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Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake: Our most recommended tours and activities

Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show

1. Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show

The tour guide will welcome you at your hotel lobby, then start the walking tour in the old quarter '36 streets' to visit some famous and specialized food stalls and local restaurants. Watch as it is made and taste some particular dishes (The company can customize vegetarian food or something for other special requirements). The old quarter in Hanoi is over one thousand years old and today retains much of the old flavor that made the area special in earlier times. Each street was the exclusive domain of one trade (guilds) so there are whole streets of blacksmiths, silver shops, paper shops, headstone makers and more. Originally there were just 36 streets in the old quarter but today there are more than 50. Although many of the streets are short and the area is rather compact. It can be very difficult to find local food on your own in the hidden alleys or sidewalks, certainly the best way to experience street food is with a local. In this special tour learn about Vietnamese cuisine, culture, people and language. You will have a unique experience trying the foods of the local Hanoi people; the food is handled hygienically and comfortable venues are provide for the tastings. The benefit also goes back to the vendors or restaurants / families as the food is bought directly from them. Later, the guide will bring you to enjoy a Water Puppet show which is a unique variation on the ancient Asia puppet tradition and is a Vietnamese tradition dating back to the 11th century. Supported by a large rod placed under the water and manipulated by experienced puppeteers, the wooden puppets appear to be dancing over the water, telling folk tales. It’s entertaining and suitable for all audiences. At the end of your Hanoi tour you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.

Hanoi: Culture and Sightseeing Tour in Vintage GAZ-69 Jeep

2. Hanoi: Culture and Sightseeing Tour in Vintage GAZ-69 Jeep

Tour Hanoi in a vintage GAZ-69, the classic Army jeep from the 50s and 60s during the Soviet Era. Go on a journey through the city’s many neighborhoods and get to know the Hanoi of the past and of today with a private or shared guide. Start off with pickup at your hotel or at a meeting point in Hanoi Old Quarter. Get a safety briefing from your guide before driving off on an adventure. Begin by diving straight into the labyrinth of backstreets and tiny alleyways to find out what everyday life in Hanoi is really like. Get an honest and authentic insight into the good, the bad, and the weird sides of the city. Next, drive past and visit the must-see sights, including Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the centuries-old Buddhist and Taoist temples of Tran Quoc, the Temple of Literature, the historical train-street, the enchanting French Quarter, the Old Quarter, the romantic West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House and the famous Long Bien Bridge. On the final part of your Hanoi Jeep tour, escape the bustling city to the peaceful and alluring villages around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. Experience first-hand how such contrasting lifestyles can co-exist between the city center and the outskirts. Find hidden tranquil spots beyond the thousands of skyscrapers. Along the way, stop at local restaurants, eateries and food stalls to savor the tastiest dishes Hanoi has to offer. Sample authentic dishes with secret recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta Cycling Tour

3. Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta Cycling Tour

The ultimate Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta 1/2 day cycling tour. Morning tour commences at 8.00am till 12pm / Afternoon tour commences at 1.30pm am till 5.30pm Meet up at 7:45am or 13:15am at our office located at 20 Hang Muoi Street for a brief introduction of the trip as well as safety instructions on how to navigate safely through Hanoi on a bicycle. We set off towards the famous Street Murals, along the Train Street and our journey starts. On this cycling tour we will take you through the most interesting parts and markets of the Old Quarter. Our ride will us take us through narrow-car-free-alleys to hidden backyards so you can get a real feel of how life has been here for centuries. We continue along beautiful treelined streets and breath in the fresh air around the West Lake area, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Truc Bach lake. Experience how tranquil and peaceful it is just 15-minutes from the buzzling Old Quarter of Hanoi. We adventure on narrow paths through impressive banana plantations and vegetable gardens on Banana Island that cover the fertile grounds of the Red River Delta. The noisy city suddenly seems to be so far away. We will B52 lake and pass the Mausoleum of (former) President Ho Chi Minh and visit the North Gate. We admire the old train railway with impressive old heritage buildings Hanoi is so famous for. The trip winds down with a local home-made egg coffee at the popular Giang café and will end whilst cycling back through the Old Quarter. Should you wish to include and experience a local Hanoian food (pho) or lunch (bun cha), our guide can accommodate this at an additional cost (to be paid directly to the restaurant). Tour ends at 20 Hang Muoi about 12.00 pm in the morning and 17.00 pm in the afternoon.

