Tours/Hanoi/(Private) Hanoi French Quarter walking Tour
Viator · Private tour

(Private) Hanoi French Quarter walking Tour

4.9(117)Hanoi1 hour
VIATOR3.8(4)TRIPADVISOR4.9(113)

Description

Leading by local students who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for Hanoi with visitors, you can walk through the narrow streets and discover hidden gem French placed in Hanoi many years ago, as your guide take you on a journey through time, sharing stories of the city's past and present. You will have the chance to explore the architecture, which has a strong French influence, and see historical sites like Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. Along with introducing you to sites like St. Joseph's Cathedral and Trang Tien Plaza, your guide will also take you to historical sites like Hoa lo Prison and the Hanoi Opera House. These sites will shed light on the period of cultural interference between Vietnam and France. By choosing our tour, not only will you have a memorable and personalized experience, but you will also be supporting the education and future of our local students.

Tour Options

Hanoi French Quarter walking Tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission not included60 min

(Schedule is flexible) Our tour guide will pick you up then we will start our Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour. The first destination of the tour will stop by Hoan Kiem Lake, considered the heart of Hanoi. You can observe many locals interesting activities such as playing badminton, doing exercises.

30 min

Then, we will head to St. Joseph's Cathedra which is the representative evidence of the French colonial architecture. Visitors can only enter the Cathedral in Hanoi in the opening time of ceremonial practice as the following schedule: Weekday (5:30 am - 6:15 pm), Saturday (6:00 pm), Sunday (5:00 am, 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm

30 min

Our next stop is Trang Tien Ice Cream Shop where the French colonialists introduced ice cream to the Vietnamese people in 1958

30 min

Then, we will visit Opera House or Hilton Opera where was completed in 1911 after 10 years of construction, by two French architects, Broyer and V. Harley, resembling the Opéra Garnier de Paris.

Admission not included60 min

Finally, we will head to Hoa Lo prison where displays most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France.

Highlights

Free Hotel pickup (Hanoi Old Quarter only)
Our email confirmation to guarantee your tour'll take place (you must leave your email)
Free private tour guide
Free Hotel drop-off (Hanoi Old Quarter only)

What's included

Included
Free Hotel pickup (Hanoi Old Quarter only)
Our email confirmation to guarantee your tour'll take place (you must leave your email)
Free private tour guide
Free Hotel drop-off (Hanoi Old Quarter only)
Not included
Transport

Pickup Locations & Times

Please give us your hotel/hostel address, our guides'll pick you up at there (Hanoi Old Quarter only)

Traveller Ratings

4.9
117 reviews
5
112
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
2

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(117)

6
612vinap
June 10, 2026
An Amazing Old Quarter Experience with Emma

Last week, I joined a free walking tour in Hanoi and had the opportunity to explore the Old Quarter with my guide, Emma (Chau). She was incredibly helpful, friendly, kind, and fun to spend time with. She took me to Train Street and introduced me to the famous coconut coffee, which I really enjoyed. She also shared the history and stories behind Hoan Kiem Lake, making the experience even more meaningful. Since I only had one day in Hanoi, she kindly helped me make the most of my short visit. She even guided me to the station before I continued my journey back to the airport. I hope to return to Hanoi someday and meet Emma again. Thank you for the wonderful short tour and for your kindness. I am very happy to have met you and to have experienced the peaceful charm of Hanoi through your guidance. See you again, and I wish you all the best!

Operator response

Hello from Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide 😊 Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing our Hanoi tour during your time in Vietnam. We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the local experience with our student guides. At Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide, we always try to create one of the best tour experiences in Hanoi through authentic local stories, cultural interactions, and meaningful connections with local people. Your feedback is a huge motivation for our guides and student community to continue improving every day. We truly hope you had a memorable time in Hanoi and Vietnam, and we would love to welcome you back for another local tour experience in the future 💛 Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

L
louisd595
June 9, 2026
Amazing history tour with Kay

Amazing history tour with Kay – Outstanding hospitality! For my second tour in Hanoi, I explored the French Quarter with Kay from "Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide," who picked me up from the Marigold Hotel. Kay was an exceptional guide—charismatic, polite, and fluent in English. In just three hours, he showed me some of the most beautiful spots in the area while sharing captivating stories about Vietnam’s rich 1,000-year history. To experience this level of warmth and storytelling as a newcomer to Hanoi is just brilliant. Do not hesitate to book this service! I’m already looking forward to my third tour this weekend. Thank you, Kay!

