Hoan Kiem Lake & the Ngoc Son Temple
Hanoi’s most visited Buddhist temple sits on an island in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake, connected by a fiery red bridge that contrasts sharply with the surrounding nature. The temple is built in a classic Vietnamese style and built to honor the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao. Beyond visiting the temple and Hoan Kiem Lake, this area is thought to be a popular place to watch the locals and get a taste of Hanoian life.
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is a busy and popular public square where festivities often take place. The square – known as the Tonkin Free School Movement Square – is named for a movement that helped ignite Communism in Vietnam. From here, you will step into Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter where the rest of the walking tour will reveal shops, charming alleys and delectable eats.
Hang Gai Street & Bun Cha
Hang Gai Street (nicknamed Hemp Street) was once home to an array of hemp outlets. Today, Hang Gai Street is a busy walkway of artisan shops, galleries and silk tailors. On Hang Gai Street, you’ll find a large, old Banyan tree – native to this part of the world. According to Frommer’s, “[the Banyan tree] is like a small temple, with sticks of incense wedged between knobs of the tree and offerings of rice whiskey lining the base.” By this street you’ll also find, Bun cha hang manh – Dac Kim, a 4-star restaurant serving the classic Hanoi dish, Bun cha – a perfect meal to start your day.
Yen Thai Street
Yen Thai Street is home to a local, open air market that is hailed as a photographer’s dream. To reach the market, you can walk down the quiet alley of Tam Thuong, which will dead end at Yen Thai Street from where you can take a left to reach the market. Frommer’s recommends visiting the market in the morning for ideal photography lighting.
Lan Ong Street
After lunch, head to Lan Ong Street where an array of curious oddities can be found. Lan Ong Street is where Chinese immigrants sell traditional herbs and medicines from tiny storefronts. While this street sadly is the sort of place you will find a monkey paw for sale, it does offer a curious glimpse into traditional Chinese medicine and beliefs, therefore making it worth a visit.
Bach Ma Temple
Known as the White Horse Temple, the Bach Ma Temple sits in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and is said to be the oldest temple in the city. The temple is one of the main tourist attractions for Hanoi visitors where a red lacquered funeral palanquin and white horse statue catch the eye. The temple dates back to the 18th century with the addition of the Confucius shrine added in 1839. According to Lonely Planet, “Bach Ma Temple was originally built by Emperor Ly Thai To in the 11th century to honour a white horse that guided him to this site, where he chose to construct his city walls.”