Hanoi Self-Guided Walking Tour: Hoan Kiem Lake, Long Bien Bridge, Train Street & more | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

Today is our first day in Hanoi, and we are going to visit some of the most instagrammable places in Hanoi.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngoc Son Temple & Turtle Tower

(map, reviews)

Start your self-guided journey at the undisputed heart and soul of Hanoi: Hoàn Kiếm Lake. This emerald-green lake, whose name translates to 'Lake of the Returned Sword', is the setting for Vietnam's most cherished foundation myth—the tale of Emperor Lê Lợi, a magical weapon, and a giant golden turtle. Cross the iconic, scarlet-red Húc Bridge to the tranquil Ngoc Son Temple to connect with this legend, admire a preserved giant turtle specimen, and see the ancient Turtle Tower rising mysteriously from its own islet. This stop is an essential, beautiful blend of spiritual retreat, colonial-era elegance, and deep, resonant Vietnamese history. Click here for our detailed guide of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Ngoc Son Temple & Turtle Tower.

Bạch Mã Temple – Hanoi’s Oldest Shrine of the White Horse

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Bạch Mã Temple (White Horse Temple) is over a thousand years old and one of Hanoi's 'Four Guarding Temples'. This small, richly atmospheric shrine holds the founding legend of the city itself: it was the white horse, a divine messenger, that guided Emperor Lý Thái Tổ in mapping out the successful boundaries of the ancient Thăng Long Citadel. Step inside the beautifully preserved sanctuary to admire the intricate red and gold lacquer-work, ancient relics, and the striking statue of the legendary White Horse—a true, living link to the very birth of the capital. Click here for our detailed guide of Bạch Mã Temple.

Đồng Xuân Market – Hanoi’s Bustling Historic Bazaar

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As you approach the northern edge of the Old Quarter, prepare for a sensory explosion at Đồng Xuân Market, Hanoi's immense and historic wholesale hub. Built by the French in 1889, this massive indoor structure is the very pulse of the city's commerce, where you'll find three floors of everything from bolts of Vietnamese silk and bargain electronics to the most authentic local dried goods. But the real treasure lies in the bustling food alleys and back streets surrounding its five signature arches—a chaotic, fragrant labyrinth where you can taste the true heart of Hanoi through street food like Cháo Sườn Sụn (rib porridge) and Bún Chả Que Tre. Please click here for the detailed guide of Đồng Xuân Market.

Long Biên Bridge – Hanoi’s Historic Iron Dragon

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Long Biên Bridge has one of Hanoi's most instagrammable spots. For a breathtaking perspective on Hanoi's grit and resilience, turn your walk toward the magnificent Long Biên Bridge. This colossal, iron cantilever bridge—designed by the French and completed in 1902 is a living museum that has borne witness to more than a century of Vietnam’s history, including enduring multiple wartime bombings. As you walk the narrow pedestrian path alongside the active train tracks, you will be treated to spectacular, raw views of the Red River, the bustling traffic on the bridge, and the peaceful, farmed islands that contrast sharply with the city skyline. Its rusted, original sections stand as powerful monuments to the nation's unconquerable spirit. For a full breakdown of its historical significance, be sure to consult our comprehensive guide. Click here for our detailed guide of Long Biên Bridge.

Hanoi Opera House – A French Colonial Masterpiece and Cultural Icon

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As you step out of the maze of the Old Quarter and into the elegant boulevards of the French Quarter, you will encounter the golden-hued majesty of the Hanoi Opera House. Modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, this neo-classical masterpiece, completed in 1911, stands as a stunning testament to Vietnam’s colonial past and its thriving artistic present. Its ornate façade, grand Roman-Ionic columns, and sweeping marble staircases offer a significant contrast to the ancient city streets you just explored. This landmark was the stage for key political events in 1945. Today, it remains the premier venue for everything from world-class symphonies and ballet to traditional Vietnamese opera. Click here for our detailed guide of the Hanoi Opera House

Hoa Lo Prison Museum: A Deep Dive into Vietnam’s Dark History

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Hoa Lo Prison Museum (The Hanoi Hilton): Prepare for the most intensely moving stop on your walking tour at the notorious Hoa Lo Prison. Originally built by the French colonists as a terrifying central detention center to crush the spirit of Vietnamese revolutionaries, this site—infamously nicknamed the 'Hanoi Hilton' by captured American pilots—is a monument to defiance. As you approach the massive iron gate and preserved walls, you will sense the weight of a history that spans French colonial brutality and the Vietnam War. This museum showcases chilling relics like the original French guillotine and the cramped, shackled communal cells, contrasting them with powerful exhibits on the resilience and unbreakable will of those imprisoned here. Please click here for uour detailed guide of Hoa Lo Prison Museum (The Hanoi Hilton) guide with the story of John McCain.

Hanoi Train Street: A Thrilling Slice of Urban Life in Vietnam’s Capital

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Hanoi Train Street is one of the most instagrammable places in Hanoi. Be sure to time your walk to catch the most exhilarating spectacle in the Old Quarter: the legendary Train Street. For generations, life has unfolded here, with locals running cafes and carrying out their daily routines just inches from the working railway tracks. This narrow alley, lined with colorful buildings and buzzing with an electric energy, transforms the moment a massive train barrels through the impossibly small space. Join the throngs of spectators, grab an egg coffee at a trackside cafe, and prepare to feel the adrenaline rush as you pull your chair back against the wall, witnessing one of the most unbelievable sights of urban life you will ever encounter. Read our essential guide to Train Street, including the current schedule here.]

Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre: Hanoi’s Iconic Cultural Experience

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Conclude your Old Quarter walking tour with a mesmerizing encounter with Vietnam's most unique performance art. Step into the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre for a very special experience, where an entire stage is a pool of water and the puppeteers stand hidden behind a screen, making dragons breathe fire, farmers tend rice fields, and heroes battle spirits. This art form, dating back to the 11th century, is accompanied by a live traditional orchestra and tells vibrant, centuries-old folk tales using intricate wooden figures—it is a must-see that brings the soul of rural Vietnam to life. Ready to dive deeper? Click here for our detailed guide of Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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