Hanoi: Half-Day Guided City Tour on Vintage Minsk Motorbike

4. Hanoi: Half-Day Guided City Tour on Vintage Minsk Motorbike

The tour starts by picking up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or the meeting point. Choose to have a private guide or go on a fun group tour. You will be greeted by the guide and driver for a safety briefing and introduction to your Soviet-era Minsk bike. Then, begin your urban adventure to the best sights, neighborhoods, and food spots in Hanoi. Dive into the real Hanoi and visit the more hidden parts of the city. Taste a slice of Hanoian life in the maze of backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, and markets, experiencing where and how locals live, work, and play. Next, move onto the second part of the tour, where you’ll pass by and stop at the must-see sights. You’ll see many places, including: Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (which is considered the Mecca of the Vietnamese), The 1000-year-old Buddhist and Taoist temples of Tran Quoc, the Temple of Literature, the historical training track, the enchanting French Quarter, the hustling and bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes of Hoan Kiem, West Lake, the Hanoi Opera House, and the famous Long Bien bridge. You will also visit the poetic and peaceful villages and floating community along the Red River. Enrich your experience with the harmonious contrast between the city and the countryside of Hanoi. While en route between stops, grab a bite to eat at authentic local restaurants, eateries, and food stalls. Savor the tastiest Hanoi’s dishes, including family heirloom and secret recipe dishes.

Hanoi: Old Quarter Trishaw Cyclo Tour

5. Hanoi: Old Quarter Trishaw Cyclo Tour

Relax as your driver pedals you around the Old Quarter, home to many of Hanoi's highlights and unique architecture from the French colonial times. Enjoy an unobstructed view with your driver behind you so you can take plenty of photos. See the Opera House, Joseph Cathedral Church, and more. After departure from the meeting point or hotel pickup, depending on the option chosen, sit back and relax with your driver pedaling you from behind. Enjoy exploring the heart of Hanoi: the Old Quarter. See the Dong Xuan Wholesale Market, Joseph Cathedral Church, and the Opera House. Take in the beautiful view from Hoan Kiem Lake. Stop at each destination for a short visit or to take photos. Ride at the perfect pace to enjoy some of the 36 shaded streets of this historic district. Admire the products made and sold on each street, such as sugar, bamboo, leather, or silver.

Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour & Cyclo

6. Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour & Cyclo

This food tour includes half an hour cycling around the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter, which is said to be a microcosm of the city. Dating back to the 11th century, the Old Quarter has 36 streets, each named after the commodity traditionally produced and sold on it, such as sugar, bamboo, leather or silver. Even though some of streets have had their name changed, many still retain their ancient attributes. Start walking though narrow streets to Dong Xuan. Along the edge of the market, dozens of street hawkers sell produce, from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices. Your local English-speaking guide will give you an insight into traditional Vietnamese food culture, including details of ingredients and the historical background of popular northern dishes. Try seasonal fruits and sample a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart as you go. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, tickle your taste buds with famous Hanoi dish "Banh Cuon" at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate how the tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter and wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe 1000 years of local life. Your next 2 snack stops are at outdoor barbecue stalls. Sit down with Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties, flame-grilled over hot coals for extra flavor. For dessert, venture down a small alley to feast on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. This is not one to be missed! Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets — a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that you will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. If coffee's not your thing, you can just as easily sample a cold beer! At the end, feel free to continue exploring the area on your own, or let your guide assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.

