Hanoi: Old Quarter Private Walking Tour & Hoa Lo Prison

Summary

Walk Hanoi’s tangled streets, taste tradition, hear real stories

You’ll wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a local guide, taste street coffee at Dong Xuan Market, slip into hidden temples most people miss, stand quietly inside St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and end at Hoa Lo Prison hearing stories that linger long after. This private city tour is personal—expect real conversation and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of nerves and curiosity as we met our guide, Minh, right outside Dong Xuan Market. The place was already buzzing — scooters weaving through tiny gaps, vendors calling out in Vietnamese (I caught maybe two words?), and the smell of fresh herbs and something frying in oil. Minh grinned and handed me a tiny cup of sweet iced coffee before we ducked into the market. I’m not sure what I expected from a “private walking tour Hanoi,” but it wasn’t this much color or noise so early in the morning.

We wandered down twisting alleys where old men played chess on plastic stools and women arranged piles of dragonfruit like little pyramids. Minh stopped at a temple tucked behind a faded blue door — no sign, just incense curling up from inside. He explained how most locals don’t even know it’s there; I wouldn’t have noticed it if he hadn’t pointed it out. At one point, he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Ngoc Son” (the Jade Mountain Temple) — apparently my tone was way off, but he said the turtles wouldn’t mind.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral surprised me with its stained glass and that odd hush inside — outside there was chaos, but in there you could almost hear your own breath. We finished at Hoa Lo Prison; Minh got quiet for a bit while telling us about its history. It felt heavy in there — cold stone walls, photos that sort of stick with you longer than you’d think. He offered to help us get back to our hotel after, but I wanted to walk some more and let it all settle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hanoi's highlights and hidden gems

• Meet local guide at Dong Xuan Market
• Visit the city's oldest temple with statue
• See Old Quarter's most famous street
• Discover a hidden temple unknown to locals
• Visit the old bookstore in Hanoi
• Explore Ngoc Son Temple, the 'turtle temple'
• See and enter St Joseph’s Cathedral
• Visit Hoa Lo Prison and learn history

Top questions

How long does the Hanoi private walking tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 3 hours from start to finish.

Is entry to Hoa Lo Prison included in the tour?

Yes, tickets for Hoa Lo Prison are included in your booking.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Are food or drinks included?

You’ll get one local drink or tasting during the tour—usually something traditional like iced coffee.

Is this walking tour suitable for children or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infants can use strollers or prams.

Will we visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral inside?

Yes, you’ll go inside St. Joseph’s Cathedral to admire its architecture.

Is this a group or private city tour?

This is a private walking tour—just you and your local guide.

Does the guide speak English?

Your local guide speaks English fluently and can answer questions throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes a private city walking tour with an English-speaking local guide through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, entry tickets for Hoa Lo Prison, plus one traditional local drink or tasting along the route—no big groups or rushed stops here.