range of Hanoi's culinary delights: shrimp cakes, salads, sweet dessert soups, bun cha (grilled pork with rice vermicelli and herbs), bun nem (fried spring rolls with rice vermicelli and herbs), and sweet tofu pudding (tao pho), among others.
Discover unique architecture
While exploring Hanoi on foot, visitors often create their own routes. However, the city also offers organized tours that provide fresh experiences, such as the 'French Architecture in the Heart of Hanoi' walking tour. In about 90 minutes, tourists are guided through attractions like the Vietnam National Museum of History, Hanoi Opera House, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel, Tonkin Palace, and Dien Hong Park (commonly known as Toad Flower Garden). Through detailed explanations and engaging information, they gain a comprehensive understanding of the architectural styles and the blend of Vietnamese and Western cultures from the early twentieth century.
Hanoi walking tours are an intriguing tourism offering, but achieving a high level of professionalism and becoming a signature experience requires careful planning. Phung Quang Thang, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Travel Association and Director of Vietnam S.T.I.D Co. Ltd, emphasized that quality walking tours should include closely situated destinations that are convenient for pedestrians. For example, visitors to the Temple of Literature can easily walk to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, and those exploring the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake often seek out reputable restaurants or food stalls.
Hanoi is a favorite destination for tourists from around the world. Currently, the city is focusing on developing various tourism products, particularly cultural tourism and green or sustainable tourism. Local walking tours not only enhance the variety of offerings and enrich the tourist experience but also promote a healthier and more affordable way of exploring the picturesque city, with its lively sidewalks and alleyways.