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Hanoi Meet the locals

Our most recommended Hanoi Meet the locals

Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets

1. Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets

Skip the lines at the Water Puppet Theater with this service that includes show tickets. Choose from several Water Puppet Show times. Experience one of Vietnam's most memorable and traditional art forms during a live 50-minute performance. The art of water puppetry has a distinct Vietnamese identity. It came into existence more than a thousand years ago in the Red River Delta. In its earliest days, water puppetry portrayed the daily life of villagers – in farming and fishing activities, children’s play and in romance. Today the performance also brings in ancient legends and myths.

Hanoi: Cooking Class in a Local Villa with Market Tour

2. Hanoi: Cooking Class in a Local Villa with Market Tour

Taste the culinary delights of Hanoi and try your hand at making them. Take part in a cooking class that provides an immersive experience of traditional Vietnamese life. Shop for local ingredients before cooking and eating your own Vietnamese culinary delights over a shot of local wine.  Take a visit to a typical Vietnamese market and experience daily life for people here. Once you have selected your delicious and fresh ingredients head to the local villa and unwind ready for your cooking experience. This exciting program is the ideal way to enjoy an authentic cultural and culinary experience. This activity does not take place at a professional cooking school, but rather at in cozy kitchen, making it perfect for home cooks who want to learn how to cook Vietnamese food accompanied by cultural story sharing. Nurture your passion for cooking, even as a beginner.

Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour

3. Hanoi: City Sightseeing Motorbike Tour

Head off on a motorbike tour to discover Hanoi like a real local. Hop on the back of the motorbike and let your driver/guide show you the main sights of the bustling city. Begin your tour and stop at landmarks like the historic Opera House, dating back to the 10th century. Move on to the St Joseph Cathedral and continue to Long Bien Brigde, the oldest, rustiest bridge built by the French in Hanoi. Arrive at the Ba Dinh district, with the Tran Quoc pagoda located right near the West Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi. Be overwhelmed by spectacular views, then stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the last resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, and see One Pillar Pagoda. Explore the Temple of Literature and take a short walk on the campus of Vietnam’s first university. Finally, stop by a coffee place and try out Hanoi's infamous egg coffee or simply zoom through the streets in style before tucking into a delicious local meal.

From Hanoi: 2-Day Sa Pa Ethnic Homestay Tour with Trekking

4. From Hanoi: 2-Day Sa Pa Ethnic Homestay Tour with Trekking

Reconnect with a more simple way of life on an amazing 2-day tour of Sa Pa from Hanoi. Spend the night at a homestay of the ethnic minority people and learn more about their way of life in the mountains. Day 1: In the morning hop on the bus departing for Sapa via Lao Cai. Continue to Sa Pa and see the colorful costumes of the Hmong, Dzao and Tay people. The representative in Sapa will welcome you at the bus stop and take you to the hotel to relax, and enjoy a lunch of local dishes in Sapa town. Trek through the rice terraces and along the Muong Hoa Stream. Arrive in the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai surrounded by Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Continue to the ethnic village of Ta Van to check into your homestay and get to know the family. Day 2: Enjoy breakfast prepared by the family before your morning trek through the rice paddies and bamboo forest. Get a panoramic view of Giang Ta Chai village before crossing the Giang Ta Chai Bridge, where a bus will take you back to Sa Pa for lunch and a shower before the return trip to Hanoi. The bus stops at the meeting point from there you get to your hotel by yourself.

Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show

5. 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

6. 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: Vegan Vietnamese Cooking Class in a Local Villa

7. Hanoi: Vegan Vietnamese Cooking Class in a Local Villa

Our Vegan Cooking Class offers vegans a unique opportunity to indulge in delicious Vietnamese Cuisine specially crafted to meet their dietary needs. And more than a cooking course, we would like to spread the image of Vietnamese Vegan Cuisines in relation to our belief in Buddha. Our activities thus begin with a short visit to a local market to see the colorful fresh vegetables and fruits and try to choose your ingredients. This spectacular adventure awaits you at our cooking class will give you the chance to explore Vietnam beyond the ordinary. At our kitchen cum cultural hub, you can make 4 Vietnamese vegan recipes with the help and instructions along with cultural stories from our cooking instructors. We will do cooking together like a local family. This is also a chance for you to learn how to make Vietnam vegan seasonings and marinades as well as enjoy your cooking creations. Note: Our Vegan Days are opened every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning. For other dates, please consider a Private option and contact us to get advice of the customized schedule and menu. The maximum number of participants for a group experience is 10. If you prefer a private class for more than 15 participants, please contact us for advice on the pricing and itinerary. Our class is organized in the 500m2 local villa with a beautiful garden, which can accommodate up to 45 people.

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

8. 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.

From Hanoi: Van Phuc Silk Village Half-Day Tour

9. From Hanoi: Van Phuc Silk Village Half-Day Tour

Start with pickup from your hotel in Hanoi and take a 45-minute car ride heading north-west of Hanoi to Van Phuc Silk Village. This well-known village is traditionally associated with silk weaving in Ha Dong. Located on the bank of Nhue River, the village of Van Phuc has a 1000-year history of silk weaving and this practice remains a rich tradition to this day. Take a peaceful stroll and enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional Northern Vietnamese village, with communal houses, fish ponds, and ancient banyan trees alongside modern houses. Then, visit the families for whom silk production is a way of life. Watch as you learn the stages of producing handmade silk: from spinning and glueing, through weaving and completion of the silk wares. Visit the shrines of the village where the first masters are worshipped. The patterns are symmetrical in appearance and soft to the touch. Most patterns are designed and drawn as per the emulation of objects, animals, and other shapes. You can also shop for silk products at reasonable prices before heading back to Hanoi. This tour is available to book as a shared or private experience.

Hanoi: Old Quarter Trishaw Cyclo Tour

10. 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.

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Frequently asked questions about Hanoi

What are the best day trips and excursions from Hanoi?

The best day trips and excursions from Hanoi are:

Ha Long Bay

Other Sightseeing Options in Hanoi

Want to discover all there is to do in Hanoi? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Hanoi

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,233 reviews

The tour was wondefull. Being part for a bit of the creative caos traffic in Hanoi is an experience that will let you feel more like a traveller and not a turist. We covered many spots I would not be able to see otherwise in my limited time. The guide was very kind, with perfect english and answering all my questions about culture, society, history of Vietnam. They also added a stop to took me into a place where I could find some camera films. The food and coffee was great. I recommend the tour very highly!

The food tour was amazing with our tour guide Stella. Really recommend you go with her. And we have Louisa as our instructor for the egg coffee class. Nice experience when you try to make you own Vietnamese infamous coffee. You get to draw flowers, hearts, all kinds of shape. I’ll definitely try to make it again at home!!!

Tour started on time and Ruby was a great guide with perfect English. Very informative tour around the local market covering a lot of history, culture, fun facts and traditions. Then the cooking was exceptional. Highly Recommended

Best experience ever! Dana was our chef for today and she was amazing. From picking you up at the hotel, perfect communication! To teach us everything at the market and the cooking class was next level!! 10/10

The tour was great. However, what would make it even more fantastic to go with the "Instagram-worthy" title is to offer professionally taken pictures as an add-on service.