Why to visit Cultural Tour Around Old Quarters
Hanoi Old Quarter is the heart of Vietnam's capital. It is famous for its narrow streets, old buildings, and busy markets. Each street has its speciality, like silk, silver, or street food. The area is full of history, with temples, pagodas, and colonial buildings.
A walking tour here gives you a taste of local life and culture.Here's what you can expect:
1. Explore Ancient Streets
- Walk through streets more than 1,000 years old. Here you see old traditional houses, small temples, and markets of the region.
- Each street bears the name of the merchandise it used to sell, like Hang Bac or Silver Street, Hang Gai, or Silk Street.
2. Hoan Kiem Lake
- Hoan Kiem Lake is in the Old Quarter's centre. It is a peaceful place with a red wooden bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.
- In this place, locals come to relax, exercise, and enjoy the view.
- Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Watch a Water Puppet Show
- The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is known for its traditional performances. The show narrates old Vietnamese legends using wooden puppets on water. It is a unique experience and great for all ages.
- Timing: Between 3:30 PM to 9:15 PM in shifts (additional shows may be scheduled during peak tourist seasons).
- Cost for Foreign Tourists: 100,000 VND (Approx. $4)
- Cost for Locals: 60,000 VND (Approx. $2.50)
4. Try Traditional Food
- The Old Quarter is the best place to try local dishes. Enjoy Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and Egg Coffee.
- Street vendors and small restaurants serve fresh and delicious food.
Other Things to Do On A Cultural Tour
- Buy Souvenirs: Handmade crafts, silk scarves, and traditional hats.
- Old Temples: Bach Ma Temple is among the oldest in Hanoi.
- Ride a Cyclo: Take a classic ride through the roads on a three-wheeled bicycle.
Places Nearby
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 2 km
- Temple of Literature: 3 km
- West Lake: 4 km
Visitor Information
- Entrance Fee: Free to walk around - some places carry a fee
- Timing: Always open, but shops and attractions close by 10 PM
- Average Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Distance
From Noi Bai Airport: 30 km, 45 minutes by car
