Weekly Tour Diary
Hanoi Walking Tour Diary: May 11 – May 17, 2026
Energetic travelers from Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain came together this week to explore both the famous landmarks and hidden gems of Hanoi. From sun-kissed morning walks around Hoan Kiem Lake to cozy food trails in the evening rain of the Old Quarter, every moment became a beautiful celebration of culture, conversation, and connection in Vietnam's capital.
Published
Day 1 · Monday
Monday, May 11
- Guide
- Luis
- Guests
- Pilar Ferreira (Andorra la Vella)
- Route
- Tran Quoc Pagoda · Hanoi Historical Monuments · Van Mieu
The week opened on a peaceful note as Luis welcomed Pilar to West Lake, where Tran Quoc Pagoda — Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple — rose gracefully against the morning sky. The journey continued through Hanoi's most important historical monuments, including the solemn grandeur of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, before ending at the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Vietnam's first national university. Pilar described the morning as 'a meditation in motion,' moved by how Luis's storytelling brought every stone, stele, and shaded courtyard to life.
Day 2 · Tuesday
Tuesday, May 12
- Guide
- Hannah
- Guests
- Burcu Tabak (Amsterdam)
- Route
- Tam Thuong Alley · Ta Hien Street · Nguyen Huu Huan Street (afternoon walking tour)
Tuesday afternoon dove deep into Hanoi's hidden alley culture as Hannah guided Burcu through the secret passageways of Tam Thuong Alley — a tucked-away corner most tourists never find on a standard local walking tour experience. The walk wove through legendary Ta Hien Street and the lantern-lit corners of Nguyen Huu Huan, where the aroma of egg coffee and grilled pork drifted from every doorway. Burcu fell in love with the contrast between Amsterdam's quiet canals and Hanoi's joyful chaos, calling the afternoon 'a sensory postcard I will never forget.'
Day 3 · Wednesday
Wednesday, May 13
- Guide
- Julio
- Guests
- Rubén Gaitan (Medellín, Spain)
- Route
- O Quan Chuong Gate · Thanh Ha Wet Market · Long Bien Bridge
Midweek was all about authentic local life as Julio led Rubén through O Quan Chuong — Hanoi's last surviving ancient gate — and into the buzzing world of Thanh Ha Wet Market. Vendors balanced baskets of fresh herbs and live seafood while sharing smiles and quick lessons in Vietnamese bargaining. The tour climaxed on century-old Long Bien Bridge, where Rubén soaked in panoramic Red River views and remarked that the morning felt like 'stepping into a living history book.'
Day 4 · Thursday
Thursday, May 14
- Guide
- Tommy
- Guests
- Matheus Muller (São Paulo)
- Route
- Hoan Kiem Lake · Thanh Ha Wet Market · Long Bien Bridge
Thursday began at the spiritual heart of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake, where Tommy shared the legend of the magical turtle with Matheus before continuing into the colorful rhythm of Thanh Ha Wet Market. Conversations flowed easily as Matheus tried fresh tropical fruits he had never seen before, comparing flavors with his beloved São Paulo street snacks. The day finished on Long Bien Bridge with golden hour light spilling over the railway tracks — a Brazilian–Vietnamese friendship sealed in photographs and laughter.
Day 5 · Friday
Friday, May 15
- Guide
- Hans
- Guests
- Richard Reisenauer (Munich)
- Route
- Phung Hung Mural Street · Dong Xuan Market · Ta Hien Street
Hans and Richard kicked off Friday along the vivid Phung Hung Mural Street, where each painted arch tells a story of old Hanoi's tram lines, street vendors, and rooftop life. The route continued into Dong Xuan Market — the city's largest indoor marketplace — before ending on the lively cobblestones of Ta Hien Street. Richard, ever the Munich storyteller, joked that Hanoi's craft beer corner could give Bavaria's beer halls a serious run for their money.
Day 6 · Saturday
Saturday, May 16
- Guide
- Wendy
- Guests
- Bruna Hamori (Marseille)
- Route
- St. Joseph's Cathedral · Ly Quoc Su Street · Hoan Kiem Lake
Saturday morning had a distinctly European elegance as Wendy introduced Bruna to the neo-Gothic silhouette of St. Joseph's Cathedral, often called Hanoi's 'Little Notre-Dame.' Strolling down Ly Quoc Su Street, the two stopped for traditional Vietnamese pho and an iconic cup of egg coffee, comparing notes between Marseille's bouillabaisse and Hanoi's bold broths. The morning closed beside Hoan Kiem Lake, where Bruna captured frame after frame of red bridges, willow trees, and t'ai chi practitioners.
Day 7 · Sunday
Sunday, May 17
- Guide
- William
- Guests
- Efrata (England)
- Route
- Tran Quoc Pagoda · Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum · Van Mieu
The week wrapped on a deeply cultural note as William welcomed Efrata for a Sunday journey through Hanoi's most iconic spiritual and historical landmarks. From the lakeside calm of Tran Quoc Pagoda to the solemn grandeur of Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, every stop offered a richer understanding of Vietnam's soul. The walk ended at Van Mieu, where echoes of ancient scholars provided a thoughtful, inspiring close to a truly memorable week of Hanoi walking tours.
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