The guide was very friendly and his English was great. I thought it would be more about the sites but felt a little like we were supporting commercial businesses as we went for a “local” beer which was just the “Hanoi” beer which is found everywhere then walked straight to train street (which wasn’t in the schedule) and were taken to a café where we had to buy another drink (and the café people tried to get us to buy the most expensive). We would have been happier to stand at the crossing gate! It was advertised we would go to the Lake, ancient house, Kim Ngan temple and puppet show. But because we did a lot of commercial stuff we only did the lake and ancient house (only to find the ancient house closed). I think the purpose of these tours is great but very unclear about what is included.
Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide
+6 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Price from
- $5 / person
- Location
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 652 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Hanoi Private Tour Guide
Description
Leading by local students who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for Hanoi with visitors, you will walk through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter as your guide take you on a journey through time, sharing stories of the city's past and present. You will have the opportunity to visit historical landmarks such as the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, as well as explore the local markets and shops. Your guide will also introduce you to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, recommending the best street food and local restaurants. 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. NOTE: - Please be noted that no tank tops and/or shorts (above the knee) when entering spiritual attractions such as pagodas, temples, The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex, etc. - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum opening time: only morning from 7:30am – 11am
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8 times a day, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Next available
- Sat, Oct 10
- Group price
- $5 per group of up to 15
Out at sunset: the 3:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:27 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 9.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or meeting point 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, etc.
Ancient House
Then, we head to Ancient House. Situated at a tranquil street near Silver Street, Ancient House appeals plenty of tourists by its ancient but sophisticated charm of a Vietnamese traditional house.
Kim Ngan Temple
The Hanoitimes - Kim Ngan communal house (No. 42 Hang Bac, Hanoi) is an old architectural and religious structure built during the Le dynasty. In mid 2011, Kim Ngan communal house became a cultural and performing arts venue when it was chosen as a meeting place for lovers of ca tru singing. Note: optional
Thang Long Water Puppet
Thang Long Water Puppet is a final site we will visit. Traditional legends and historical tales are among the enchanting puppet plays performed at this popular theatre. Open Hours: 3pm-8pm (daily) Price: 100,000 - 200,000 (depend on your seat)
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
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
652 reviews
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide take?
Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide lasts about 3–4 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide cost?
Prices start at $5 per person for this Hanoi experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 8 departures a day between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Can I cancel Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Please give us your hotel/hostel address, our guides'll pick you up at there (Hanoi Old Quarter only) Pickup points include Vietnam Trade Union Hotel, TQT Hotel.
What languages is Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour with Student Guide worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 652 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Hanoi Private Tour Guide.
Reviews(652)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
Potentially good but be clear what you are seeing
G
A day well spent!
The hotel recommended this free walking tour of the Old Quarter on my day of arrival in Hanoi. I agreed as it gave a go as it provides an opportunity for local students to interact with tourists and improve their English skills, which I think is a great approach. I was placed with Anna, a sweet girl in her mid 20s.. Anna was friendly, humble and full of enthusiasm to walk me around the town. I was impressed with her knowledge of the history of Hanoi, especially with heap loads of info she shared on the central prison. Thank you Anna❤️ We did a good 2 hours of stroll! She never asked for tips, not even a bottle or water or food, despite me insisting.. I strongly recommend this activity for starters in Hanoi. Plus its a chance to help the local community. Don't forget to tip your guide out of respect for their time spent, even though it is NOT mandatory.
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
U
Time well spent
Harley and Ethan were fantastic tour guides! Friendly, knowledgeable, and great fun to hang out with. 100000000000000000000000% recommend
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
C
Our Great Experience Visiting The Old Quarter
We had a great time visiting the Old Quarter with our tour guide Alena. She was really nice and could tell us a lot about the city and Vietnamese culture. We visited the Train Street, the cathedral and the Hoa Lo Prison. Our tour was roughly ~ 3h30 long and we were able to learn a lot! It was entirely free and we only had to pay the entrance for the prison.
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
G
Knowledge and Chatting
We had such a great trip with Vi. We learned a lot about Vietnam and its history. The tour of the old prison was especially interesting, a must-see for everyone visiting Hanoi. Our tour guide is such a smart and nice girl, really a blessing to have her with us to explain the vast history of Vietnam.
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
V
Great companion and food
Phạm Minh Châu And Brandon were great, We enjoyed every minute and ate great local food. Highly recommended!
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
F
Amazing
I have a very good time in Hanoi with Alice my free tour guide
M
Fantastic Tour of Hanoi with a Student Guide
This tour was amazing! Our guide, Brandon, picked us up at our hotel before taking us around Hanoi for a few hours. On our tour, Brandon took us to a cute coffee shop where we got to see how traditional vietnamese coffee is made. At this stop, we exchanged stories about our lives, which was incredible. Brandon also took us to the Hoa Lo Prison and gave us a thorough history lesson. After the tour ended, Brandon took us to a great lunch spot and ordered for us! Overall, this tour was one of our favorite things we did in Hanoi. I would highly recommend.
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
6
An Unforgettable Tour of Hanoi with Jessie!
I had a wonderful time on the Hanoi free walking tour! My guide, Jessie, was absolutely amazing. She was incredibly helpful, highly knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English.I especially loved visiting the Vietnamese Women's Museum, where Jessie shared so many interesting stories and insights that made the culture and history truly come alive. Her enthusiasm and warmth made the whole experience feel personal, like exploring the city with a friend.I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hanoi, and if you can, definitely ask for Jessie! Thank you so much for a truly memorable experience!
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
Good experience
Yeah, sure! The guide was super friendly and very accommodating with where I wanted to go. She was also really knowledgeable about Vietnamese culture. Nice one
Operator response
We had two tour guides for our private family tour. The highschool tour guide was excellent and jovial with lots of laughter. The university guide was very serious and caused us to feel rushed. We would rank the university guide as poor, but the highschool guide as excellent! Overall it averaged as very good. Had it been just the university guide, I would not have been able to recommend the tour.
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from$5
4.9(652) Free cancellation