Hanoi: Traditional Ao Dai Dress and Non La Hat Rental

7. Hanoi: Traditional Ao Dai Dress and Non La Hat Rental

If you are looking for an authentic experience in Hanoi, don't miss out on this Ao Dai rental service. Immerse yourself in the Vietnamese culture wearing a beautiful Ao Dai of your choice strolling through the scenic streets of Hanoi. Wear your Ao Dai along with a Non La conical hat and get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience. The Ao Dai is a deeply ingrained part of Vietnamese culture and mind. Seize the opportunity to wear an Ao Dai that has carried its national identity and spirit since its creation. An outstanding work of art, the Ao Dai is also popular in modern culture and worn by flight attendants, teachers, bankers, and students. Embark on a self-guided photo tour in your Ao Dai and take stunning pictures in front of famous monuments such as the Hoan Kiem Lake, Opera House, Cathedral or the Long Bien Bridge. Make your stay in Vietnam unique and memorable.

Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour and Water Puppet Show

8. Hanoi: Full-Day City Tour and Water Puppet Show

Start with pickup by your guide and begin your exploration of Hanoi. Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island at West Lake. Then visit THE Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where one worships the Goddess of Mercy. Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. Enjoy some Vietnamese cuisine for lunch with a total of 8 delicious dishes. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century. Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum which was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Finally, bid farewell to your guide who will leave you at the Water Puppet Theater to enjoy the show for about 50 minutes.

Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Caves & Buffet Lunch

9. Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Caves & Buffet Lunch

HOA LU - TAM COC - MUA CAVE - 1 DAY TRIP 07h30 – 8h00: Get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for Ninh Binh province 09h15: Have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax 10h30: Visit Hoa Lư ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty 11h45: Have a buffet lunch in the restaurant with many local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice…Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch 13h00: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5-hour bamboo boat. You will be surprised by the charming beauty here with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky, and a stunning cave system during the boat trip. All make a masterpiece that the Vietnamese people called “Ha Long Bay on land” 14h30: Continue the tour for 45 mins - cycling around the village to discover the life of the local people. 15h30: Get back to Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here 16h30: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi 18h30: Get dropped off at Hotel in Hanoi

Hanoi Night Lights Food Tour by Motorbike

10. Hanoi Night Lights Food Tour by Motorbike

Your tour guide will collect you from your hotel in the evening. Meet the group and have a full safety briefing about the tour. Then set off to tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake and be amazed at the lively small alleys that are not even noticeable during the day. Take a number of short stops to take photos and learn about the history of the Old Quarter. Ride around the city, outside of the Old Quarter, where most tourists don’t visit, past some of the majestic, historical buildings. Enjoy eating a range of small Vietnamese snacks. Ride past Red river & Long Bien Bridge to see the night lights outside Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Then stop for Dinner. Experience dinner at an authentic Vietnamese Restaurant with a wonderful variety of unlimited food to cater for every taste. Travel down a historical street and enjoy Vietnamese traditional sweet desert. You will have the option for your tour guide to take you to any location in the Old Quarter or to your hotel. 

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What people are saying about Hoan Kiem Lake

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 450 reviews

If you only do one tour in Hanoi this your should be the one. Our guide Tam communicated well before the tour, he and the riders arrived to our hotel early. We were a family of seven and every single one of us rate this as the best thing we did in a busy tour schedule in Hanoi. The tour started with all guides introducing themselves to their passenger and making them feel safe. The bikes are old and very cool, the helmets that you are given are unique. it takes a few minutes to grasp the flow of traffic once settled in we all got the groove of how this chaos works. The stops we made were excellent with a great explanation from Tam our fantastic guide. We went over the oldest bridge in Hanoi with a stop on the middle, then for the next few hours covered so much of the city , food and drinks were plentiful and our dinner stop we would never have found, great food with a social responsibility and sustainability story, celebrating re-use. This is a tour with a difference. Do it

I forgot our guide's name, but he was very knowledgeable. He's the kind of guide that beyond just the tour, if you have extra questions related to the tour or Hanoi in general, will be able to answer.

Best tour we did in Vietnam. Our guide Finn was brilliant. We took the 8am tour which was great timing as we got to see the morning train come through train street.

Phong, our tour guide is great! He's not hesitant to serve our small requests. This is a good tour. It is on time and as planned.

Alex was very knowledgeable about the local food scene. His picks for 6 best restaurants was spot on