Operator response

Hello from Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide 😊 Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing our Hanoi tour during your time in Vietnam. We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the local experience with our student guides. At Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide, we always try to create one of the best tour experiences in Hanoi through authentic local stories, cultural interactions, and meaningful connections with local people. Your feedback is a huge motivation for our guides and student community to continue improving every day. We truly hope you had a memorable time in Hanoi and Vietnam, and we would love to welcome you back for another local tour experience in the future 💛 Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

T
tonnu1984
May 25, 2026
5 stars experience

We had a wonderful experience exploring old quarter with Maiya and Jenny. Our kids (4yo and 8yo) who were with us asked for the guides again the next day because they had so much fun. Not only they were professional, flexible and kind to our kids, I appreciate that they bring so much cultural awareness and education without being stuffy. I learned so much about Vietnam even though I am Vietnamese myself. Thank you to these wonderful ladies for their kindness and expertise.

Operator response

Hello from Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide 😊 Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing our Hanoi tour during your time in Vietnam. We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the local experience with our student guides. At Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide, we always try to create one of the best tour experiences in Hanoi through authentic local stories, cultural interactions, and meaningful connections with local people. Your feedback is a huge motivation for our guides and student community to continue improving every day. We truly hope you had a memorable time in Hanoi and Vietnam, and we would love to welcome you back for another local tour experience in the future 💛 Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

1
191nathanielb
May 17, 2026
Very nice tour in Old quarter

We had a very nice tour with Maiya and Liam. They where knowledgeable and gave us nice insights about vietnamese culture and history. They also introduce us to a very nice and hidden cafe. Totally worth it.

Operator response

Hello from Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide 😊 Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing our Hanoi tour during your time in Vietnam. We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the local experience with our student guides. At Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide, we always try to create one of the best tour experiences in Hanoi through authentic local stories, cultural interactions, and meaningful connections with local people. Your feedback is a huge motivation for our guides and student community to continue improving every day. We truly hope you had a memorable time in Hanoi and Vietnam, and we would love to welcome you back for another local tour experience in the future 💛 Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

T
timkV130PN
May 9, 2026
Great experience

Had a great time walking through the old quarter with information from the guides

Operator response

Hello, this is Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide. Thank you for spending time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with our tour guides. Your feedback is the motivation for us to continue to develop more in the future. We hope you enjoyed your time in Vietnam and hope we will have more opportunities to accompany you in the future. Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

9
93victorhugoz
May 9, 2026
Walking Tour

I made the walking tour with Vy, show was very helpfull and assertive with all the history of the City. A must

Operator response

Hello, this is Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide. Thank you for spending time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with our tour guides. Your feedback is the motivation for us to continue to develop more in the future. We hope you enjoyed your time in Vietnam and hope we will have more opportunities to accompany you in the future. Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

J
jillmays
May 8, 2026
Walking Tour

I am glad I did this tour. I admire Maiya’s dedication to her job and her desire to learn English. I asked plenty of questions which she answered very well. I have learned a lot from her.

Operator response

Hello, this is Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide. Thank you for spending time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with our tour guides. Your feedback is the motivation for us to continue to develop more in the future. We hope you enjoyed your time in Vietnam and hope we will have more opportunities to accompany you in the future. Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

I
itzelm897
April 24, 2026
A lovely day discovering Hanoi with a local

Sao was an incredible guide! She customized the tour based on what I liked and explained everything clearly in English. She was so attentive and even offered to stop at shops whenever I saw something I liked. I only stopped once, but I really appreciated the gesture! Thanks again, Sao!

Operator response

Hello, this is Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide. Thank you for spending time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with our tour guides. Your feedback is the motivation for us to continue to develop more in the future. We hope you enjoyed your time in Vietnam and hope we will have more opportunities to accompany you in the future. Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

M
marekcD8531JY
April 19, 2026
Best Min Min Hoian experience

Excellent contact! What a wonderful day we had! History, live stories, social customs, family live and more more then just a normal Hanoi walk. Great flexibility and Min’s charm was making our day!!! Thank you.

Operator response

Hello, this is Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide. Thank you for spending time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with our tour guides. Your feedback is the motivation for us to continue to develop more in the future. We hope you enjoyed your time in Vietnam and hope we will have more opportunities to accompany you in the future. Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

C
Cinzia_C
April 9, 2026
Immersion in history and places of memory

Visit Hanoi Prison and the Citadel to get to know and remember being guided by a local

Operator response

Hello, this is Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide. Thank you for spending time to share your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with our tour guides. Your feedback is the motivation for us to continue to develop more in the future. We hope you enjoyed your time in Vietnam and hope we will have more opportunities to accompany you in the future. Wish you all the best, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide

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