Guided tour

Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show

4.8 / 5

57 reviews

Activity provider: Crossing Vietnam Tour
Guided tour

Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show

Activity provider: Crossing Vietnam Tour

From US$ 35 per person

Certified

If you are a little worried about eating food in the old Quarter in Hanoi, this is an absolute must. With hundreds of food vendors in this area, it's difficult to know which are good to enjoy. Your guide will help you make the right choices.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 4.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Pickup is available from hotels within the Old Quarter of Hanoi. If your hotel is located outside this area, you must make your own way to the meeting point.

Experience

Highlights
  • Sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine just like the locals do - on the street
  • Learn more about Hanoi’s unique food culture
  • Take in a spectacular night view of Hoan Kiem lake
  • Enjoy the water puppet show
Full description
The tour guide will welcome you at your hotel lobby, then start the walking tour in the old quarter '36 streets' to visit some famous and specialized food stalls and local restaurants. Watch as it is made and taste some particular dishes (The company can customize vegetarian food or something for other special requirements). The old quarter in Hanoi is over one thousand years old and today retains much of the old flavor that made the area special in earlier times. Each street was the exclusive domain of one trade (guilds) so there are whole streets of blacksmiths, silver shops, paper shops, headstone makers and more. Originally there were just 36 streets in the old quarter but today there are more than 50. Although many of the streets are short and the area is rather compact. It can be very difficult to find local food on your own in the hidden alleys or sidewalks, certainly the best way to experience street food is with a local. In this special tour learn about Vietnamese cuisine, culture, people and language. You will have a unique experience trying the foods of the local Hanoi people; the food is handled hygienically and comfortable venues are provide for the tastings. The benefit also goes back to the vendors or restaurants / families as the food is bought directly from them. Later, the guide will bring you to enjoy a Water Puppet show which is a unique variation on the ancient Asia puppet tradition and is a Vietnamese tradition dating back to the 11th century. Supported by a large rod placed under the water and manipulated by experienced puppeteers, the wooden puppets appear to be dancing over the water, telling folk tales. It’s entertaining and suitable for all audiences. At the end of your Hanoi tour you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you with directions or a taxi back to your hotel.
Includes
  • English-speaking guide,
  • 1 bottle of water, coffee or beer
  • Meals
  • Ticket for Water Puppet show
  • All other drinks
  • Extra food portions
  • Tips for local guide

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Pets

Know before you go

  • Tour duration: 4.5 hours
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 57 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

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I was lucky to have a one-to-one with my wonderful guide Gene, who took me to 5 eating places which were all terrific. Her explanation of the different foods - and quite a lot about Hanoi & Vietnam - was interesting, educational and useful. As an introduction, this tour was tailor made & I would recommend it.

February 22, 2023

Dan took us on a tour of his favourite spots around the Old Quarter, and we felt so connected to the city afterwards. The food was delicious and the portion sizes were ideal, even for a tasting menu and a group of us with a big appetite. It was all so fresh and often cooked in the most nondescript places: hidden gems you might not be able to discover by yourself. Dan did an amazing job at catering to vegetarian dietary requirements, and getting us across the hectic roads safely! He also gave us loads of recommendations for further restaurants and cafes, not just in Hanoi, but also in Hoi Ann. He was so kind and insightful and entertaining to speak to. Would 100% recommend, even if you’re only in town for a short period of time. Loved the puppet theatre too :) thanks Dan!

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February 8, 2023

This experience was amazing Our tour guide Lucy was super helpful and took us to all the best places to try some of the coolest food. Her English was superb which made it easy for us to ask questions and to understand the significance of what we were eating and about the history of Hanoi and it’s food. The puppet show at the end was a bonus and super entertaining but can’t rate Lucy and the food highly enough!! Thank you!!

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February 5, 2023

Product ID: 53166