Hanoi: Walking Tour, Train Street & Egg Coffee Tasting

Summary

Egg coffee sips, train street thrills, and market colors in Hanoi

You’ll walk Hanoi’s tangled streets with a local guide who actually knows shortcuts and stories behind every corner. Sip egg coffee in a tiny café, squeeze onto Train Street as the train rumbles by (if you’re lucky), taste snacks at Thanh Ha Market, and end up feeling oddly at home among strangers.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be nervous about crossing the road in Hanoi — but there I was, clutching my bag like a rookie while scooters zipped past. Our guide (Minh) just grinned and told us to “walk slow, don’t stop.” It worked. That first jolt of city energy kind of set the tone for the whole walking tour: messy, loud, but somehow welcoming. We started at Ngoc Son Temple — incense smoke curling up in the sticky air — and Minh explained why turtles matter here. I barely caught half of it (my brain was still jetlagged), but he made sure we all tossed coins for luck.

We wandered through Thanh Ha Market next. The smell hit me before anything else — ripe fruit, grilled pork, something sharp I couldn’t place. A woman selling herbs waved us over; Minh bought some tiny limes and handed them out. Vietnamese limes are all skin and punchy sourness — not what I expected at all. I tried to say thank you (“cảm ơn”) and got a big laugh from her. The market’s chaos felt weirdly comforting after a few minutes; nobody cared if we stared or pointed at things.

Egg coffee was the part I’d been waiting for (I’d read about it but didn’t trust the idea). We ducked into this narrow café where fans rattled overhead and everything smelled like sweet milk and burnt sugar. The first sip surprised me — thick, creamy, almost dessert-like but still definitely coffee. Minh told us salted coffee is another thing here too; maybe next time. Then came Train Street: honestly, it’s smaller than Instagram makes it look, but when that train came through (just on weekends), everyone pressed back against the wall and you could feel your heart thumping in your chest. Someone’s laundry flapped right above my head.

By the time we reached Long Bien Bridge — rusty metal under our hands — Hanoi felt less foreign somehow. Minh pointed out Ma May Ancient House as we passed; I barely listened because I was watching kids chase each other along the sidewalk below. There were little moments like that all afternoon: someone offering us tea without asking for money, or Minh telling us what not to do so we wouldn’t look silly at dinner later (“Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in rice”). The city gets under your skin fast here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hanoi's key sights and culture

• Visit Ngoc Son Temple
• Try Egg Coffee or Salted Coffee
• Walk across Long Bien Bridge
• Explore Ma May Ancient House
• Discover hidden gems
• Visit Thanh Ha Local Market
• See Train Street during train times
• Learn about Hanoi culture and history
• Receive do’s and don’ts advice
• Get food and drink recommendations

Top questions

Is egg coffee included on this Hanoi walking tour?

Yes, you can choose between egg coffee or salted coffee during the tour.

Does this tour include visiting Train Street?

Yes, Train Street is part of the itinerary—trains run during daytime on weekends.

Are entrance fees to attractions included?

No, entrance fees such as Ngoc Son Temple (30,000 VND adults) are not included.

Is pickup included in this Hanoi walking tour?

No hotel pickup is included; it’s a fully walking tour starting in central Hanoi.

Can infants join this Hanoi walking tour?

Infants can join if they sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No full lunch is provided; however, snacks and drinks like coffee or tea are included.

How much should I tip for this free walking tour?

The amount is up to you; most people give between €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction.

What physical fitness level is required?

The tour suits all fitness levels but isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Hanoi’s old quarter with stops for either egg coffee or salted coffee along the way—plus plenty of stories from your local guide before wrapping up near Long Bien Bridge.