Self Guided Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter (with Map & Route!)

The lake sits in the middle of the city, surrounded by manicured gardens, and is steeped in a legendary story dating back to the mid-15th century.According to the tale, Heaven sent a sword to Emperor Le Thai To to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. After his success, a giant turtle took the sword to the bottom of the lake to return it to its divine owners, hence the name Ho Hoan Kiem, or Lake of the Restored Sword. Besides Jade Island, home to Ngoc Son Temple, the lake also features Turtle Islet, with the ancient Thap Rua (Turtle Tower) standing prominently.

Nghi Mon Gate marks the entrance to the complex, featuring two columns and walls engraved with Chinese characters. Inside, you can see Tháp Bút or Pen Tower on the left, constructed atop a stone hill in 1865 during King Tu Duc’s reign. Standing 28 meters tall with a stone feather pen on top, the tower is inscribed with “Ta Thanh Thien,” meaning “Write onto the sky,” honoring the Trinh Lords’ literary contributions and battles against northern invaders.

Beyond Pen Tower lies Long Mon Ho Bang Gate, which also has two columns and pagoda-style walls. The right wall features a dragon, symbolizing “Dragon Gate,” while the left wall displays a white tiger, representing “Tiger Board.” These symbols inspire academic success. Dai Nghien Gate, located near The Huc Bridge, features an ink pot atop three stone toads, with a poem by Nguyen Van Sieu carved in the center. The Huc Bridge, symbolizing the Sun God, is a curved, red-painted wooden bridge. It offers a beautiful view of the sunrise and cool breezes over the water, and at night, it illuminates, creating an enchanting sight.

The Ngoc Son Temple is located on Jade Island in Hoan Kiem Lake, this serene 18th-century shrine, named for the “jade mountain,” is one of Hanoi’s most picturesque temples. Dedicated to the 13th-century military hero Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong, and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu, who undertook repairs in 1864, the temple features Pen Tower and the Writing Pad. Access the temple via Three-Passage Gate and the Flood of Morning Sunlight Bridge. The temple opens to a courtyard where locals play Chinese chess, and houses a 6-foot-long stuffed tortoise from 1968.

The next stop on your Walking Tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the small, historic Den Ba Kieu Temple, which sits inconspicuously along a busy road. This beautiful temple dates back to the 17th century and was once part of the Hoan Kiem Lake waterfront. However, a road built around the lake now separates it from its original gate.

Established in 1969, the Thang Long Theater can accommodate 300 guests for its multiple daily shows (tickets required). The entertaining performances are based on Vietnamese folklore and culture.

On the southern edge of the Old Quarter’s Rattan Street stands a Chinese-style house built in the late 19th century. Its rich dark-wood facade fronts a sparsely decorated interior. The second floor features exquisitely carved chairs, bureaus, and tea tables, with a balcony overlooking a courtyard adorned with Chinese lanterns. Originally occupied by a Chinese family selling traditional medicines until their resettlement in 1954, the house became a museum in 1999 through a cooperative effort between the local government and architects from Toulouse, France, after being shared by five families for decades.

Bach Ma Temple is an exquisite 11th-century Buddhist temple in Hanoi. It is dedicated to Bach Ma, the ‘White Horse’ that legendarily guided Emperor Ly Thai To to the optimal temple construction site. The temple is a vibrant spot for observing local traditions, especially on the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, when extended prayers, offerings, and ceremonies take place.

Upon entering, you’ll encounter a red-lacquered palanquin, a Confucius shrine, and a Phoenix altar. Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi’s oldest standing temple, sits between Hang Buom Street and Ngo Gach Street. It is historically significant, serving as a major hideout for resistance fighters during the French occupation. This temple is a vital cultural relic, celebrated for its ancient architecture and rich traditions, deeply revered by the Vietnamese people. Its history is intertwined with both factual events and mythology, enhancing its appeal.

A must-see on your free tour in Hanoi, the Hanoi Old City Gate is a relic of the past. Built in 1749, O Quan Chuong is the last remaining gate of the ancient Thang Long Citadel.

Originally one of 21 entrances to the ancient city, it was named after an army chief, Quan Chuong. The Hanoi East Gate features three arched openings and a two-story watchtower.

The sprawling Hanoi market hall, constructed by the French in 1889. As the largest market in Hanoi, the three-story Dong Xuan Market buzzes with activity. Vendors sell everything from clothes and food to household goods—and plenty of counterfeit items, too. Shopping at this market is one of the top activities in Hanoi!

Also known as Silk Street, this 300-meter-long street is entirely lined with fashion boutiques and local tailor shops that have been operating for decades. Here, you can order custom-made suits and dresses. Located on the edge of Hanoi’s Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake, Silk Street is famous for its high-quality craftsmanship. Two of our top picks on Hang Gai Street are Khai Silk and Tan My Design, both of which offer ready-to-wear pieces – ideal if you’re short on time and can’t wait for a tailor-made outfit during your stay in Hanoi. Suits can be completed within 24 hours, though it’s recommended to allow more time for a second fitting to ensure a perfect fit.